Key takeaways Decisions made by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark rate do not directly impact auto loans but rather the cost for banks to lend. The higher the Fed sets rates, the higher auto loan rates will likely be. The Fed made its third and last rate cut…
Key takeaways The Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set auto loan rates — but it does affect the cost for lenders to borrow money. The Federal funds rate was cut for a third and final time in 2025 and was not changed in the first meeting of 2026, so it currently…
The Federal Reserve made no changes in its January 2026 meeting, keeping the target rate at 3.50-3.75%. The end of 2024 and through 2025 stabilized auto loan rates, and Bankrate experts predict auto loan rates are unlikely to shift much through 2026. Car prices have increased, and inventory shortages have…
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and, often, a lot of expenses. As the festivities wind down, many find themselves facing the reality of depleted bank accounts, credit card debt, and the daunting task of rebuilding their financial safety nets. An emergency fund serves as a…
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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 The NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insures credit union deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. NCUA insurance provides the same protection as FDIC insurance at banks. Both are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.…
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2. Coaching and Tutoring Take stock of your areas of expertise – maybe you speak a second language or solving math equations comes…
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These entrepreneurs, traders and investors are making an outsized impact in fintech, crypto and traditional financial services.By Jeff Kauflin, Hank Tucker and Nina…
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Key takeaways A bank statement loan allows you to qualify for a mortgage using bank statements rather than pay stubs or tax returns. It’s most often used by self-employed borrowers. Not all mortgage lenders offer bank statement loans. You might need to work with a mortgage broker to find one.…
Key takeaways Mobile banking apps now offer AI-powered financial insights, biometric security, real-time fraud detection and automated savings tools beyond basic account access. According to Chase, 86% of consumers prefer to use a single app to do their banking. When selecting an app, prioritize security features, user experience and financial…
Hispanolistic/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Offered by many financial institutions, online bill pay is typically a free, secure service that enables consumers to make various types of payments electronically. Payments made via online bill pay can be made using a website or an app. Keep track of your…
Michigan car insurance laws state clearly that drivers in the Great Lake State must have a certain amount of car insurance to drive legally on public roads. Failure to do so can lead to fines and other penalties—and higher coverage rates down the line. Michigan is a no-fault state, which…
Key takeaways There are several ways to finance home renovations, including renovation mortgages, home equity loans and personal loans. Borrowing makes the most sense when repairs are urgent or when improvements will increase your home’s value. Compare loan options carefully, considering interest rates, fees and the amount of home equity…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Non-qualified mortgages, known as non-QM loans, are an option for those who might struggle to qualify for a standard mortgage, such as self-employed borrowers and gig workers. Non-QM loans have more flexible income and credit standards, but they require higher down payments…
pamspix/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Reverse mortgages generally allow homeowners aged 62 or older to tap their home equity and receive tax-free cash payments while remaining in their homes. To help you compare reverse mortgage options, we’ve rounded up a list of the best reverse mortgage lenders to consider.…
Credit: RoschetzkyIstockPhoto/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate For Texans looking to buy a home, now might be a good time to start your search. According to Redfin, the median price of a single-family home in the Lone Star State is $340,500, down 2.6% from a year earlier. At the same…
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that…
Credit: Marje/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate If your credit needs work, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t qualify for a mortgage. There are lenders and loan programs for borrowers with bad credit, including FHA loans. However, you’ll have your work cut out for you: During the third quarter of…
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