Key takeaways Access to credit is tightening for all consumers, but particularly for consumers with subprime credit scores of 699 or lower. Both new and used vehicle prices remain high, and approvals for subprime borrowers have declined since the first quarter of 2025. Pre-tariff inventory is declining, and vehicles manufactured…
Key takeaways Leasing an electric vehicle (EV) allows you to test out the driving experience without committing to full ownership. A lease will often have a lower monthly payment than an auto loan, and some leasing companies will offer an upfront discount that covers the federal tax rebate. Buying an…
To pay off holiday credit card debt fast, you should prioritize high-interest debt using the “Avalanche Method.” In addition, increase your payment frequency to weekly/bi-weekly instead of monthly and immediately apply financial windfalls like tax refunds to your principal. Combining these steps with a strict 2026 budget and professional credit…
Key takeaways Secured auto loans are the most common financing option for borrowers looking to purchase a vehicle. These types of loans tend to offer larger loan amounts and more competitive interest rates compared to unsecured auto loans. In most cases, a secured auto loan is the right move. A…
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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…
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
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With the costs of college and retirement increasing at breakneck speed, many parents are feeling the need to invest in their children’s futures as early as possible. Common options include 529 plans and custodial IRAs, with a new option emerging in 2026 dubbed “Trump accounts.”…
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What Is the 4 Gift Rule for Christmas? A Financial Safety Net What the 4-gift rule for Christmas provides is a simple guide…
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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANKBankers wants to discuss AI strategy. They’re excited about chatbots, machine learning models, generative AI tools, and AI…
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Governance failures rarely announce themselves. They don’t begin with arguments, fines, or hearings. I didn’t expect to see these patterns in a small lakeside community governed by a Home Owners Association (HOA). Yet the familiar signs emerged. They start in the quiet corners where authority meets procedure and where small…
Year-end bonuses can provide a much-needed financial boost, and using that money wisely can make a meaningful difference in your financial health. But deciding whether to put your bonus toward paying down debt or saving can be challenging. Both options offer strong benefits, and the best choice ultimately depends on…
After a run of more than 230 years, the U.S. is done producing the penny. While the death of the little copper coin leaves many feeling nostalgic, producing it simply isn’t worth it for the U.S. Mint at 3.69 cents a pop — an increase of 1.42 cents over the…
Photo from Getty Images / Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Linking bank accounts makes it easier to transfer funds, automate savings, split direct deposits and potentially avoid certain fees such as overdraft or maintenance charges. Banks typically use strong security measures to protect your information when accounts are linked, including…
Financial misinformation isn’t new, but today, it’s supercharged. The 24/7 news cycle fueled by social media virality means you’re more likely than ever to consume inaccurate or misleading information every day. Sometimes these narratives, no matter how false, seep into our collective consciousness and give a false impression of our…
Key takeaways An auto loan can make car ownership possible by spreading out the purchase cost over years. It can help you afford a more reliable vehicle and increase your credit score. Auto loans also have their drawbacks, including high monthly payments, financial risk, vehicle depreciation and being stuck with…
A Roth IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account many people use to build long-term savings, but its rules and benefits can be confusing. Because qualified withdrawals are tax-free, the investments you select inside the account may influence your future retirement income. Whether you are opening your first Roth IRA or…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates dipped this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.32%, down from 6.37% 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 low 30-year…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Minimal movements for home equity rates this Thanksgiving week. The $30,000 home equity line of credit was unchanged, holding at 7.81% for the third week in a row, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark five-year $30,000 home equity loan inched up…
SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Banks exist that cater to specific political views, faiths, environmental concerns and social causes. Finding the right bank requires combining your core values with thorough research. Local banks and credit unions often support community initiatives that align with your beliefs. When choosing a bank, most…
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