Key takeaways Millions of homeowners with high mortgage rates are hoping for rates to come down so they can refinance. Rate movement is notoriously difficult to predict, though, especially in today’s volatile economic environment. If you’re anxiously awaiting lower rates, here are some economic bellwethers to keep an eye on.…
To the average Americans I interact with daily, the economy feels unpredictable, with job loss, tariffs, inflation and rising costs on everything from milk to housing. I coach people across the country every Sunday — the anxiety is real and pervasive. Instead of panicking, now is the time to focus on…
Key takeaways Foreclosure happens when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage payments and the lender takes control of the property. U.S. foreclosure rates are currently at record low levels, decreasing by 10 percent in 2024. Experts, who had expected foreclosures to return to pre-pandemic levels by now, have struggled to…
“I’m the one who denies your claim.” That’s my go-to line at cocktail parties when someone asks what I do for a living. It’s not technically accurate — but it gets a laugh. Most people don’t know what insurance adjusters do, and few want a detailed explanation. So I’ve learned…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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Key takeaways Having good credit helps you get better rates on mortgages, car loans and other debt products, and may affect your ability to rent an apartment or sign up for utilities and other services. To build good credit, you need to use your credit…
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Level 2: Discover the Fastest Way to Pay Off Debt With Rules and Challenges When looking for the fastest way to pay off…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
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Key takeaways Many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a massive overhaul of the tax code in 2017, are set to expire at the end of 2025. Among the TCJA tax-law changes that could expire are a near-doubling of the standard deduction, a broad expansion of the child…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways You may be eligible for federal and private student loans without a parent. Explore federal student loans first, as they feature more benefits than private ones. Ultimately, your university’s financial aid office will determine your dependency status based on the answer…
Credit Sesame discusses the rise in missed debt payments and growing concerns about credit access and financial stability. A recent survey found a big jump in the probability that consumers will miss a minimum debt payment over the next three months. If that happens, it could disrupt the economy, tighten…
Ariel Skelley/Getty Images Key takeaways Students with undocumented parents can and should fill out the FAFSA for every school year. Completing this form is the only way to access a range of federal or state-issued financial aid as a college student. There are a few differences in how you’ll file…
Living in Delaware comes with one money-saving perk: no sales tax. However, it’s still a relatively pricey place to buy a home — especially as prices have ticked up almost 6 percent year-over-year. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer looking to live on the beach or planning to move to downtown…
Key takeaways It is possible to get another mortgage after going through foreclosure. You must generally observe a waiting period after foreclosure before receiving another mortgage. Waiting periods vary by loan type. Before applying for another mortgage, re-establish your income and focus on improving your credit score. How long after…
Alistair Berg/Getty Images Key takeaways A VA rehab loan allows you to buy and renovate a house with one loan using your VA benefit. Many mortgage lenders offer VA loans, but not all offer VA renovation loans. You can only use a VA rehab loan to make safety and accessibility…
Key takeaways DACA recipients can apply for college in most states, but they don’t qualify for federal aid. Some states allow DACA students to qualify for state aid or in-state tuition. DACA recipients may require a cosigner to get approved for private student loans, which can be a barrier to…
Key takeaways With one deceased parent, students can file the FAFSA using the information of the surviving parent only. If both parents are deceased, the student is considered an independent and should file the form without any parental information. If a parent dies after the FAFSA is submitted, adjustments can…
Mango Productions / Getty Images Key takeaways With divorced or separated parents, the one who provides you with the most financial support is typically who lists their income and tax information on the FAFSA. With 50-50 split custody after the divorce or separation, the parent with the greatest financial means…
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