The U.S. Secret Service dealt with several drone-related incidents without adjusting its protection policies or documenting why it didn’t, according to a government report released Thursday. That information may have helped illustrate the emerging threat of civilian drone use before one was used in the 2024 assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The report from the Government Accountability Office found delays and holes in how the Secret Service updates its policies regarding threats, and arrives after a few turbulent years for the agency charged with the president’s protection.
The would-be assassin in Butler positioned himself on a roof left unsecured, nicking the president’s ear with a bullet. Months later, a man with a rifle got surprisingly close to Trump at his West Palm Beach golf course. And in April, an armed man got beyond security barriers at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, where the president sat.
The report found that between 2015 and 2025 the Secret Service dealt with 83 security incidents and that they updated their protection policies in response to 25 of them. Among the incidents was a drone that made contact with President Barack Obama’s motorcade in 2015 and another flown about 200 feet (60 meters) over a rally for then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
Failing to document why the Secret Service decided not to change their policy is the concern, said Nathan Tranquilli, acting director of the Government Accountability Office, adding that the drone incidents were a “compelling example” of that.
“Some of the missing information has been relevant to subsequent attacks,” the report read. It cited the Butler incident, where the culprit flew a drone for 11 minutes over the crowd, which helped him position himself to get clear shot at Trump.
The Secret Service also failed to update eight of 22 protection policies within a required time frame of four years. A memorandum of understanding between the Secret Service and the Diplomatic Security Service, which designates each agencies’ responsibilities for the president’s overseas security, hasn’t been updated since 1991, even though an annual review and update is required. As a consequence, the memorandum doesn’t address newer threats, such as drones.
“When you look at the Secret Service and you look at their mission, really it’s a zero fail mission, and they’ve got a ton of challenges,” said Tranquilli. “When decisions were being made about where to put time and energy, some of these things fell to the side, and, as a result, there were some delays.”
The report recommended three fixes, including that the Secret Service revise its policy to require that, when a security incident doesn’t warrant a policy update, that the rationale is documented.
A spokesperson for the Secret Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the report stated that the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees the Secret Service, agreed with all recommendations and plans to implement changes.
Picture this… Your notes are done before you leave the building because an AI tool handled most of the charting. Two hours you used to lose, gone.
So where did those two hours go?
For a lot of doctors, the answer is that they went right back into the schedule. More patients, same pay. A report published at the end of August put that exact question in front of physicians, and the answers are all over the place.
Let’s talk about it.
Disclaimer: While these are general suggestions, it’s important to conduct thorough research and due diligence when selecting AI tools. We do not endorse or promote any specific AI tools mentioned here. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal, financial, or clinical advice. Always comply with HIPAA and institutional policies. For any decisions that impact patient care or finances, consult a qualified professional.
It’s not just the talks. Or the speakers. Or the strategies.
PIMDCON, the #1 Real Estate & Entrepreneurship Conference for Physicians, works because of what happens between the sessions.
The conversations. The clarity. The shift.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PIMDCON
Start With What the Data Actually Says
The Doximity 2026 Physician Compensation Report, released August 25 and covered by Healthcare Dive a few days later, is built on roughly 250,000 compensation surveys collected over seven years, including nearly 23,000 U.S. physicians surveyed during 2025.
NOTE: The AI questions come from somewhere else, and it’s worth knowing that up front. Doximity ran a separate survey of its membership in June 2026, completed by more than 1,400 physicians, and notes in its own methodology that the respondents are not a population-based sample. Read these numbers as a signal about where the conversation is heading, not as a census of the profession.
With that caveat in place: two-thirds of those physicians, 66%, reported using AI daily or weekly for clinical or administrative work. Use skews younger (73% of physicians in their 30s versus 52% of those in their 60s) but at two-thirds overall, this isn’t early adoption anymore. It’s just the job.
Here’s the thing. Nobody agreed on what that should mean for your paycheck.
Just over a third, 36%, said compensation for a given service should change if AI substantially reduces the time or effort it takes. But 43% said it shouldn’t change at all.
And when Doximity asked who should primarily benefit financially if AI lets physicians complete more clinical work in the same amount of time, 44% said physicians. That number climbs to 50% among primary care doctors and falls to 40% among non-surgical specialists.
That’s a split field. Which is honestly the most useful thing in the whole report, because it means the norms here haven’t been set yet.
