What are measles?

Measles in the United States: Understanding the comeback of a preventable disease

Recently, measles has started to make a big comeback in the United States, with the latest noteworthy outbreak taking place in the state of South Carolina. What are measles? What are its typical symptoms? How is it spread? What sorts of cautions can be taken to be proactive?

Measles, once considered eliminated from the United States in 2000, is making an alarming return. Recent outbreaks, including a notable one in South Carolina, have reignited public health concerns over a disease that had largely faded from the national conversation. But what exactly is measles, and why is it resurging now?

What are measles?

Measles is a highly-contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus, a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. It spreads rapidly and can lead to serious health complications, especially in young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. While many may think of it as a childhood illness, measles is neither benign nor trivial.

Before widespread vaccination, measles infected nearly every child and caused hundreds of deaths annually in the U.S. alone. Thanks to the introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine in 1971 here in the United States, cases dropped sharply - until recently.

Symptoms and progression

Measles begins like a bad cold, which can make it difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Typical symptoms include:

• High fever, often over 104°F
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Koplik spots, tiny white dots inside the mouth that are unique to measles
• A full-body rash, which appears 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin, starting on the face and spreading downward

Most people recover in about two to three weeks, but measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, hearing loss, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. For every 1,000 children who get measles, about one to three will die from it.

How measles spreads

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to medicine. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can live in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. A person can catch measles simply by entering a room where an infected person has recently been. In fact, up to 90% of people exposed to measles will become infected if they are not immune.

People are contagious from about four days before the rash appears to four days after. This wide, roughly eight-day, window for transmission, combined with the ease of airborne spread, makes outbreaks very difficult to contain once they begin.

Why the comeback?

The resurgence of measles in places like South Carolina reflects a larger, troubling trend: declining vaccination rates. The MMR vaccine, first introduced here in the United States in 1971, is safe, and it provides lifelong immunity after two doses. Yet misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, and complacency have led some parents to skip or delay vaccinations.

Measles thrives in these gaps. When vaccination rates fall below the threshold for “herd immunity” (about 95%), the virus can spread more easily, especially in communities where clusters of unvaccinated individuals live or attend school together.

Global travel also plays a role. Though measles may be rare in the United States, it remains common in parts of Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe. Travelers who bring the virus back can unknowingly spark outbreaks in under-vaccinated communities.

Prevention and proactive measures

The most effective way to prevent measles is simple: vaccination. The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine - one at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years. Adults who are unsure of their immunity or who never received the vaccine should consult their healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

Other proactive measures include:

• Immediate isolation of suspected cases to prevent spread.
• Prompt public health response to trace contacts and contain outbreaks.
• Education and outreach to combat misinformation and encourage immunization.

Final thoughts

Measles should not be making a comeback - not when we have the tools, strategies, and education to either limit its spread or even prevent it outright. Yet its return is a stark reminder of how fragile public health victories can be. The disease is not just a threat to individuals; it’s a litmus test for the strength of our healthcare systems, our trust in the scientific method, and our commitment to protecting our fellow citizens.

The lesson is clear: vigilance matters. And in the case of measles, the cost of complacency can be dangerously high.

MMR vaccine measles mumps rubella

The MMR vaccine: Origins, safety, and public health impact

The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is one of the most effective and widely administered vaccines in modern medicine. It plays a critical role in preventing three once-common viral infections that can cause serious complications, especially in children. Introduced in the late 20th century, the MMR vaccine has a long-standing track record of safety and efficacy. It is administered in two doses during early childhood, providing strong and lasting immunity to millions worldwide.

Origins and development

The MMR vaccine was first introduced in the United States in 1971. It was developed by Dr. Maurice Hilleman, a pioneering microbiologist and vaccinologist working at Merck & Co. Hilleman’s contributions to vaccine science are unmatched - he developed over 40 vaccines during his career, including eight of the 14 routinely recommended in the U.S. today.

