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…
Trending
Spotlight This Week
More Articles
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
All News
Image by Chorna Olena/Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions influence what you pay for variable-rate home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and new home equity loans. Let’s break down how the Fed’s monetary policy affects how much it’ll cost you to borrow against your…
While Bitcoin spent the last decade soaring and making millionaires out of many people, other owners of the world’s largest cryptocurrency have missed out. Why? One major reason: They’ve lost access to their account. In fact, more than $400 billion in Bitcoin is estimated to be lost — but some…
This piece was originally published in early 2023 and reflects the author’s financial decisions during that time. The rest of the article has since been updated. Key takeaways With average credit card interest rates well above 20 percent, chasing credit card rewards while carrying card debt doesn’t make any sense.…
Key takeaways Borrowers may refinance second homes and investment properties to get a lower interest rate or access the home’s equity as cash, among other reasons. The refinancing process for a second home or investment property is similar to refinancing a primary residence, but it can be harder to qualify.…
Roman_Makedonsky/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways A no-closing-cost refinance means you won’t pay closing costs upfront — but you will roll them into your loan or pay a higher interest rate. A no-closing-cost refinance saves you some money at closing, but it could end up costing you more…
Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images Traveling internationally can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the best ways to prepare for international travel is to have a credit card specifically designed for it. Not only do these cards offer rewards and perks, but…
Because annuities are designed to provide long-term income, accessing funds too early can trigger an annuity early withdrawal penalty. Insurance companies typically impose surrender charges if you withdraw money within the first several years, and the IRS may add a 10% penalty on withdrawals before age 59 ½. These costs…
Key takeaways Low-interest unsecured personal loans are typically offered to borrowers with excellent credit. These loans can be an alternative to secured financing, such as home equity loans or cash-out refinancing. Your credit score is the most important factor used by a lender to determine how low your rate will…
Pensions and 403(b) plans represent two distinct ways to save for retirement, each with its own structure and advantages. A pension provides a predictable income stream in retirement, usually funded and managed by an employer. A 403(b), on the other hand, relies on employee contributions and investment growth, giving individuals…
Key takeaways APR reflects the total annual cost of a personal loan, including both fees and interest. Many lenders state their APR online to make it easier to compare before you apply. Your APR will be based on your credit score, income and other financial factors. The annual percentage rate,…
Editor's Pick