Notice the Gap That’s Already Opening
A fifth of physicians surveyed, 20%, said they have already faced higher expectations for productivity because of AI. That number was slightly higher among women, 23%, than men, 18%.
That’s not a prediction. That’s happening right now.
So picture the math. You adopt an AI documentation tool. You get two hours back. Your employer notices the capacity and fills it with more patients. Your compensation stays exactly where it was.
You created the value. Someone else kept it.
This isn’t new, and it isn’t unique to medicine. Every industry has gone through some version of it when a new tool showed up. The gains usually get captured by whoever defined the terms first.
Medicine is at that undefined stage right now. Which means the terms are still up for grabs.
Treat AI Fluency Like a Skill That Pays
Almost a fourth of physicians, 23%, expect the growing role of AI to increase their total compensation within the next 12 months.
More telling is what they expect relative to each other. Two-thirds, 67%, said physicians who stay current with AI tools will have a meaningful earnings advantage over colleagues who don’t adopt them over the next year.
And it’s starting to show up in hiring. At least 39% of physicians said AI proficiency is a factor in hiring and promotion decisions in their specialty, though it’s worth noting that only 15% called it a major or moderate factor. The rest describe it as minor. So the advantage is real, but it’s early and it’s soft.
Think about what that means for your next contract conversation anyway. If you can show that you work faster and more accurately with AI tools, you’re bringing something different to the table than the doc who can’t. Right now that’s still an informal advantage. It probably won’t stay informal forever.
Ask the Question Before Somebody Answers It For You
Doximity closes the report by saying these questions how AI reshapes demand, how it reshapes pay, and whether AI fluency becomes a new form of professional currency are significant enough to warrant a dedicated report of their own.
Meaning: unsettled.
That kind of gap doesn’t stay empty. It gets filled by whoever shows up with a framework first.
So if you wait for your institution to publish a policy on how AI efficiency affects pay, you’re going to inherit whatever framework someone else built while you waited.
You don’t have to demand anything. The survey shows physicians don’t even agree on what fair looks like here. But you can bring it up. In a contract renewal. In a conversation about productivity targets. In a job negotiation.
Just having a position on it puts you ahead of most people in the room.
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Keep This in Perspective
Average physician compensation grew 2% from 2024 to 2025, down from 3.7% the year before. Slower growth across the board.
That backdrop makes this question bigger, not smaller. When raises are modest, who captures the value of your efficiency gains stops being a technicality.
It’s also worth holding the panic at arm’s length. Most physicians, 78%, said the growing role of AI has either increased their sense of job security or left it unchanged. And 72% said AI isn’t changing the physician’s role in their specialty at all, even as half acknowledged it’s changing how the work gets done.
But job security and fair pay for the value you’re creating are two separate questions. Only one of them has a confident answer right now.
If you’ve got a contract renewal, a new position, or a productivity conversation coming up in the next year, walk in knowing that.
So where do you land on this one? Should the doctor keep the savings, should it go to patients, or should everyone split it? We’d love to hear it. Let us know in the comments!
Download The Physician’s Starter Guide to AI – a free, easy-to-digest resource that walks you through smart ways to integrate tools like ChatGPT into your professional and personal life. Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, this guide will save you time, stress, and maybe even a little sanity.
Want more tips to sharpen your AI skills? Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and practical advice. You’ll also get access to our free AI resource page, packed with AI tools and tutorials to help you have more in life outside of medicine. Let’s make life easier, one prompt at a time. Make it happen!
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, legal, compliance, or professional advice. The information provided here is based on available public data and may not be entirely accurate or up-to-date. It’s recommended to contact the respective companies/individuals for detailed information on features, pricing, and availability.All screenshots, if any, are used under the principles of fair use for editorial, educational, or commentary purposes. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners.
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Several years ago, Ken and Sarah Barlow realized their South Carolina city did not have a self-service frozen yogurt business.
They started working with 16 Handles in early 2024 and opened their franchise location in June 2025.
In their first six months, they did $1 million in sales.
For Ken and Sarah Barlow, the idea to open a frozen yogurt franchise started during a simple family moment. Their young daughter asked if she could go somewhere to “make her own ice cream” or choose her own flavors and toppings. The couple realized that their hometown of Forest Acres, South Carolina, did not have a self-service frozen yogurt business at the time.
“That gap mattered not just to her, but to families like ours who loved that experience,” Sarah tells Entrepreneur in a new interview. “That moment planted the seed.”