Each component of the MMR vaccine - measles, mumps, and rubella - had been previously developed as separate vaccines in the 1960s. Hilleman and his team were responsible for combining them into a single injection. Notably, the rubella component used in the MMR is based on a strain called RA 27/3, which was developed using cells from a human fetus legally aborted in 1964. This has occasionally fueled ethical debates, but the medical consensus affirms the vaccine’s importance and legitimacy.

Safety record

The MMR vaccine has been used for over 50 years and is one of the most extensively studied vaccines in history. It has a strong safety profile. The most common side effects are mild and include fever, rash, and soreness at the injection site. Serious side effects are rare.

One of the most persistent myths about the MMR vaccine is its alleged link to autism, based on a now-discredited 1998 study by Andrew Wakefield. This study was later retracted, and Wakefield lost his medical license due to ethical violations and scientific fraud. Since then, dozens of large, peer-reviewed studies involving millions of children have found no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Health authorities around the world - including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and American Academy of Pediatrics - strongly endorse the MMR vaccine’s safety and recommend it as a core component of childhood immunization regimens.

Dosage and schedule

The MMR vaccine is given in two doses:

1. First dose: Typically administered at 12 to 15 months of age.
2. Second dose: Given at 4 to 6 years of age, usually before a child enters kindergarten.

This two-dose schedule ensures long-lasting immunity. In certain outbreak situations or before international travel, infants as young as six months may receive an early dose, though this does not replace the standard two-dose regimen.

Adults who have not been vaccinated or are unsure of their vaccination status may also be advised to get the MMR vaccine, particularly if they belong to high-risk groups such as healthcare workers or international travelers.

Global impact

The MMR vaccine has dramatically reduced the incidence of its target diseases:

• Measles cases in the U.S. fell by over 99% after the vaccine's introduction.
• Mumps outbreaks have become less frequent and less severe, though occasional spikes still occur, especially in close-contact settings.
• Rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) have been nearly eliminated in many countries thanks to vaccination efforts.

Globally, however, vaccine hesitancy and access disparities mean that measles and rubella outbreaks still occur, especially in low-income regions. The WHO estimates that measles vaccination alone prevented over 23 million deaths between 2000 and 2018.

Conclusion

The MMR vaccine is a cornerstone of modern public health. First introduced in 1971 by Dr. Maurice Hilleman, it has proven to be safe, effective, and crucial in preventing three potentially devastating diseases. Administered in two doses during early childhood, the vaccine protects not only the individual, but also the wider community by contributing to herd immunity. Despite misinformation campaigns, the scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the vaccine's use. Continued education, access, and trust in the scientific method are key to ensuring its benefits are realized globally.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis: A disease of lungs, lives, and societies

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of humanity’s oldest and deadliest diseases. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it typically attacks the lungs but can affect any part of the body. The science of TB is well-documented: it's airborne, it's persistent, and it's curable. But the full story of TB is more than just infection and treatment. It's a story of stigma, poverty, social collapse, and resilience. TB has shaped medical practice, inspired literature, and left scars on families and communities across centuries.

The medical battle: Then and now

In its early known history, TB was called consumption, a name that captured the way it seemed to eat people alive. The 18th and 19th centuries saw TB become the leading cause of death in many cities, especially during the Industrial Revolution. Crowded housing, poor ventilation, and limited access to healthcare made ideal conditions for the disease to spread. Before antibiotics, treatment options were grim: rest, fresh air, and good nutrition were all doctors could offer. Sanatoriums - remote medical facilities that isolated patients - were often the only option. They were both places of healing and exile, removing the sick from society in a bid to contain the disease.

The discovery of streptomycin in 1943 was the turning point. This antibiotic was the first to effectively kill Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Since then, a combination of drugs - usually isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol - has formed the backbone of modern TB treatment. But the path to cure isn't easy. Treatment lasts at least six months and must be taken exactly as prescribed. If interrupted, the disease can return in drug-resistant forms, which are far more difficult and expensive to treat.

