Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates reversed course to edge lower this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.29%, down from 6.31% the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week…
The job market shouldn’t feel as broken as it does right now – and the data backs that up. The U.S. economy grew by the fastest pace in nearly two years last quarter, the stock market is on a tear and unemployment is still relatively low. Usually, that should mean…
Shock. Anger. Shame. And finally, hopelessness. The emotions that follow a car repossession can be overwhelming, but they often converge into one lingering question: “What do I do now?” As an insurance agent in 2009, I received this call more times than I can count, as the Great Recession resulted…
Selena Cooper, 25, is a federal worker in South Carolina. After the government shut down on Oct. 1, the office where she works was closed, and her paychecks stopped coming through. It didn’t take long before she found herself with an overdraft balance on her checking account and $4,000 in…
Personal Finance
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
Featured Articles
Key takeaways CDs earning 4% APY provide guaranteed returns with FDIC insurance up to $250,000 — making them one of the safest investments available. A $10,000 CD at 4% APY earns $400 in one year, while a 5-year CD at 4% APY generates $2,166 in…
Dept Managmnt
Practical Money Tricks That Lead to Real Treats Getting out of debt doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent actions can help you regain…
Banking
The fundamental flaws in the way the Federal Reserve operates these days were on full display Wednesday when Jerome Powell talked to the…
Credit Cards
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Key takeaways Sticking to your budget is the key to purchasing a vehicle that you can truly afford. If you lack credit history, adding a co-signer with long-standing and strong credit can help you secure better rates. Some car loans may allow you to show good grades for perks like…
Key takeaways Paying off wedding debt early on in a marriage is crucial for reducing stress and building a strong foundation for the relationship. Monetary wedding gifts, the debt snowball or avalanche methods, balance transfer credit cards and debt consolidation loans can be tools to pay off wedding debt. Open…
Key takeaways The CFPB allows consumers to file complaints about unfair, deceptive or abusive financial practices across products like bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, debt collection and student loans. While you don’t have to contact the offending company first, doing so may resolve the issue more quickly and save you…
Key takeaways Cards with an annual fee tend to offer better rewards than those that don’t. If you have debt, it’s better to responsibly pay down your debt instead of signing up for a card with an annual fee. There may be other reasons a card with…
Key takeaways The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card both earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards, but their benefits are tailored to suit different lifestyles. The Gold card is ideal for foodies, offering various dining credits and boosted earnings rates on purchases at restaurants and…
Key takeaways With debt forgiveness, creditors pardon some or all of your debt. Various types of debt may qualify for forgiveness. Debt forgiveness can offer relief from overwhelming financial burdens, but it does have downsides. Debt forgiveness is only one option for managing difficulties with repayment. Struggling with debt can…
© Marco Bottigelli / Moment / Getty Images Key takeaways The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a lucrative welcome bonus and numerous ways to earn rewards, including through Amex Offers. Cardholders can redeem their points for various items, like travel and gift cards, while also enjoying airport lounge access,…
Key takeaways Avoid taking out a longer or larger personal loan than you need. This will help you to avoid spending more money on interest than is necessary. Shopping around for the best offer will help you to ensure you get the best rate and the lowest fees. Consider your…
Personalization is a hot topic in the marketing world. This is playing out in the credit card space in multiple ways. Here’s what you need to know, and how you can use this trend to your advantage. Have a question about credit cards? E-mail me at [email protected] and I’d be…
Key takeaways In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, creditors can seize certain assets to repay the debts you owe. However, exceptions allow debtors to retain some of their assets (or at least part of the asset’s value). Chapter 13 bankruptcy is more about restructuring debts than forfeiting assets. Under Chapter 13…
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