Key takeaways Stocks can be a great way to build wealth over the long term. You can buy stocks directly or you can buy a mutual fund or ETF that gives you access to many stocks through just one investment. If you’re not comfortable investing on your own, a financial…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates moved up again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.19%, up from 6.15% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low…
Debt settlement companies technically aren’t allowed to charge fees until after lowering a consumer’s debt. But a loophole in the Telemarketing Sales Rule — and a mish-mash of federal and state laws — allows predatory firms the opportunity for exploitation. A growing corner of the $23 billion debt relief industry…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate No movement for home equity rates in the latest week. The $30,000 home equity line and the five-year $30,000 home equity loan were unchanged, holding at 7.18% and 7.84%, respectively, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. As home equity rates remain at their lowest…
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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…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be…
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As women’s access to education and employment has steadily increased, so has their participation in the economy. However, significant challenges remain that include a wage gap between women and men, along with other barriers women face in growing their wealth. Such challenges can impact women’s…
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Paying off Debt on a Fixed Income: Making Sacrifices and Learning Patience Paying off debt on a fixed income requires discipline. Jill emphasizes…
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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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If financial stress has been weighing you down, you aren’t alone. Around 43% of Americans cite money as a factor negatively impacting their mental health, according to a recent Bankrate survey. January is the perfect time to reset your financial mindset and create routines that bring peace of mind all year long. By building good money…
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…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate HELOC rates took a big dive in the latest week, dropping to three-year lows. The $30,000 home equity line of credit plummeted 78 basis points to 7.44%, as a major lender resumed its promotions, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark five-year…
Amanda Gomez submitted hundreds of rental applications for an apartment in Harlem, New York, last year. Most were met with silence. Fifteen, however, were outright rejected. When she subsequently noticed the same apartments relisted five or six times, Gomez suspected racial discrimination. In 2024, housing discrimination complaints filed with the…
There has been a lot of buzz in the news recently about President Trump’s proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates and what it could mean for people struggling with high balances. While this is still a proposal, the bigger question for consumers is simple: If your interest rates…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates dipped again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.18%, down from 6.24% last week and the lowest level since September 2022, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One…
Key takeaways Several airline credit cards offer discounts on tickets for your traveling companions when you meet certain criteria. Available discounts range from flat-rate fares to fully comped tickets (minus taxes and fees). Take note of your card’s eligibility requirements so you can maximize your companion discount benefits. If you…
When people hear the phrase debt management program, there’s often confusion, hesitation, or even fear attached to it. As a credit counselor, I see this every day. Many individuals know they’re overwhelmed by debt, but they don’t fully understand what their options are or what credit counseling actually does. I…
Key takeaways Savings accounts are deposit accounts available at banks and credit unions. They allow you to keep your money safe while it earns interest. Online banks tend to offer the highest interest rates for savings accounts. You can withdraw your money from a savings account at any time, though…
Prioritizing debt in January starts with reviewing all balances, understanding monthly expenses, and redirecting available cash toward debt repayment so holiday balances do not continue to grow. With 37% of Americans accumulating an average of $1,223 in holiday debt, according to LendingTree, many households begin the year looking for a financial reset. A…
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