The human cost: Families and stigma

TB doesn't just weaken bodies. It breaks families. Sadly, in many cultures, TB has long been tied to shame. Before it was understood as a bacterial infection, it was seen as a mark of weakness, sin, or even heredity. Marriages were called off. Patients were shunned. Children were taken from mothers. Employers fired workers. TB was a social death sentence as much as a physical one.

Even today, in low-income countries where TB is still common, stigma persists. A diagnosis can mean losing your job, your spouse, or your place in your community. People hide their symptoms, delay testing, and avoid treatment - all of which make outbreaks worse. For families, especially those already living on the edge of poverty, a TB diagnosis can be devastating. The primary wage earner may be sidelined for months. Hospital visits drain savings. The entire household can become infected, and kids often drop out of school to care for sick parents.

The global picture: Uneven burdens

While TB rates have declined sharply in high-income countries, the disease hasn’t gone away. In fact, TB remains one of the top infectious killers in the world, claiming over a million lives each year. The vast majority of cases occur in developing nations, where access to healthcare is limited and living conditions fuel the disease. TB is also the leading cause of death among people with HIV, as the immune suppression caused by the virus makes it easier for TB to take hold.

Drug-resistant TB is an escalating crisis. Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) have emerged due to poor treatment adherence and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. These forms can take years to cure and cost tens of thousands of dollars per patient. In some cases, the drugs are so toxic that the treatment itself is nearly as brutal as the disease.

The social web of Tuberculosis

TB thrives where systems fail - where housing is overcrowded, nutrition is poor, healthcare is hard to reach, and education is lacking. So fighting TB isn’t just about medicine. It’s about fixing broken systems. The World Health Organization’s “End TB” strategy emphasizes social support as much as drugs. This includes food assistance, housing support, transportation to clinics, and community health education.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TB programs worldwide suffered. Lockdowns disrupted treatment. Clinics closed. People were afraid to go to hospitals. The result was a surge in TB deaths for the first time in over a decade. It was a stark reminder: TB doesn’t disappear just because we’re not looking at it. It retreats, waits, and comes back when our attention is elsewhere.

Art, literature, and the long shadow of TB

TB has also left a cultural footprint. It shows up in the lives and deaths of famous figures: Frédéric Chopin, Franz Kafka, Emily Brontë, George Orwell, and Eleanor Roosevelt all had TB. In the 19th century, the disease was oddly romanticized. Pale skin, thin bodies, and a certain tragic beauty were idealized in literature and art. Operas and novels used TB as a symbol of doomed love and artistic suffering - La Bohème, Les Misérables, and The Magic Mountain are prime examples. This cultural mystique sometimes distracted from the very real pain and poverty the disease inflicted.

Where we go from here

TB is not a mystery anymore. We know what causes it. We know how to cure it. Yet, millions still suffer and die from it every year. Why? Because TB is as much a disease of inequality as it is of biology. It reveals the gaps in our systems - who gets care, who doesn’t, who lives in safe housing, who doesn’t, who is heard, and who is ignored.

Ending TB requires more than pills. It requires will - political, social, and financial. It means investing in healthcare systems, supporting communities, and tackling the root causes of vulnerability. Until then, TB will continue to haunt the margins of society, not as a medical anomaly, but as a symptom of broader failure.

In short: TB isn’t just about lungs. It’s about lives and communities.

Capitalism and Freedom Milton Friedman

Milton Friedman's Capitalism and Freedom: A Comprehensive Analysis

Milton Friedman’s Capitalism and Freedom is a foundational work in modern economic thought and political philosophy. First published in 1962, the book outlines Friedman’s belief that economic freedom is a necessary condition for political freedom, and that capitalism, when minimally regulated, is the best system for promoting individual liberty, prosperity, and a free society.

This essay breaks down Friedman’s views on capitalism, his main arguments in Capitalism and Freedom, and the broader implications of his work.

