Blogs

A major federal student loan change is underway and will affect millions of borrowers nationwide — including a significant number of borrowers in Alabama and Mississippi.

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Jonathan Hull, an Associate Attorney in our Opelika office who exemplifies dedication, reliability, and teamwork.

As we enter 2026, many families across Alabama and Mississippi are feeling financial pressure from multiple directions at once. Post-holiday expenses, rising everyday costs, and student loan obligations coming due have left many households wondering how everything will fit into their budget.

The beginning of a new year causes a lot of people to stop and take stock. We think about health, family, work, and—often quietly—money. For many Alabama and Mississippi families, financial stress is not new. It has simply followed them from one year into the next.

Across Alabama and Mississippi, we are seeing a troubling trend: more families are working full-time, doing what they are supposed to do, and still falling behind financially.

As the year wraps up, many families across Alabama and Mississippi are feeling stretched—emotionally, mentally, and financially. Between higher grocery costs, holiday obligations, inflation, and the return of student loan payments, it’s easy for even the most responsible households to feel like they’re falling behind.

Every Bond & Botes office has someone who keeps the wheels turning, the clients supported, and the entire team grounded. In Florence, that person is Tanya — affectionately known as “5-Star Tanya.”

A recent WalletHub study ranked both Alabama and Mississippi among the most financially distressed states in the country. For many families here, that headline hits close to home. Prices are up, interest rates are up, and a lot of people are trying to make ends meet while juggling credit-card bills, car payments, and medical debt.

As Thanksgiving draws near, all of us at the Bond & Botes Law Offices find ourselves reflecting on the many people who make our work meaningful. This season naturally brings a sense of gratitude, and we want to pause and acknowledge the individuals who support, trust, and inspire us every day.

At Bond & Botes Law Offices, we understand how financial stress can creep into what should be a joyful season. That’s why our team put together a short video—“3 Smart Money Moves Before the Holidays Hit”—to help you stay grounded, grateful, and financially confident this year.