Key takeaways The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) sets the benchmark rate, which impacts the rates auto lenders set. When the federal funds rate fluctuates, so will the cost to finance a vehicle. The Fed increased the benchmark rate 11 times between 2022 and 2023 and cut it three times…
Bloomberg Creative/Getty Images Key takeaways The federal funds rate impacts how expensive it is for lenders to loan money, so consumer loan rates typically change when the federal funds rate changes. During the Federal Open Market Committee’s December meeting, the regulatory body announced it would drop the target rate by…
Ariel Skelley / Getty Images Key takeaways Interest rates on federal student loans are set on July 1 each year for loans disbursed from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Borrowers with existing federal student loans will not see any changes when the Fed lowers interest rates.…
Even the most carefully planned budget can develop small leaks over time. Subscriptions renew automatically, outdated service plans linger, and everyday habits slowly chip away at your financial progress. While these expenses might seem minor on their own, together they can quietly drain hundreds of dollars from your budget each…
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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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Most people are used to seeing sales tax on a receipt, but not every purchase includes it. When it doesn’t, you may still owe tax on that purchase through what’s called a use tax. This comes up most often with online shopping, out-of-state purchases and…
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Get to Work – As Much as You Can Did you know almost half of Canada’s post-secondary students take on student loan debt?…
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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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When planning for retirement, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is how to generate consistent, tax-efficient income. Two common options, annuities and Roth IRAs, serve very different purposes, but can both play a key role in your strategy. A Roth IRA offers tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, while…
Managing multiple 401(k) accounts from past employers involves tracking different fees, investment options, and statements. Consolidating these accounts can simplify monitoring, reduce costs and keep investments aligned with retirement goals. A financial advisor can help you evaluate consolidation options and determine a strategy for your retirement savings.Ways to Consolidate Your…
Home prices remain near record highs. Mortgage rates have retreated but remain well above their pandemic lows. Add it up, and homebuyers are feeling discouraged. With housing affordability squeezing buyers, one in six (16 percent) of aspiring homebuyers have given up on purchasing a home in the past five years…
Key takeaways A 401(k) loan may help you access money from your retirement plan, but they’re not always available. A 401(k) loan can help you avoid the costly expenses associated with taking an early withdrawal from your account. You’ll need to pay back your 401(k) loan just as you would…
The Chase Freedom Flex® traditionally leans heavily into holiday shopping with its fourth quarter bonus categories. This year, however, travel is taking center stage. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025, the Freedom Flex will give an extra 4 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending on…
Key takeaways The key difference between an ordinary annuity and an annuity due is when payments are made, which can affect the overall value. Ordinary annuity payments are made at the end of each period. Annuity due income payments are made at the beginning of the period. An annuity is…
Key takeaways The SECURE Act 2.0 became law in the last days of 2022, and its rules provide assistance for retirement savers, small businesses and many others. The law enabled a host of things, including the starting age for required minimum distributions, the removal of RMDs for employer-sponsored Roth accounts…
Key takeaways You can typically cash in your savings bond at your bank, in person. Regardless of how much money you receive, you can cash in your childhood savings bond and reinvest it, save it, or spend it. If you have a savings bond socked away for a while, or…
A robo-advisor is a great choice for investors who want professional portfolio management minus the high price tag traditional money managers charge. You’ll pay around 1 percent to 2 percent of your account balance (assets under management, or AUM) in fees each year for a human investment manager, versus roughly…
Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock Key takeaways A mortgage application collects information about your finances and the property you want to buy so that a lender can decide if you’re eligible for a loan. Most lenders use the standard Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) or a variation. To prepare for a mortgage application,…
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