The couple realized that bringing a self-service frozen yogurt shop to the area wouldn’t just fulfill a need; it would also open the doors to “something joyful” and “community-centered,” Sarah says.
“This community has always been home for us,” she adds. “We’re total foodies who love frequenting our favorite spots in Forest Acres. Supporting other local businesses is something we genuinely enjoy.”
The Barlows decided on a 16 Handles franchise in early 2024 and opened their store in June 2025. Within six months of opening, they had done $1 million in sales.
The interview below has been edited for clarity and concision.
Sarah and Ken Barlow.
Going into franchising
Walk me through the moment you decided, We’re actually going to buy this franchise. Sarah: There wasn’t really one dramatic moment where we just woke up and decided to do it. It was more a series of conversations and research that gradually gave us confidence that this was the right opportunity.
As we learned more about 16 Handles, talked with the franchise team, reviewed the numbers and learned about their vision for the future of the company, we started to feel more comfortable with the decision. We could see how the concept would fit in our market and felt like the brand had room to grow.
What assumptions did you have about franchising going in that turned out to be wrong? Ken: One assumption we had going into franchising was that because there was an established corporate structure, everything would run very smoothly all the time. We quickly learned that franchises are still operated by people, and like any business, there can be challenges and hiccups along the way. What surprised us is that being a franchise owner still requires a lot of flexibility and problem-solving. The franchise system gives you a great foundation and support, but you can’t just put things on autopilot. You still have to adapt when issues arise and work closely with the corporate team to find solutions. That’s probably been one of our biggest lessons as owners.
Growth strategies
You built a $1 million business in just six months. How did you do it? What were some of your tactics for growth? Sarah: A big part of our growth really came down to two things: location and being active in the community from day one. We were very intentional about securing what we felt was the best possible location for our store in a highly trafficked shopping center in a densely populated part of town. That visibility and steady flow of foot traffic made a huge difference early on. It put us in front of people constantly, which helped us build awareness quickly and consistently bring in new guests.
The second major factor has been how deeply we’ve tried to plug into the community. Since opening, we’ve hosted over 70 fundraising events for local nonprofit organizations, and we’ve also made it a priority to support local sports teams, schools and dance companies directly. Those relationships have been incredibly meaningful, but they’ve also helped drive real, repeat traffic into the store. For us, growth hasn’t been about one single tactic — it’s been about being in the right place and making sure we’re showing up for the community in a real, consistent way.
Ken: Community partnerships and local events have been a huge part of our business. I wouldn’t say they’re just “nice to have” — they’ve had a real impact on our revenue and, just as importantly, on building a loyal customer base.
Sarah and Ken Barlow
Advice for potential franchisees
What action steps did you take when you decided you wanted to explore franchising? What do you recommend for people who don’t know where to start? Ken: Once we decided we were serious about exploring franchising, the first thing we did was get our financial situation in order. We looked at what we could realistically invest, talked with lenders and made sure we fully understood the total cost — not just the initial franchise fee, but build-out, working capital and everything that comes with opening a location.
From there, we spent a lot of time researching different franchise brands and really trying to understand the systems behind them. We asked a lot of questions, talked to existing franchisees and tried to get a realistic picture of what day-to-day operations would actually look like.
We also went into it knowing it wasn’t going to be a quick process. Between discovery calls, approvals, site selection, leases, construction and training, it takes time. Probably longer than most people expect at the beginning. For anyone just starting out, our biggest recommendation would be to get financially prepared early and be patient with the process. Don’t rush into it. Take the time to really understand the brand you’re considering, talk to as many people as you can and be ready for a learning curve. Franchising can be a great path, but it’s not an overnight decision; it’s a commitment that takes planning and persistence.
Advice for their past selves
If you could talk to yourselves the week before signing the franchise agreement, what would you say? Sarah: I think we’d tell ourselves two things: First, trust your instincts, and second, be patient. There are so many unknowns before you sign a franchise agreement, and it’s easy to second-guess yourself or wonder if you’re making the right decision. Looking back, all of the research, questions and due diligence we did gave us a solid foundation, and we’d remind ourselves to trust the work we had already put in.
We’d also tell ourselves that everything is going to take longer than expected. From site selection and construction to permitting and opening day, almost every step of the process takes more time than you think it will. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; it’s just part of building a business.
