ljubaphoto/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways The interest rate on a mortgage indicates how much interest you’ll pay for the amount you borrow. The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate plus additional fees and any points. When comparing loan offers, it’s best to compare APRs to…
Christina Zelow Lundquist/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, bigger one. The borrower receives the difference between the two balances in cash. The terms of your refinanced mortgage might differ from your original loan, including a new interest…
Money is an uncomfortable topic for many, yet it’s an important ongoing conversation to have in a relationship. Financial secrets undermine trust. And for many, it may even feel like betrayal. More than 2 in 5 U.S. adults (43%) believe keeping financial secrets is at least as bad as physical…
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…
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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…
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Key takeaways CD early withdrawal penalties typically cost 60 to 365 days of interest, with longer terms carrying steeper penalties. Breaking a CD early may be worth it if you need funds to avoid high-interest debt, make a major down payment, or lock in significantly…
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Roman_Makedonsky/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways A no-closing-cost refinance means you won’t pay closing costs upfront — but you will roll them into your loan or pay a higher interest rate. A no-closing-cost refinance saves you some money at closing, but it could end up costing you more…
Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images Traveling internationally can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the best ways to prepare for international travel is to have a credit card specifically designed for it. Not only do these cards offer rewards and perks, but…
Pensions and 403(b) plans represent two distinct ways to save for retirement, each with its own structure and advantages. A pension provides a predictable income stream in retirement, usually funded and managed by an employer. A 403(b), on the other hand, relies on employee contributions and investment growth, giving individuals…
Because annuities are designed to provide long-term income, accessing funds too early can trigger an annuity early withdrawal penalty. Insurance companies typically impose surrender charges if you withdraw money within the first several years, and the IRS may add a 10% penalty on withdrawals before age 59 ½. These costs…
While most personal loan interest rates are fixed, federal rate changes and inflation do impact interest rates for new loan borrowers, although indirectly. As the cost of living rises and more Americans take on personal loan debt, it is important for consumers to understand how inflation and federal rate changes…
When you think about estate planning, wills, trusts and life insurance usually top the list. But annuities deserve a spot in the conversation, too. Beyond providing reliable income in retirement, annuities can ensure your spouse keeps receiving steady checks, transfer wealth to heirs and help sidestep probate. Still, annuities come…
By your 60s, most of your retirement foundation is already in place. While you may still have a few years to save, building significant new wealth is less likely unless you continue working during retirement. This stage typically shifts focus to taxes, withdrawals, Social Security and budgeting. To help you…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate A split decision for home equity rates, as the Federal Reserve delivered an expected quarter-point interest rate cut, the first rate reduction this year. The average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit fell five basis points to 8.05 percent, according to…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates fell this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.30 percent, compared to 6.38 percent the previous 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…
Certificates of deposits (CDs) continue to be worth considering as a component of your savings strategy in 2025. Yields on the best CD rates increased to highs not seen in years, thanks to the Federal Reserve raising its benchmark rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, yields dipped…
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