Markets are soaring. Valuations are swelling. And enthusiasm for all things artificial intelligence is pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into the most transformational technology of the modern era. “AI isn’t just another theme; it’s the culmination of decades of evolution in computing,” Jon Markman, a Forbes contributor who analyzes…
The fundamental flaws in the way the Federal Reserve operates these days were on full display Wednesday when Jerome Powell talked to the media after the central bank’s key policymaking committee meeting. It confirmed why there must be a drastic overhaul of our central bank—as well as new leadership. The…
irina88w/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate The Federal Reserve cut interest rates again in October, and mortgage rates fell to their lowest levels in more than a year. While the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, it does set the overall tone. The central bank has cut its benchmark rate twice…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Economic uncertainty over the potential impact of President Trump’s tariff policies on the cost of American goods and services has dimmed the prospects for lower personal loan rates for the remainder of 2025. At its October meeting, the Fed cut rates for…
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Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
Higher medical costs and insurance premiums are one of the unintended, unexpected effects of the new trade and tariff policies.That’s…
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Key takeaways A bump-up CD allows you to increase your interest rate one or more times during the CD’s term if rates rise, typically on 2-3 year terms. Bump-up CDs typically start with APYs that are 0.10-0.25 percentage points lower than traditional CDs of the…
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The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the…
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Lawrence Golub, billionaire founder and CEO of private credit firm Golub Capital, emphatically dismissed fears that the rapid growth of private credit, specifically…
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As millions of Americans head home for the holidays, Bankrate’s latest survey finds that there’s one dinner topic that will likely generate more heartburn than the typical conversation taboos about politics or religion: it’s money. The national opinion poll found that about 3 in 5 U.S. adults (61 percent) said…
Key takeaways Three percent down mortgages are exactly what they sound like — they require only a 3 percent down payment. The lower down payment can make it easier to afford a home, but it will mean higher mortgage payments. These mortgages are often part of a program, and borrowers…
Dean Mitchell/E+/Getty Images Key takeaways Your credit utilization ratio is determined by taking the amount you owe on a credit card and dividing it by your credit limit. Credit utilization is an important factor in your credit score. Most experts recommend keeping this ratio below 30 percent for the best…
KenWiedemann/Getty Images Key takeaways HomeReady mortgages are a type of conventional loan for lower-income borrowers, backed by Fannie Mae. To qualify for a HomeReady loan, your income can’t exceed more than 80 percent of your area’s median income. The program offers a low 3 percent down payment minimum and reduced…
Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Key takeaways The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot issue new flood insurance policies during a government shutdown. Existing NFIP policies remain valid if issued on or before September 30, 2025 and paid within the 30-day grace period. Policy changes, cancellations and endorsements are paused…
If you remember the turmoil of the global financial crisis, hearing that foreclosure activity is up might make your knees weak and palms sweaty. I know I can’t help it. After reading recent reports of climbing foreclosures, I spoke with experts ranging from real estate data companies to non-profit debt…
First came the post-pandemic surge in prices. Then came the fastest jump in interest rates in four decades. Now, Americans are contending with a global trade war and a slowing job market. After five years of one economic headwind after another, it’s no wonder many people feel uneasy about the…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate A split decision for home equity rates in the latest week. The $30,000 home equity line of credit rose one basis point to 7.85 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark 5-year $30,000 home equity loan edged down two basis…
Key takeaways Debt consolidation can simplify your finances and potentially lower your interest rate. There may be upfront costs that can offset potential savings. People with good credit may qualify for better loan terms, making consolidation a good option. Debt consolidation involves combining several debts — such as credit cards,…
Wesley Lapointe/For The Washington Post / Getty Images The average Social Security recipient can expect to see a $648 annual raise in 2026. Though the final numbers will not be announced until October 24th, estimates point to the Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increasing benefits by 2.7 percent starting…
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