Most importantly, we’d tell ourselves that the long hours and challenges will be worth it. Seeing the store become a part of the community, supporting local organizations and watching customers make 16 Handles part of their routines has been incredibly rewarding. The journey won’t always be easy, but it’s one we’ll be glad we took.
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Check your American Express credit cards for a new Amex Offer that can save you 10% at Dollar General. You can find this offer in your Amex consumer and business credit cards. Check out the full details of the offer below.
Offer Details
With this Amex Offer you get 10% back as a one-time statement credit after using your enrolled eligible Card to make a single purchase in-store at Dollar General or online at dollargeneral.com by 9/30/2026. Limit of 1 statement credit, up to a total of $5.
Offer and availability may vary by cardholder. Just login to your American Express account(s) to see if you are eligible to add this offer to your card(s).
Important Terms
Offer valid in-store at participating locations in the US and online at US website dollargeneral.com only.
Excludes outlet locations.
Not valid for online orders shipped outside of the US. Purchases must be made in USD, and offer is only valid on purchases made directly with the merchant.
Offer not valid on purchases made using third parties, such as resellers, delivery services, or other intermediaries.
About Amex Offers
Amex Offers are an extra perk on all American Express credit cards, charge cards, and even prepaid cards. You can see these offers in your accounts either as a statement credit or extra Membership Rewards points for spending a certain amount at eligible merchants. You will need to add the offer to a specific card first, and then use that card to get the credit. Here are a few things you should know:
Guru’s Wrap-up
This is a decent offer that seems to be widely available for most cardholders. Check your accounts and add it now if you think you might use it. Capped at $5 cash back, so you can maximize it with as $50 purchase.
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Nasabi mo na ba sa sarili mo, “Kapag umabot na ng ₱100,000 ang pera ko, saka ako mag-i-invest?”
Kung oo, hindi ka nag-iisa.
Maraming Pilipino ang naghihintay munang lumaki ang ipon bago magsimula. Pero dito madalas nagkakamali.
Hindi ka yayaman dahil naghihintay kang magkaroon ng malaking pera.
Unti-unti kang yayaman dahil natuto kang mag-invest kahit maliit pa lang ang puhunan.
Sa episode na ito, ipapaliwanag ni Chinkee Tan kung ano ang puwedeng gawin sa ₱5,000, bakit hindi mo dapat maliitin ang maliit na halaga, at bakit ang pinakamalaking nawawala sa kakahintay ay hindi lang interest o returns—kundi oras.
Oras para matuto.
Oras para mag-practice.
Oras para magkaroon ng confidence.
Oras para magsimula.
Kung may extra ₱5,000 ka ngayon, ano ang pinakamagandang gawin?
✅ Mag-build ng emergency fund kung wala ka pa.
✅ Mag-invest sa sarili sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng bagong skills.
✅ Pumili ng isang investment vehicle at simulang aralin ito.
Tandaan: Ang goal mo sa umpisa ay hindi agad kumita. Ang goal mo ay matuto.
Learn before you earn.
Hindi mo kailangang maging mayaman para magsimulang mag-invest. Kailangan mong magsimulang mag-invest para magkaroon ng mas maraming choices, freedom, at mas magandang financial future.
🔔 Subscribe at i-click ang bell para hindi mo ma-miss ang susunod na video: @chinkpositive
🎯 PARA KANINO ANG VIDEO?
✅ May extra ₱5,000 pero hindi alam kung saan ilalagay
✅ Hinihintay pa ang ₱100,000 bago mag-invest
✅ Beginner sa investing
✅ Takot magsimula dahil maliit pa ang puhunan
✅ Walang emergency fund
✅ Gustong matutong mag-invest sa sarili at sa future
💡 MGA MATUTUNAN MO
Bakit hindi mo dapat hintayin ang ₱100,000 bago magsimula
Expense ba o investment?
Bakit confidence ang unang lumalago
Oras ang pinakamahalagang asset
Bakit action ang susi sa financial growth
Emergency fund bago investment
Invest in yourself first
One investment vehicle muna
Learn before you earn
Investing is about freedom, not just money
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – May Extra ₱5,000 Ka, Ano Ang Gagawin Mo?
00:15 – Huwag Hintayin Ang ₱100,000 Bago Mag-Invest
00:40 – Expense Ba O Investment?
