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…
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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…
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A financial advisor can be a wonderful resource for getting your finances in order, offering you expert advice across a range of financial matters. But financial advisors are not all created equal, and those looking for an advisor must understand the potential drawbacks of using one. Key takeaways A financial…
AleksandarNakic/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Selling a home comes with a lot of paperwork, most of which you’ll gather before listing the property on the market. One important document is the seller net sheet, which will detail your all-in costs and potential profit. Keep records of…
Key takeaways Tax lien investing is a potentially high-yielding — but risky — real estate investment strategy. Investors cover an unpaid property tax bill upfront and are then responsible for collecting from the property’s owner. Tax lien investing is subject to location-specific regulations, and not all states allow private investors…
Key takeaways Investing both time and cash could score you free cryptocurrency and NFTs. Cryptocurrency developers sometimes offer free coins or NFTs to promote their projects, though you’ll need to watch out for scams. You can leverage financial tools like savings accounts, brokerage accounts and credit cards to get crypto…
One of the main factors people consider when deciding whether to hire a financial advisor is cost. But costs can vary significantly from one advisor to the next. Here’s what you need to know about the costs of hiring a financial advisor, and how the different fee structures work. Key…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Trying to budget for a rental car is probably the last thing you want to worry about when your car breaks down. If your car breaks down due to regular wear and tear, insurance won’t cover a rental. However, if your car is…
Inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a way for contrarian traders to bet against the expected daily performance of an asset class, such as stocks or bonds. These risky investments, often in the form of inverse short ETFs, can be valuable for seasoned market pros. But they are definitely not for…
Key takeaways A divorce decree outlines which spouse is legally responsible for each debt after the divorce is completed. States either have community property or common law marriages, and these laws determine how marital debt is split after divorce. The divorce settlement agreement doesn’t override your legal obligation to a…
Warchi/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Standard home inspections are common for new home purchases, but what happens when your home insurance company also asks to inspect your home? It’s nothing to be alarmed about. In fact, home insurance inspections are common when you buy a home, complete renovations or…
Key takeaways Financial consultants develop strategic financial plans for clients based on their specific needs and goals. If you have a more complex financial situation or need help with important money matters, a financial consultant may be a good fit for you. Be sure to verify credentials, fee structure and…
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