I. Friedman's Core Argument: Economic Freedom as a Prerequisite for Political Freedom

At the heart of Capitalism and Freedom is the idea that economic freedom is not only desirable in itself, but also essential to maintaining political liberty. Friedman argues that in a truly free market, individuals make voluntary exchanges, businesses compete, and prices reflect the supply and demand of goods and services. This system disperses power across many hands, limiting the ability of any one group - especially government - to dominate.

In contrast, when the state controls economic life, it gains disproportionate power over individuals. Friedman points to socialist and collectivist economies, where the centralization of economic decision-making leads inevitably to a loss of civil liberties. “A society that puts equality before freedom will get neither,” Friedman warns. “A society that puts freedom before equality will get a high degree of both.”

II. The Role of Government: A Limited but Crucial Function

Friedman is not an anarchist. He acknowledges that the government has important roles to play, albeit only within strictly limited boundaries. According to Friedman, the legitimate functions of government include:

1. Maintaining law and order
2. Defining and enforcing property rights
3. Providing a stable monetary framework
4. Promoting competition (e.g., preventing monopolies)
5. Addressing neighborhood effects (externalities)

These roles, Friedman argues, ensure that the market can function efficiently while protecting individuals from coercion. But beyond these bounds - especially when it comes to controlling prices, subsidizing industries, or running welfare programs - Friedman sees government intervention as harmful.

III. Against Government Intervention: A Series of Case Studies

A major portion of Capitalism and Freedom critiques existing government policies and proposes alternatives based on free-market principles. Friedman takes on a range of issues:

1. Monetary Policy and Inflation

Friedman argues that inflation is always a result of government mismanagement of the money supply. He promotes a monetary rule: the money supply should grow at a fixed, predictable rate aligned with long-term economic growth, not be manipulated by central planners.

2. Education

While he supports the idea of universal education, Friedman opposes state-run schools. He advocates for school vouchers, where parents receive public funds to spend at private schools of their choice. This, he believes, would increase quality through competition and give families more control.

3. Occupational Licensing

Friedman views occupational licensing laws (e.g., for barbers, plumbers, etc.) as protectionist and anti-competitive. They restrict entry into professions, raise prices for consumers, and limit economic mobility - especially for the poor.

4. Welfare and Social Security

Friedman critiques the welfare state as inefficient and paternalistic. His alternative is a “negative income tax” - a system where people earning below a certain threshold receive a government subsidy rather than paying taxes. This approach, he argues, would reduce bureaucracy while ensuring a safety net.

5. Trade and Tariffs

He staunchly defends free trade, arguing that protectionism harms consumers, stifles innovation, and invites political favoritism. International trade, Friedman asserts, forces domestic producers to improve efficiency and keeps prices lower.

IV. Freedom of Choice: The Moral Argument for Capitalism

Beyond economic efficiency, Friedman makes a moral argument: capitalism respects individual autonomy. In a capitalist society, people are free to choose their careers, invest their money, start businesses, or consume according to their preferences. This pluralism of choice is essential to a vibrant, free society.

Friedman contrasts this with socialist systems, where central authorities make decisions for everyone - about production, labor, consumption - robbing individuals of agency. The market, he insists, is a mechanism that reconciles diverse values and preferences without requiring uniformity.

V. Criticisms and Legacy

Friedman’s work has had enormous influence, particularly during the late 20th century as governments in the United States, United Kingdom, and elsewhere adopted deregulation, privatization, and monetarist policies. His ideas shaped the Reagan and Thatcher revolutions and the rise of neoliberalism.

However, Capitalism and Freedom has not been without critics. Some argue that Friedman underestimates the market's failures and overestimates its ability to self-correct. Others contend that minimal government does not adequately protect the vulnerable or address inequality. Still, even critics often acknowledge the rigor of his arguments and the clarity of his prose.

VI. Conclusion: A Defense of Liberty Through Markets

Capitalism and Freedom is not just an economic manifesto; it’s a political statement about how to preserve liberty in the modern world. For Friedman, capitalism is not valuable merely because it creates wealth; it is essential because it decentralizes power while empowering individuals.