01:07 – Confidence Ang Unang Lumalaki
01:37 – Oras Ang Pinakamalaking Nawawala
01:59 – Experience To Learn
02:21 – Investing Is Like Learning To Drive
02:34 – Bakit Maraming Nanonood Pero Hindi Kumikilos
02:57 – Ikaw Ang Pinakamalaking Asset Mo
03:27 – Step 1: Emergency Fund Muna
03:57 – Step 2: Invest In Yourself
04:15 – Step 3: Pick One Investment Vehicle
04:40 – Focus One At A Time
04:51 – Simple ₱5,000 Allocation
05:21 – Hindi Mo Kailangan Malaki Para Magsimula
05:50 – Ano Ang Tunay Na Investor?
06:18 – Investing Is About Choices And Freedom
06:43 – One Year From Now
07:08 – Why Do You Want To Invest?
07:33 – Free Retirement Assessment
07:59 – Start Investing Before You Become Rich
📚 Resources & Links
📚 Mga libro ni Chinkee Tan:
📺 Online Courses:
📲 Follow Chinkee Tan
TikTok: @chinkeetan
Instagram: @chinkeetan
Facebook: @chinkeetan
Sa episode na ito, ipapaliwanag ni Chinkee Tan kung paano magsimulang mag-invest kahit ₱5,000 lang ang extra mong pera. Pag-uusapan ang emergency fund, investing in yourself, beginner investing, financial discipline, money mindset, at pagpili ng tamang investment vehicle.
Kung naghahanap ka ng paano mag-invest with ₱5,000, beginner investing Philippines, emergency fund, invest in yourself, money mindset, retirement planning, financial freedom, o investing for beginners, para sa’yo ang video na ito.
Tandaan: Hindi mo kailangang maging mayaman para magsimulang mag-invest. Kailangan mong magsimula ngayon para magkaroon ng mas maraming choices at mas magandang financial future.
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is the key metric that colleges use to calculate your financial need as a relates to providing financial aid packages.
The Student Aid Index (SAI) replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) when calculating financial aid needs for families paying for college. This is the key formula that can help unlock scholarships, grants, federal student loans and other financial aid.
Both are calculated through formulas with information derived from the FAFSA form. The big reason behind the change is to create a better reflection on the true cost of colleges.
The formula is simple: cost of attendance (COA) minus Student Aid Index (SAI) and other financial assistance equals eligibility for need-based financial aid. But it’s never simple…
In the past, many families have interpreted the EFC as the total cost that they will be expected to pay. However, many face higher costs because colleges don’t meet the full need of students or include loans as a part of the financial aid package.
The new term, Student Aid Index, can’t erase the feelings that parents face when confronted with the costs of higher education. But it may allow parents and students paying for college to approach the financial challenge with fewer perceived expectations. With a more general term, parents may not feel solely responsible for funding their child’s higher education.
Table of Contents
Student Aid Index Chart (Formerly EFC Chart)
Student Aid Index Calculator
What Is The Student Aid Index?
Pell Grant Eligibility Formula
Key SAI Observations
Common SAI Questions
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Student Aid Index Chart (Formerly EFC Chart)
For the majority of families thinking about how to pay for college for the first time, the SAI Chart is probably going to be pretty shocking. Remember, a “good SAI” is lower – the lower the score, the higher the potential for need-based financial aid.
Keep in mind this SAI Chart (EFC Chart) is only an estimate, and at some point you’re going to want to put in your real data. See the SAI calculator below the chart to enter your data.
When you check out the SAI Chart below, keep in mind that these figures are estimates and may change. Furthermore, assets are assumed to be zero, and student income is assumed to be zero.
Negative SAI are left at zero since zero and below are treated equally.
You can find your family adjusted gross income (AGI) on the left, see how many dependent children you have, and you can see your Student Aid Index in the chart. The higher the SAI number, the less student aid you’ll be eligible for.
