We’re entering the second quarter of 2026, and the year already feels unexpected. At just over three months in, some key economic predictions for the year have had to be recast. For instance, the housing market started the year with mortgage rates on the downtrend. Home prices in many areas…
Key takeaways Getting the lowest mortgage rate possible can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) could land you a lower rate temporarily, but the rate will likely adjust upward after the introductory period ends. To be eligible for the…
Where are you in your life? How long do you intend to stay in the home? Are you single or in a committed partnership? Do you have or are you planning to have children? Are you likely to change jobs in the next two years? Is your income stable or…
Key takeaways Typically, experts recommend you spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income, or 25% of your net monthly income, on mortgage payments. Due to high home prices in certain parts of the country, you may find yourself spending substantially more on your mortgage Lenders generally want…
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Last year, on the day before Tax Day, my mom was scheduled to fly into Philadelphia International Airport to stay…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
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Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate While most 24-year-olds are preparing to leave the warm embrace of their parents’ health insurance, Jocelyn Becerra had something else in mind — becoming a homeowner. Two years ago, Becerra bought her house in Bentonville, Ark., after a year of buckling…
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Pro tip: Start planning your baskets early. Track what you already have at home, watch for sales, and compare prices before buying treats…
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For fintech startups, the first five years of the decade have been a roller-coaster ride. At the outset, companies were awash in easy…
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Key takeaways The best time to refinance is when your credit score or overall financial situation has improved. Generally, you should aim to either lower your interest rate or your monthly payment — preferably both. Avoid refinancing when auto loan rates are high or if you won’t be able to…
Anderson Coelho/Getty Images Key takeaways You can use a personal loan to finance a used car if conventional financing isn’t available or if you can’t qualify for an auto loan. Rates can be higher and repayment terms shorter, compared to traditional auto loans. You may be able to avoid repossession…
Key takeaways A longer loan term means you’ll have a lower monthly payment, but you’ll also pay more in interest. A shorter loan term helps minimize borrowing costs and the risk of being upside-down on your loan. Consider the monthly payment and overall cost of ownership when determining which auto…
Key takeaways Buying a new car allows for customization and the latest technology, but it comes at a higher price and loses value quickly. Used cars are less expensive and slower to depreciate, but may require compromises and can come with higher maintenance costs. When deciding between new and used,…
Key takeaways A second-chance auto loan is an auto loan that caters to borrowers with subprime or deep subprime credit. Second-chance car loans come with higher interest rates that can inflate the price of a car loan by hundreds of dollars. There are more affordable alternatives to second-chance auto loans,…
Teaching kids about money early on can shape how they view and manage finances for the rest of their lives. Financial Literacy Month is the perfect opportunity to start those meaningful conversations that build confidence and responsibility around money. By introducing simple, age-appropriate lessons, parents can help their children develop…
Westend61/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Before signing off on an auto loan, crunch the numbers to ensure you can afford your new set of wheels. To find how much you’ll spend on interest, use an auto loan calculator, work it out yourself or talk to a lender. Factors…
Key takeaways Leasing a car requires less money upfront and has lower payments, but there are typically mileage restrictions and additional costs. Buying can mean more expensive monthly payments and long-term maintenance costs, but you have greater control over its use and lower costs in the long run. With leasing,…
Key takeaways Bad credit auto loans are offered by banks, credit unions, online lenders and dealerships. Shop around to find the best deal on an auto loan for your budget and credit profile. If approved, an auto loan can help improve your credit — provided you keep up with the…
The tax code offers meaningful incentives for charitable giving, but many donors don’t fully benefit from them. Without a deliberate strategy, charitable contributions often provide little to no tax advantage. With the right approach, however, charitable giving can reduce income tax through deductions, capital gains tax through donations of appreciated…
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