Friedman’s vision is clear: a free society requires a free economy. And while debates over the limits of capitalism continue, his work remains a touchstone for anyone grappling with the relationship between markets, government, and liberty.

How to homeschool

Image via Freepik

More Than a Desk: What It Really Takes to Homeschool Well

Homeschooling isn’t just a fallback anymore. It’s a deliberate choice - a growing movement reshaping what education looks like from the inside out. More families are turning to it not because they have to, but because they want something more adaptable, more responsive, and often, more human. That includes how kids learn language - where personalized tools now outpace rigid school programs. But while the benefits are compelling, success at home depends on more than just a decision. You need rhythm, clarity, and the right kind of scaffolding to make it sustainable.

A Clear Track Record of Success

There’s a persistent myth that homeschooling leads to educational gaps. But when you look closer, you’ll see students perform above average academically and socially compared to their peers in traditional school settings. This isn’t about helicopter parenting or endlessly curated lesson plans - it’s about freedom from distraction, space for focus, and instruction that respects the learner’s pace. Families who take the time to build intentional routines often discover that kids absorb more and stress less when they’re not forced to keep pace with a system that wasn’t designed around them.

Custom Fit, Not Cookie Cutter

If you’ve ever watched your child lose interest in something they were once curious about, chances are it wasn’t the topic - it was the delivery. Homeschooling lets you pivot. You’re not beholden to rigid curriculum pacing or standardized instruction. Instead, you can adapt. The best part? Tailored educational approaches benefit children in ways that mass instruction simply can’t. You can pause when something’s not clicking or lean in when a subject suddenly lights them up. That flexibility fosters ownership and reduces resistance - not just to schoolwork, but to learning itself.

Make the Space Work for You

Let’s be clear: you don’t need a perfect room with chalkboard walls and a color-coded cart. What you need is a setup that matches your rhythm and reduces decision fatigue. That starts with basics like light, noise control, and flow. But don’t stop there. A smooth routine begins when you’ve thought through things like where transitions happen, what supplies live where, and how downtime is signaled. That’s why so many families intentionally organize their homeschool space and schedule to make each day less chaotic and more cohesive. It’s not about the furniture - it’s about the friction it removes.

When Expert Help Fills the Gap

Even the most hands-on parents hit limits. Sometimes, your child needs subject-matter depth - or just a different voice. That’s where a private tutor can become a game-changer. It adds structure, expands subject expertise, and gives your child a direct line to someone trained in making the hard stuff stick. If your learner is struggling with Spanish, for example, you can get help from a tutor to learn Spanish through an affordable, personalized platform that offers flexible scheduling, trial sessions, and the ability to switch tutors until the right fit clicks.

No Extra Room? No Problem

Plenty of families homeschool in tight quarters. You’re not alone if you’re trying to make a dining table, a couch, and a corner of the hallway all serve different functions. It can work. The key is how you define each zone, not how much space you dedicate to it. Smart families get creative, drawing from small space homeschool room ideas that make the most of what they’ve got. Fold-away desks, rolling carts, curtain dividers, and even ceiling hooks have a role to play. It’s less about Pinterest perfection and more about preserving focus and flow.

Don't DIY Everything - Use Tools That Save Time

There’s a difference between taking charge of your child’s education and trying to reinvent every wheel. If you’re new to homeschooling, the number of choices can be overwhelming. That’s why it helps to know how to choose your homeschool essentials, from curricula to time management tools. The goal isn’t to do more - it’s to do less, better. That means picking platforms that reduce friction, support consistency, and work well for your specific household patterns. Having the right foundational tools can mean the difference between chaos and rhythm.

Give Yourself Room to Learn, Too

Homeschooling isn’t just a change for your child - it reshapes you. You’ll learn to teach, yes, but also to observe, adapt, and experiment. You’ll drop methods that looked great on paper and stick with systems that calm the household at 9 a.m. on a Wednesday. There’s no perfect version of this path, but there is a pattern you’ll find: when the home becomes a place where learning is normal, mistakes are recoverable, and curiosity is rewarded, things shift. And when they do, that shift sticks.

