Category: Personal Finance

5.25% APY is the new savings rate to beat

Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. These accounts pay 5.25% APY and there are no minimum balance requirements to earn interest. PeopleImages/Getty Images The highest rate on the market right…

At $10,000 per year, the cost of childcare is ‘a crisis,’ and it’s set to get worse in September

Our experts answer readers’ investing questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess investing products). Paid non-client promotion: In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners. Our opinions are always our own. The American Rescue Plan Act included funding for childcare that will end in September. Halfpoint Images/Getty It costs an average of over $10,000 a year for childcare in the…

The average refinance closing costs for a mortgage, by state

Our experts answer readers’ home-buying questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess mortgages). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. The average closing costs are about 3% to 6% of your mortgage’s principal. Inti St Clair/Getty Images In 2021 the average refinance closing costs in the US were $2,375 without taxes, according to…

Best Roadside Assistance Plans of 2023

Our experts answer readers’ insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Getting stuck on the side of the road because of a flat tire, car issue, or lack of fuel can be a stressful experience. One thing that can help out in such…

The Best No-penalty CDs of April 2023

Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. Most CDs charge you a fee if you need to withdraw money from your account before it matures. But with a no-penalty CD, you…

The Best 5-year CD Rates for April 2023

Our experts answer readers’ banking questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess banking products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. The national average APY (Annual Percentage Yield) on a 5-year CD is 1.35% APY. However, the best 5-year CD rates offer up to 4.50%…

Best 5% Cash Back Credit Cards of April 2023

Our experts answer readers’ credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. 5% cash back has become the gold standard for credit card rewards, and using a card that earns 5 points per dollar is…

Amex is offering 5x bonus rewards at US supermarkets when you refer a friend to open a card, but only...

Our experts answer readers’ credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. Amex cardholders can earn 5x rewards at US supermarkets when they refer a friend for a card. Johner Images/Getty Eligible American Express cardholders…

How to invest in a startup

Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. Crowdfunding platforms are the easiest way for the average person to invest in startups. Carlina Teteris/Getty Images Startup investment opportunities used to be…

California Casualty Auto Insurance Review 2023

Our experts answer readers’ insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. California Casualty offers auto and homeowners insurance to teachers, nurses, firefighters, and other heroes. Its partnership with MexPro also provides auto insurance for heroes traveling to Mexico. California Casualty Auto Insurance –…

American Family Insurance Life Insurance Review 2023

Our experts answer readers’ insurance questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. American Family Insurance offers permanent and term life insurance products, including plans for children and seniors. Agents can bundle life with auto, home, and other insurance policies in some states. At its…

Today’s Mortgage and Refinance Rates: March 5, 2023 | High Rates are Pushing Buyers out of the Market Again

Our experts answer readers’ home-buying questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess mortgages). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Homebuying demand experienced a brief uptick as mortgage rates dropped in January. But now that rates have been steadily increasing this month, that demand has once again started to evaporate. Applications for purchase…

Today’s Mortgage and Refinance Rates: March 4, 2023 | Rates Steady After Inching up all Week

Our experts answer readers’ home-buying questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess mortgages). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. After spending most of the week increasing, mortgage rates have steadied somewhat — though they remain around 20 basis points higher than they were a week ago, according to Zillow data.  Rates have…

The Best Identity Theft Protection Services of March 2023

Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. You may be doing everything in the book to lock down your identity. Each of your accounts has a different password with various…

The Best Online Brokers for Free Stock Trading of March 2023

Our experts choose the best products and services to help make smart decisions with your money (here’s how). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. The best online brokerages for free stock trading typically offer $0 account minimums or low minimum requirements, commission-free trading, investment education and/or market research,…

Best Credit Card Reviews of March 2023

Our experts answer readers’ credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. We review credit cards that earn cash back, airline miles, hotel points, and flexible rewards to help you find the right one for…

The Best Credit Cards for Average or Fair Credit of March 2023

Our experts answer readers’ credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page. According to myFICO.com, an average FICO score is any score that falls between 580 to 669 on a 300 to 850 scale. FICO…

The best lenders for FHA loans in March 2023

Our experts answer readers’ home-buying questions and write unbiased product reviews (here’s how we assess mortgages). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. If you aren’t sure if you can qualify for a mortgage because your credit isn’t great, you might be able to buy a home with an FHA mortgage. These mortgages are geared toward…

The housing market’s biggest shocker: Your rent may actually fall this year

The apartment market is “rapidly shifting in favor of renters,” and that means tenants can expect lower rent and a lot of new perks. Robyn Phelps/Insider Tenants are finally gaining power in the housing market It’s been a painful couple of years for renters. Discounts from early in the pandemic, for those lucky enough to nab them, eventually gave way to hefty rent hikes. Lines…

Fun stuff you can do with the Capital One EnterpriseOne 40,000-mile bonus

Our specialists reply readers’ bank card questions and write unbiased product opinions (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some circumstances, we obtain a fee from our partners; nonetheless, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to affords listed on this web page. You can use Capital One miles to guide Vacasa trip properties like these in Big Sky, Montana — simply outdoors the Yellowstone…

How to Earn, Use, and Maximize Capital One Miles in 2023

Our consultants reply readers’ bank card questions and write unbiased product critiques (here’s how we assess credit cards). In some instances, we obtain a fee from our partners; nevertheless, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to gives listed on this web page. Capital One has been hyper-focused on self-improvement in current years. It’s got among the best credit cards for incomes journey and different…

US could default on debt as soon as June: analysis

The U.S. could default on the nationwide debt as soon as June if lawmakers and the White House don’t strike a deal to lift the federal borrowing restrict, in accordance with projections released Wednesday by outstanding non-partisan suppose tank The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC), which intently tracked the debt ceiling, issued new projections Wednesday of the “X-Date,” the date at which the Treasury Department will…

Current ARM rates: 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year ARM rates today

Our consultants reply readers’ home-buying questions and write unbiased product opinions (here’s how we assess mortgages). In some circumstances, we obtain a fee from our partners; nevertheless, our opinions are our own. When mortgage rates are high, debtors usually flip to adjustable-rate mortgages to save cash. Check out today’s ARM rates to see how rates are presently trending. What are present ARM rates? So far…

How often should my dog go to the vet?

Our specialists reply readers’ insurance coverage questions and write unbiased product critiques (here’s how we assess insurance products). In some circumstances, we obtain a fee from our partners; nevertheless, our opinions are our own. Regular vet visits are important to keep your pet wholesome and keep away from costly therapies later Vets supply telehealth and different versatile care and therapy choices Minor signs might flip…

TurboTax Review 2023

Our consultants reply readers’ tax questions and write unbiased product critiques (here’s how we assess tax products). In some instances, we obtain a fee from our partners; nonetheless, our opinions are our own. While many people dread tax season, I discover it to be an thrilling time of year. I get a flurry of types and paperwork telling me how a lot cash I revamped…