Key takaways Regularly researching and potentially getting a new credit card can help you maximize perks and rewards. If your credit card score has improved or your life circumstances have changed since you initially applied for your current primary credit card, a new card could offer better perks. Make sure…

Dennis Diatel Photography/Getty Images Investors are facing a number of challenges right now. Tariffs, sticky inflation and uncertainty regarding monetary policy are rattling the stock market. On top of that, the crypto market has also felt the pressure, as digital asset prices have struggled to keep up with the momentum…

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Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have tumbled past the key threshold of 8 percent. The average rate on a $30,000 HELOC dropped 11 basis points to 7.90 percent this past week — a level not seen since 2023,…

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Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup March 15, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 2024 credit card debt and spending surgeConsumer debt growth slows in February 2025Government delays new tariffs on Mexico and CanadaConsumer confidence declines amid economic concernsJob openings hold steady, but…

Key takeaways Refinancing can help make your student loan payments more affordable, and you can possibly save on interest. You’re not limited to banks and online lenders, as some credit unions also offer competitive terms on student loan refinancing. Shop around and get prequalified to find the best deal. Refinancing your…

SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways The price tag for a college degree has risen dramatically over the years due to increasing overhead for schools and overall inflation. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition and fees plus room and board at public, in-state four-year schools came to $24,920 annually. Out-of-state students…

SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Even though enrollment numbers are up, many college students don’t graduate. Nearly two-thirds of college students who enroll will complete their degrees within six years. The rest — about 40 percent — will leave school without graduating. Many students who enroll in college don’t graduate.…

Key takeaways Women have faced discrimination in the housing and mortgage industry throughout history, but legislation such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act have helped to level the playing field. As of 2024, single females represent one-fifth of all homebuyers, while single men comprise only…

PixelsEffect/Getty Images Key takeaways Most people should keep hard copies of credit card statements for at least 60 days. Business owners and charitable donors should keep credit card statements for at least six years in case of tax audits. Securely store and dispose of credit card statements to protect personal…

Hispanolistic/Getty Images As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their peak in recent years, plenty of banks and credit…

Open to first-time and repeat buyers No interest Cons: Applicants must submit a purchase contract within 45 days. City and County of Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program The Department of Community Services for the City and County of Honolulu offers a down payment loan for up to $40,000. The loan…

There are a handful of numbers you should track for your financial health and well-being. A few you might already know about – your credit score and your net worth, for example. But you should also know your personal savings rate. Your personal savings rate is simply the percentage of…