Homeschooling opens up room for agency - for your child, yes, but also for you. It doesn’t require elite credentials, a giant budget, or 40 hours a week. It requires intentionality, feedback, and a structure that makes learning sustainable. That might mean shifting how math is taught - or bringing in outside help for language learning when needed. When you plan your space with care, invest in what saves energy, and know when to call in support, homeschooling becomes not just doable - but deeply rewarding. The results speak for themselves. And so will your child.

FAQ: Homeschooling Basics for Families

Q: Do I need a teaching degree to homeschool my child?
A: No. In most places, parents are allowed to homeschool without formal teaching credentials. What matters most is a willingness to adapt and support your child’s progress.

Q: How many hours per day should I homeschool?
A: It depends on your child’s age and focus level. Many homeschool families work effectively with 2-4 hours of structured instruction per day, especially for elementary and middle school levels.

Q: Can homeschooled children still go to college?
A: Yes. Most colleges and universities accept homeschooled applicants and often appreciate their independence and self-direction. Proper documentation of coursework and assessments helps.

Q: How do I make sure my child is on track?
A: Regular assessments, progress checks, and optional standardized tests can help. Many families also join local or online homeschool communities for guidance and benchmarking.

Q: What if my child needs help in a subject I don’t understand?
A: That’s where resources like online tutors, co-ops, or subject-specific platforms come in. You don’t need to be the expert—you just need to find the right one.

Q: What’s the best way to teach my child a foreign language at home?
A: Look for platforms that offer live, one-on-one tutoring with native or fluent speakers. These provide immersive, personalized instruction that adapts to your child’s pace and goals.

Explore a world of knowledge and inspiration at Mr. Robertson’s Corner, where students, educators, and lifelong learners can find meaningful reflections, resources, and advice across a wide range of subjects.

What Is Affirm?

What Is Affirm? How It Works & When to Use It for Smart Personal Finance

What Is Affirm and How Does It Work? A Personal Finance Guide

If you’ve shopped online lately, you’ve probably seen the option to “Buy Now, Pay Later with Affirm.” It sounds appealing - split your purchase into manageable payments, sometimes with 0% interest. But is it a smart financial move?

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What Affirm is and how it works
• Whether Affirm is better than a credit card
• When it makes sense to use Affirm
• Tips to use it responsibly 

🔍 What Is Affirm?

Affirm is a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform that lets you finance purchases over time instead of paying the full amount upfront. It partners with major retailers like:

• Apple
• Walmart
• Peloton
• Expedia

When you choose Affirm at checkout, you’ll typically see options to:

• Pay in 4 (four interest-free payments every two weeks)
• Pay monthly (installments over 3 to 60 months, depending on purchase size)

Interest rates can range from 0% to 36% APR, depending on your credit and the retailer.

💳 How Affirm Works: Step-by-Step

Select Affirm at Checkout
Choose Affirm as your payment method when shopping online or in-store with participating partners.

Get Prequalified
Affirm performs a soft credit check (no impact on your score) to determine eligibility.

Choose a Payment Plan
You’ll see a few installment options - including duration and interest rate - before confirming.

Make Monthly Payments
Payments are made via the Affirm app or website. You can use a debit card, bank account, or autopay.

⚖️ Affirm vs. Credit Cards: Which Is Better?

Feature	Affirm	Credit Cards
APR	0%-36%	21% average (often 0% intro offers)
Late Fees	None	Yes (typically $25-$40)
Interest Accrual	Fixed, upfront	Rolling, variable
Rewards	❌ None	✅ Yes (cash back, points)
Credit Check	Soft pull	Hard pull

🟢 When Affirm Wins:

• You’re offered a 0% APR promo
• You want predictable monthly payments
• You want to avoid late fees

🔴 When Credit Cards Win:

• You want to earn rewards
• You can qualify for a 0% intro APR card
• You need flexible spending power

🧠 Smart Ways to Use Affirm for Personal Finance

✅ 1. Budget Big Purchases Without Interest

Buying a new phone, mattress, or laptop? If you get a 0% APR offer, it’s essentially free financing - no interest, no hidden fees.

