Here’s what to watch at one of the most complicated Fed meetings in months Life’s what happens when you’re busy making other plans. That might as well be Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s slogan for the Fed’s March interest rate decision, expected today at 2 p.m. ET.  At their most recent…

Although inflation has decreased considerably after peaking in mid-2022, the costs of many necessities remain stubbornly high. For instance, Americans continue to pay significantly higher prices on shelter, energy and food than they did a year ago, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ monthly consumer price index (CPI) report.…

Key takeaways Signatures traditionally served as a security measure on credit card transactions, verifying ownership by matching signatures at the point of sale. With the introduction of chip-and-PIN technology, networks often won’t require a card signature, but some retailers still require credit card transactions due to older systems, broken…

What is sales tax? Sales tax applies when consumers purchase goods and services. It’s a type of consumption tax, meaning it taxes people as they spend money, rather than on their income. A sales tax is also a type of indirect tax, which means it isn’t paid directly to the…

Key takeaways Vehicle inventory has increased, making it much easier for shoppers to find the car they want this year. One way to spend less time at the dealership is to research prices and negotiation tactics beforehand. Comparing different loan options will help you to secure the best deal when…

Key takeaways Lenders offer teaser rates on home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) for a limited time to attract borrowers and increase business. To qualify for these rates, though, borrowers often must meet extra-stringent criteria, such as having a high credit score and/or low debt load. HELOCs that come with…

Key takeaways EV batteries cost thousands more than gas-powered vehicle batteries, but even with a higher upfront price tag, driving electric can mean lower lifetime costs. EV maintenance doesn’t require oil changes, transmission fluid replacement and muffler repair like with gas-powered cars. When deciding if an EV is right for…

Roman_Makedonsky/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways A no-closing-cost refinance gets rid of the need to pay refinancing fees upfront, but it’s not free. Instead, you’ll finance the closing costs — with interest — as part of your new loan, or take a higher interest rate. A no-closing-cost refinance…

President Donald Trump isn’t backing down from an all-out trade war, saying he’ll launch new tariffs come April 2. “April 2 is a liberating day for our country, because we’re going to be getting back a lot of the wealth that we so foolishly gave up to other countries,” Trump…

There are five U.S. states with no statewide sales taxes, meaning the price listed for an item is generally the price you’ll pay at checkout. That said, even some states that don’t have a retail sales tax at the state level may impose taxes on particular items or services, like…