How To Read The Chart:
The chart is simply an estimate for whether or not you’ll receive financial aid based on your SAI number. Your AGI and number of dependents give an estimated SAI based on $0 assets. If you have assets, you’ll have a higher SAI. Then use the color codes below to get a sense of your aid eligibility:
Green: Eligible for need-based aid at Public 2-Year, Public 4-Year, Private 4-Year, Elite Colleges
Yellow: Eligible for need-based aid at Public 4-Year, Private 4-Year, Elite Colleges
Orange: Eligible for need-based aid at Private 4-Year, Elite Colleges
Red: Eligible for need-based aid at Elite Colleges
Purple: No Need-Based Aid Eligibility
More SAI Chart Details
Here is an HTML version of the SAI Chart:
2027 – 2028 SAI Chart
AGI
1 Dependent
2 Dependents
3 Dependents
4 Dependents
$30,000
$0
$0
$0
$0
$32,500
$0
$0
$0
$0
$35,000
$195
$0
$0
$0
$37,500
$648
$0
$0
$0
$40,000
$1,101
$0
$0
$0
$42,500
$1,545
$0
$0
$0
$45,000
$1,987
$355
$0
$0
$47,500
$2,429
$797
$0
$0
$50,000
$2,871
$1,239
$0
$0
$52,500
$3,313
$1,681
$0
$0
$55,000
$3,755
$2,122
$171
$0
$57,500
$4,197
$2,564
$613
$0
$60,000
$4,639
$3,006
$1,055
$0
$62,500
$5,095
$3,448
$1,497
$0
$65,000
$5,598
$3,890
$1,939
$95
$67,500
$6,100
$4,332
$2,381
$537
$70,000
$6,635
$4,774
$2,823
$979
$72,500
$7,217
$5,249
$3,625
$1,421
$75,000
$7,800
$5,751
$3,706
$1,863
$80,000
$9,123
$6,813
$4,590
$2,747
$85,000
$10,565
$7,978
$5,543
$3,631
$90,000
$12,111
$9,280
$6,527
$4,481
$95,000
$13,725
$10,550
$7,547
$5,293
$100,000
$15,378
$11,957
$8,656
$6,173
$105,000
$17,031
$13,544
$9,852
$7,157
$110,000
$18,685
$15,197
$11,223
$8,199
$115,000
$20,338
$16,850
$12,681
$9,395
$120,000
$21,991
$18,504
$14,335
$10,685
$125,000
$23,644
$20,157
$15,988
$12,092
$130,000
$25,269
$21,782
$17,613
$13,674
$135,000
$26,875
$23,388
$19,219
$15,280
$140,000
$28,481
$24,944
$20,825
$16,887
$145,000
$30,088
$26,600
$22,431
$18,493
$150,000
$31,694
$28,206
$24,038
$20,099
$155,000
$33,300
$29,813
$25,644
$21,705
$160,000
$34,906
$31,419
$27,250
$23,311
$165,000
$36,513
$33,025
$28,856
$24,918
$170,000
$38,119
$34,631
$30,462
$26,524
$175,000
$39,725
$36,238
$32,069
$28,130
$180,000
$41,445
$37,957
$33,789
$29,850
$185,000
$43,197
$39,709
$35,541
$31,602
$190,000
$44,949
$41,461
$37,292
$33,354
$195,000
$46,701
$43,213
$39,044
$35,106
$200,000
$48,453
$44,965
$40,796
$36,858
$205,000
$50,183
$46,696
$42,527
$38,588
$210,000
$51,914
$48,427
$44,258
$40,319
$215,000
$53,645
$51,888
$45,989
$42,050
$220,000
$55,376
$51,898
$47,719
$43,781
$225,000
$56,953
$53,466
$49,297
$45,358
$230,000
$58,496
$55,009
$50,840
$46,901
$235,000
$60,039
$56,551
$52,382
$48,444
$240,000
$61,582
$58,094
$53,925
$49,987
$245,000
$63,124
$59,637
$55,468
$51,529
$250,000
$64,667
$61,180
$57,011
$53,072
$275,000
$72,369
$68,811
$64,712
$60,774
$300,000
$79,730
$76,243
$72,074
$68,135
Source: The College Investor
Student Aid Index Calculator
Now that you know some of the basics, check out this SAI Calculator to see how your personal situation compares. This SAI Calculator has been updated for the 2027 – 2028 FAFSA.
MyCollegeCorner has a great SAI Calculator that can provide a pretty accurate result in about 8 minutes of data entry. Check it out here:
What Is The Student Aid Index?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is simply a number that represents the “financial need” you have to afford college. The lower the number, the more need you have (e.g. you cannot afford to pay much towards college).
Due to the confusing nature of the EFC, lawmakers have decided to make a change. However, the reality is that the change is mostly in name.
The basics of the formula that calculator the resulting number will remain the same. However, the FAFSA Simplification Act has brought a few updates to the formula that will change the way colleges calculate a student’s financial needs.
So, what’s new?