✅ 2. Avoid Credit Card Debt Traps

Credit cards can lure you into minimum payments and mounting interest. Affirm gives you a clear end-date with fixed payments.

✅ 3. Build Credit (Carefully)

Paying on time could help your credit score, especially if you’re new to credit or attempting to rebuild your credit. As of April 1, 2025, all of Affirm's payment plans and payment activity opened and generated on or after this date are being reported to the credit bureau Experian. As of May 1, 2025, all plans and activity opened and generated on or after this date are also being reported to the credit bureau TransUnion. For plans opened prior to April 1, 2025, only a limited number of plans and certain information on activity were reported to Experian, only. Please see this page on Affirm's own website for more information on how Affirm is reporting to the credit bureaus.

✅ 4. Maintain Financial Discipline

Because each Affirm loan is tied to a specific purchase, it prevents the revolving temptation of a credit card limit.

⚠️ Risks and Pitfalls of Using Affirm

Like any form of debt, Affirm can be risky if you don’t use it wisely.

• Interest rates can be high (up to 36% APR)
• Too many loans = budget overload
• Missed payments can hurt your credit
• May tempt overspending - buying what you don’t need

🧾 Tips to Use Affirm Responsibly

✅ Stick to 0% APR offers only
✅ Use it for essentials or large purchases, not impulse buys
✅ Limit yourself to one Affirm loan at a time
✅ Set up automatic payments to avoid missing due dates
✅ Compare Affirm’s APR to your credit card or personal loan rates before accepting

🎯 Should You Use Affirm? Final Thoughts

Affirm is not free money. But when used strategically, it can be a great personal finance tool, especially if:

• You’re offered 0% APR
• You need to space out a big purchase
• You want a simple, transparent payment plan

Just remember: the goal is to control your spending, not let another app control you.

🙋‍♀️ FAQ: Affirm and Personal Finance

❓Does Affirm affect your credit score?

Affirm uses a soft credit check that won’t impact your score when applying. But if you’re approved for a loan on or after April 1, 2025, your loan and all associated account activity is being reported to the credit bureau Experian. Loans and activity opened on or after May 1, 2025 are also being reported to TransUnion. Therefore, any missed payments can certainly hurt your credit. On the flip side, paying your Affirm loan on time could boost your credit score. This is especially helpful if you’re new to credit or attempting to rebuild your credit.

❓Can you pay off an Affirm loan early?

Yes - and there are no penalties for paying early. In fact, it can reduce the total interest you pay.

❓Is Affirm a good alternative to a credit card?

Yes, in certain situations - especially when you’re offered 0% APR or want the comfort and predictability of an unchanging payment schedule.

📌 Summary: Affirm at a Glance

Pros	Cons
0% APR offers available	High APRs possible (up to 36%)
No late fees or hidden charges	No rewards or perks
Clear, fixed payment terms	Can tempt unnecessary spending
Soft credit check	Not all loans (opened before April 1, 2025) reported to credit bureaus

Want help deciding whether Affirm or another financing option is best for your next big purchase? Drop your question in the comments, and/or bookmark this guide to refer back to next time you check out. Browse the library of personal finance articles here at Mr. Robertson's Corner blog for additional tips, strategies, and how-to guides to save, invest, budget, and spend wisely.

Georges Lemaître and the Big Bang theory

The Big Bang, the Catholic priest who proposed it, and why science and faith aren’t enemies

The Big Bang theory stands as one of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century. It describes how the universe began not in a static state, but in a singular, explosive expansion roughly 13.8 billion years ago. What’s less known, but just as remarkable, is that the scientist who first proposed the idea was not only an accomplished physicist, but also a Catholic priest: Georges Lemaître. His work didn’t just revolutionize cosmology - it also challenged the false idea that science and faith must be at odds. In fact, Lemaître’s life and legacy offer a compelling case that scientific inquiry and religious belief can coexist, and that the two can even enrich each other.

