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…
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…
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…
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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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VIEW press/Contributor/Getty Images Wells Fargo is a financial institution that offers its customers personal, small business, commercial, corporate and investment banking solutions. There are currently around 5,600 branches and 11,000 ATMs nationwide. Wells Fargo Bank near me You can find a Wells Fargo retail banking…
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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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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANKBankers wants to discuss AI strategy. They’re excited about chatbots, machine learning models, generative AI tools, and AI…
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Buy now, pay later (BNPL) as a payment option is available seemingly everywhere. From department stores to airline tickets, you can make payments on small and large purchases with the convenient payment model. But as simple as it seems, buy now, pay later can be a slippery slope if you…
Delmaine Donson/Getty Images Key takeaways Joint checking accounts let two people manage shared expenses with equal access to funds — ideal for couples, parents with teens, or adult children helping aging parents. The best joint checking accounts offer no monthly fees, competitive APYs and features like overdraft protection and mobile…
Key takeaways Many major banks and credit unions offer 24/7 live customer service via phone or online chat, including Ally Bank, Discover Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, U.S. Bank, TD Bank and KeyBank.) Most traditional banks limit customer service to business hours, but online banks typically offer extended support. 24/7…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates were unchanged this week, with the 30-year fixed rate again averaging 6.30%, 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 30-year 6.30% 6.32% 6.94% 6.68%…
Key takeaways Car insurance companies have the right to not offer standard coverage to drivers with serious or numerous infractions on their driving record. Some standard car insurance companies may offer coverage to high-risk drivers, but more often you will need to get a policy from a carrier specializing in…
When unexpected expenses pile up and the emergency fund runs dry, where can you turn for money? For many people, their biggest stash of savings is hidden away in retirement plans, such as IRAs and 401(k)s. But if you withdraw money from a 401(k) or IRA before turning 59½, generally…
Roth IRAs allow your savings to grow tax free and allow tax free withdrawals in retirement. Your income determines whether you can contribute and how much you can add. The IRS sets annual income limits based on your tax filing status. These limits decide whether you can make a full…
Key takeaways Technology is making it easier for scammers to defraud consumers out of billions of dollars with different schemes. Lenders that guarantee loan approvals for an upfront fee are likely personal loan scammers. Consumers with lower incomes and poor credit are more likely to be targeted by scammers. If…
Key takeaways Verify you’re on legitimate bank websites and apps before entering login information — hackers create convincing fake sites to steal credentials. Use strong, unique passwords for each financial account and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Be skeptical of urgent messages asking for personal information…
Hiya Images/Corbis/Getty Images Key takeaways A checking account is for managing your day-to-day finances, such as paying bills, making debit card transactions and writing checks. A savings account is for storing funds for emergencies or short-term goals, and the money typically earns a modest amount of interest. An effective money…
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