Streamlined FAFSA Form
A major change is a more streamlined FAFSA form. Instead of answering over 100 questions, the FAFSA is only a few dozen questions. This should save students and parents time when applying for financial aid.
Cost Of Attendance Changes
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is another important number when sorting through college costs. Here are some of the changes including in the new law:
A student will not need to be attending school on at least a part-time basis to allow for a personal computer’s rental or purchase. The student can be enrolled at any time commitment for this allowance.
Transportation allowances between home, school, and work are allowed. A college financial aid administrator will set the actual transportation allowance.
A student will need to be enrolled at least half-time to receive an allowance for personal expenses.
Room and board allowances must be split into separate allowances for housing and meals. Meal allowances must be based on three meals per day.
Housing allowances for students living in college-owned or operated housing will be based on the greater of the average or median housing costs.
Housing allowances cannot be set to zero for students living with their parents at home.
An allowance for private student loan fees is no longer applicable.
An allowance for loan fees on federal loans for students and parents will be mandatory, instead of at the discretion of a college.
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Multiple Students Will Be Treated Differently
In the past, families with multiple students attending college at the same time on at least a part-time basis received special treatment. The parent assessment was divided by the number of family members in college.
Also, independent students had their family contribution divided by the number of students attending college on a half-time basis.
The SAI will not be divided based on the number of students in college within a family. With that, middle and high-income families may miss out on previous opportunities to save.
New Pell Grant Eligibility
Eligibility for Pell Grants will be based on a multiple of the poverty line. Households may qualify with incomes between zero and 175% to 400% of the poverty line. Additionally, incarcerated students will be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Negative SAI Will Be Possible
If the student is eligible for the maximum federal Pell Grant, the Student Aid Index will be set to 0. But the financial aid formula can allow for an SAI to be below zero, as low as -$1,500. This can help colleges more accurately determine a student’s financial needs.
Related: What Does A Negative SAI Mean
Other Changes
The really big change, not shown in this chart, is the elimination of the sibling loophole.
Previously, the number of dependents in college had two impacts. It divided the parent contribution and it reduced the income protection allowance. Eliminating the former causes a decrease in financial need. Eliminating the latter causes a slight increase in financial need. The impact of the former is greater as income increases, so it mostly leads to less aid for middle and high income families with multiple children in college at the same time.
Another change that is overlooked is the elimination of the state and local tax allowance. In high tax states, this will cause a big decrease in financial need, to the tune of thousands of dollars difference in financial aid, especially for middle and high-income families.
Pell Grant Eligibility Formula
Also, the secondary Pell Grant eligibility formula (minimum Pell Grant at 225% of the poverty line, maximum Pell Grant at 175% of the poverty line) is not shown in this chart.
Here are the thresholds so that you can compare them to the SAI Chart above (the 2027 – 2028 FAFSA/SAI will use the 2025 Poverty Line).
Family Size
2025 Poverty Line
175% Poverty Line
225% Poverty Line
1
$15,650
$27,388
$35,213
2
$21,150
$37,013
$47,588
3
$26,650
$46,638
$59,963
4
$32,150
$56,263
$72,338
5
$37,650
$65,888
$84,713
6
$43,150
$75,513
$97,088
Key SAI Observations
There are a few changes that we can see from looking at the SAI Chart.
The SAI figures are lower than the 2026–27 chart at nearly every income level. The income protection allowance rose about 3.8%, the assessment brackets moved up, and the 2025 tax year carries a larger standard deduction, so more income is shielded before the formula assesses it.
Each additional child reduces SAI by roughly $3,500 to $4,200 at incomes above about $125,000. At $150,000 AGI, one dependent gives an SAI of $31,694; two dependents drops it to $28,206, a decrease of $3,488.
Each additional $10,000 in parent income raises SAI by about $3,200 to $3,500 between $100,000 and $220,000. Below $100,000 the increase runs from about $1,800 to about $3,300 per $10,000 as the assessment rate climbs from 22% to 47%.
The income threshold for a $0 SAI increases with family size. A family with one dependent has a $0 SAI up to roughly $34,000 of AGI. A family with four dependents has a $0 SAI up to roughly $64,000.
The impact of additional income on SAI is greater at higher income levels. For a family with two dependents, a $10,000 increase from $60,000 to $70,000 raises the SAI by $1,768 (from $3,006 to $4,774). The same $10,000 increase from $90,000 to $100,000 raises the SAI by $2,677 (from $9,280 to $11,957).