The theory that changed everything

Before the Big Bang theory gained traction, many scientists believed in a “steady state” universe; essentially, one that had no beginning and no end. It was static, eternal, and unchanging. This view was comfortable and clean: a cosmos that simply was, without the messy implications of a starting point.

But in 1927, Georges Lemaître, then a relatively unknown Belgian priest and physicist, proposed something radically different. Drawing on Einstein’s general theory of relativity and recent astronomical data, Lemaître suggested that the universe is expanding and that it must have originated from a single, incredibly dense point. He called it the “primeval atom,” what we now call the Big Bang.

His idea was initially met with skepticism, including from Einstein himself. But Lemaître was undeterred. He wasn’t pushing a religious agenda; he was following the evidence. When Edwin Hubble's observations in 1929 confirmed that galaxies are indeed moving away from each other, Lemaître’s theory gained weight. Over time, it became the cornerstone of modern cosmology.

A priest in a lab coat

Georges Lemaître wasn’t a fringe figure trying to inject theology into science. He earned a Ph.D. in physics from MIT, was a member of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, and held academic positions in both religious and scientific institutions. He moved fluently between the pulpit and the lab, not as a divided man, but as someone who believed truth could be pursued through both scripture and science.

Importantly, Lemaître made a conscious effort to keep his science and his theology in separate lanes. He opposed efforts to use the Big Bang as a proof for the existence of God. When Pope Pius XII once hinted at such an interpretation, Lemaître advised caution. He believed that conflating scientific theories with religious doctrine was a mistake - that science should stand on empirical evidence, not theological endorsement.



This is what made him extraordinary: he didn’t need science to justify his faith, nor faith to legitimize his science. Each had its place, and both were paths to understanding the universe.

Faith and science: False enemies

There’s a popular narrative that science and religion are locked in a centuries-long battle. It’s a story that sells, but it’s not accurate. Sure, history has its share of conflicts: Galileo’s trial, Darwin’s reception, etc. However, these are the exceptions, not rules. The deeper story is more complex and more hopeful.

Science asks "how." Faith asks "why." Science explores mechanisms; faith seeks meaning. The friction comes when one tries to do the other’s job. Problems arise when religion tries to make testable claims about the physical world, or when science declares philosophical or metaphysical truths about purpose or morality.

But at their best, science and faith can complement each other. Science gives us tools to understand the universe; faith gives us reasons to care about it. Science can split the atom; faith can question whether we should. The two can form a fuller picture of reality; one of not competing, but of collaborating.

Lemaître embodied this. His faith didn’t hinder his scientific work; it inspired it. He saw the study of the cosmos as a way to glorify creation;not to prove doctrine, but to understand the vast, unfolding story of the universe.

Why this still matters

In an age of polarization and mistrust, the false war between science and faith is a battle no one wins. When people are told they must choose between being rational and being spiritual, many disengage from one or both. That’s not progress. It’s paralysis.

Lemaître’s legacy pushes back. He reminds us that truth doesn’t come in compartments. The same mind that can question the mysteries of dark matter can also ponder the meaning of love, justice, or existence. Science and faith don’t have to be separate continents. They're more like two lenses - each sharpening the view, each incomplete without the other.



Conclusion

The Big Bang theory didn’t just change how we think about the universe’s origin. It also challenged how we think about the relationship between science and faith. Georges Lemaître, the Catholic priest who launched one of modern science’s greatest revolutions, embodied the truth that one does not need to pick a side. His life and work demonstrate that the pursuit of scientific truth and the commitment to spiritual belief cannot only coexist - they can, indeed, drive each other forward. The universe is vast, mysterious, and still unfolding. There's room in it for both microscope and prayer; for formula and faith.