L. Leonard

L. Leonard researches and writes Obviously Oblivious's coverage of US benefits, tax credits, and everyday money rules. Every figure published here — income limits, premiums, deadlines, credit amounts — is checked against the agency that sets it (SSA.gov, IRS.gov, Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, StudentAid.gov) before it goes live, and articles are updated when the underlying rules change rather than left to go stale. Drafting is AI-assisted and every article is verified against primary sources before publication; the full process is documented in our Editorial Policy. Corrections and topic requests: contact@obviouslyoblivious.com

401(k) Hardship Withdrawal vs 401(k) Loan: Which Costs You Less

October 21, 2026 by L. Leonard

401(k) loan vs hardship withdrawal: compare taxes, penalties, and long-term costs to see which option truly costs you less in retirement savings.

FAFSA Income Limits: Do You Make Too Much to Qualify for Financial Aid?

October 20, 2026 by L. Leonard

No income cutoff bars you from FAFSA. Learn how your Student Aid Index works, who qualifies for aid, and how to maximize eligibility at any income.

Child Tax Credit for Noncustodial Parents: Who Can Legally Claim the Child

October 20, 2026 by L. Leonard

The Short Answer Yes, a noncustodial parent can claim the Child Tax Credit — but only if the custodial parent signs away that right using IRS Form 8332, or an equivalent written statement, and the noncustodial parent attaches it to their tax return. A divorce decree or custody agreement alone does not do this for … Read more

Earned Income Tax Credit for Workers Without Qualifying Children: Rules and Amounts

October 19, 2026 by L. Leonard

Earn under the limit with no kids? You may still qualify for up to $664 from the EITC in 2026. See the age rules and income limits that apply.

FHA Loan vs Conventional Loan: Which Down Payment Option Saves More

October 19, 2026 by L. Leonard

FHA loan vs conventional loan: compare down payments, credit scores, and mortgage insurance costs to find which option saves you more.

Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans vs Medicare Savings Programs: How They Work Together

October 18, 2026 by L. Leonard

D-SNPs and Medicare Savings Programs work together, not against each other. Learn how MSP eligibility connects to D-SNP enrollment and which fits your needs.

SNAP Eligibility for College Students: The Exceptions Explained

October 18, 2026 by L. Leonard

Can college students get SNAP benefits? Learn the key exceptions that let eligible students qualify for food assistance despite federal restrictions.

DIC vs VA Survivors Pension: Which Survivor Benefit Should You Claim

October 17, 2026 by L. Leonard

DIC vs VA Survivors Pension: learn which survivor benefit fits your situation, how eligibility works, and which pays more for your family.

72(t) SEPP Withdrawals: How to Access Retirement Funds Early Without Penalty

October 17, 2026 by L. Leonard

Learn how 72(t) SEPP withdrawals let you tap retirement funds before 59½ penalty-free—plus the strict rules and risks you must know first.

Short-Term Disability Insurance vs SSDI: Which Pays More and When

October 16, 2026 by L. Leonard

Short-term disability insurance vs SSDI: compare payout speed, benefit amounts, and eligibility to know which pays more and when to apply.