We’re entering the second quarter of 2026, and the year already feels unexpected. At just over three months in, some key economic predictions for the year have had to be recast. For instance, the housing market started the year with mortgage rates on the downtrend. Home prices in many areas…
Where are you in your life? How long do you intend to stay in the home? Are you single or in a committed partnership? Do you have or are you planning to have children? Are you likely to change jobs in the next two years? Is your income stable or…
Key takeaways Typically, experts recommend you spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income, or 25% of your net monthly income, on mortgage payments. Due to high home prices in certain parts of the country, you may find yourself spending substantially more on your mortgage Lenders generally want…
Key takeaways Getting the lowest mortgage rate possible can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) could land you a lower rate temporarily, but the rate will likely adjust upward after the introductory period ends. To be eligible for the…
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Last year, on the day before Tax Day, my mom was scheduled to fly into Philadelphia International Airport to stay…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
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Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to put down 20% of a home’s price to get a mortgage. Some mortgages don’t require any down payment at all, and you can get a conventional…
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Pro tip: Start planning your baskets early. Track what you already have at home, watch for sales, and compare prices before buying treats…
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For fintech startups, the first five years of the decade have been a roller-coaster ride. At the outset, companies were awash in easy…
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Teaching kids about money early on can shape how they view and manage finances for the rest of their lives. Financial Literacy Month is the perfect opportunity to start those meaningful conversations that build confidence and responsibility around money. By introducing simple, age-appropriate lessons, parents can help their children develop…
Key takeaways A longer loan term means you’ll have a lower monthly payment, but you’ll also pay more in interest. A shorter loan term helps minimize borrowing costs and the risk of being upside-down on your loan. Consider the monthly payment and overall cost of ownership when determining which auto…
Key takeaways Buying a new car allows for customization and the latest technology, but it comes at a higher price and loses value quickly. Used cars are less expensive and slower to depreciate, but may require compromises and can come with higher maintenance costs. When deciding between new and used,…
The tax code offers meaningful incentives for charitable giving, but many donors don’t fully benefit from them. Without a deliberate strategy, charitable contributions often provide little to no tax advantage. With the right approach, however, charitable giving can reduce income tax through deductions, capital gains tax through donations of appreciated…
Finance is different for everyone. We all inhabit our own money realities: white people and people of color, Gen Z and baby boomers, high earners and those with lower incomes. Women live in their own financial reality, too. One where the gender pay gap is a force holding back their…
Illustration by Clay Laucella/Bankrate Kayla Palmer, 31-year-old Nashville resident, bought a 100-year-old house with her husband in 2018 that turned out to be a money pit. She felt rushed by the real estate agent and misinformed about the house’s structural issues, leading to a series of costly problems after purchase. …
Key takeaways The Atmos Rewards program is the rebranded update to Alaska Airlines’ former Mileage Plan. Atmos Rewards boasts a vast partner network of airlines, hotels, rental car companies and everyday shopping sites — all of which can help you earn miles more quickly. Reward flights with Atmos Rewards can…
Key takeaways A debt consolidation loan is primarily meant to save money on interest — usually by securing a lower APR and a shorter payoff timeline. Bad credit debt consolidation loans may not be as effective due to the higher interest rates, but one can still simplify your monthly payments.…
Key takeaways SBA loans have set maximum interest rates, making them a flexible and affordable business lending option. It can take 30 to 90 days for SBA loan approval and funding. Be sure to find an SBA lender with experience and volume in loan applications so you can have a…
If you received a big tax refund this year, it might feel like a bonus. But it usually means you paid more in taxes throughout the year than necessary. Instead of waiting to get that money back as a refund, adjusting your W-4 can help you keep more of it…
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