At an AGI of $120,000, the SAI for a family with one dependent is $21,991. For a family with two dependents, it is $18,504, a decrease of $3,487.
Pell Grant thresholds are higher for 2027–28. A family of four hits the 175% poverty line at $56,262.50 and the 225% line at $72,337.50, up from $54,600 and $70,200 for 2026–27.
At very high incomes, SAI rises at roughly 29% to 31% of additional income once the 32% and 35% federal brackets and the Social Security wage base come into play. For a family with two dependents, going from $275,000 to $300,000 raises SAI by $7,362 (from $68,881 to $76,243), about 29.4% of the added income.
Common SAI Questions
What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a measure of your financial need when it comes to college financial aid. The lower the number, the more financial need you have. It also directly impacts your eligibility for a Pell Grant.
Can My SAI Be Negative?
Yes, a negative SAI demonstrates the highest financial need. The lowest SAI score is -$1,500. However, all values $0 to -$1,500 are treated equally.
Does SAI Replace EFC Completely?
Yes, the SAI completely replaced the EFC score in 2024.
The departure of Steve Jobs from Apple(AAPL +1.00%) was not a happy event. The innovative founder, who himself had returned to the company after being ousted by the board, had a terminal illness. Tim Cook was taking over in a very difficult situation and didn’t have much help during his transition. That’s not what is happening this time around, as Cook hands the CEO job over to John Ternus. That’s positive news for worried investors.
What did Cook do for investors?
When Tim Cook took over Apple in 2011, it had a market cap of around $350 billion. That’s a very big company, but its market cap is $4.7 trillion today. Very clearly, investors benefited greatly under Cook’s tenure. It seems reasonable for investors to wonder if John Ternus can keep Apple’s successful run going.
Image source: Apple
The honest truth is that there’s no way to know how he will handle the CEO role at this industry-leading technology giant. But this CEO transition is very different from the last one, which should reduce the risk of failure. Most notably, Cook will stick around as executive chairman. That means he will be available to Ternus if the new CEO needs some guidance. This should make for a smooth transition.
Also important is that Ternus is a 25-year Apple veteran whose most recent role was overseeing the company’s hardware engineering business. He joined the company’s product design team in 2001. Essentially, he’s steeped in what is likely the most important aspect of Apple, making products that customers love. It is probably reasonable to give him the benefit of the doubt that he can, indeed, keep Apple focused on what sets it apart from the competition.
Today’s Change
(1.00%) $3.25
Current Price
$328.21
Key Data Points
Market Cap
$4.7TMarket cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Does not include unlisted, private, or dual-class non-traded shares. Implied market cap may vary.
Day’s Range
$324.11 – $330.81
52wk Range
$225.95 – $344.57
Volume
37.2M
Avg Vol
54.6M
Gross Margin
48.65%
Dividend Yield
0.33%
A difficult time to take over the top job at Apple
That said, there are many moving parts in the technology sector right now. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) is a new technology that is expected to materially change the world, let alone the tech sector. Apple has yet to stake out a material position in the AI space, focusing mostly on integrating the tech into its product offerings rather than investing heavily in AI infrastructure. Ternus will have to deal with the impact of this disruptive technology.
That, notably, includes the impact of AI spending on the tech sector’s cost structure. Apple has already hiked prices, and Ternus will likely be responsible for initiating further price increases at a time when consumers are stretched. Given the business’s consumer focus, the new CEO clearly faces headwinds. However, given Cook’s continued availability and Ternus’ long tenure at Apple in key roles, investors probably shouldn’t count him out just yet.
A warning from workplace experts suggests early-morning boasts do more than irritate employees—they fuel burnout and set dangerous cultural expectations.
Square is offering some customers 10% cash back on all purchases (up to $10,000 in spend or $1,000 back) when they sign up for a Square business credit card
Our Verdict
Card is issued by Celtic Bank but runs on American Express payment network. We saw a 10% back deal for existing cardholders with a much smaller cap back in 2020. This new deal looks good if you are targeted.
![[Targeted] Square Business Credit Card 10% Sign Up Bonus ($10k Spend/$1k Back)](https://globalinvestmentstrategy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/square-business-1024x461-768x346.jpg "[Targeted] Square Business Credit Card 10% Sign Up Bonus ($10k Spend/$1k Back)")