Debt can either support financial growth or create long-term hardship. The outcome depends entirely on how it is used. Loans vs Credit Cards Loans typically involve fixed repayments and defined timelines, while credit cards offer revolving credit with higher interest rates if balances are not cleared. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s explanation of credit products … Read more
The national average rates for second mortgage products, such as home equity loans and lines of credit, continue to hold on to multi-year lows. With the Federal Reserve on an interest-rate-cut hold, the prime rate, a key pricing element of home equity lending, is likely to remain stable. The average HELOC rate is 7.25%, according … Read more
Find out which banks are offering the best MMA rates right now. As interest rates begin to fall following the Fed’s recent rate cuts, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re earning a competitive rate on your savings. One option you may want to consider is a money market account (MMA). These accounts are … Read more
Mortgage and refinance rates stepped higher following the Federal Reserve’s announcement to take a pause from rate cuts. According to Zillow, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose seven basis points to 6.00%. Meanwhile, the 15-year rate dropped two basis points to 5.45%. Here are the current mortgage rates, according to the latest Zillow data: 30-year … Read more
No movement in home equity rates, as the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at its first meeting of 2026. The $30,000 home equity line of credit and the five-year $30,000 home equity loan were flat for the week, remaining at 7.44% and 7.92%, respectively, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. As home equity … Read more
A smart personal finance strategy often involves earning some interest on your money while not taking on too much risk. These days, high-yield savings accounts are one viable option, with top rates reaching over 4% APY — significantly outpacing the current inflation rate of 2.7%. In addition to savings accounts, there are plenty of other … Read more
The U.S. 30-year Treasury Bond futures edged 1.18% higher in 2025, while the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) posted a marginal 0.19% decline. I asked where U.S. government bonds were heading in 2026 in a November 27, 2025, Barchart article, where I concluded with the following: I favor lower interest rates in 2026, but … Read more
If you’re looking for a way to earn a competitive return on your savings without locking up your money for years, an 18-month CD could be the sweet spot. This mid-term option offers higher interest rates than most savings accounts while giving you more flexibility than longer-term CDs. If you’re unsure where to begin, don’t … Read more
Mortgage rates have stepped slightly higher from recent lows. The average 30-year fixed rate, according to data compiled from the lender marketplace of Zillow, is now 6.00%. The 15-year fixed rate currently sits at 5.50%. It could be a great time to buy a house or refinance your existing mortgage. Here are the current mortgage … Read more
Today’s savings account rates still hover well above the national average. However, the Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate three times in 2025, which means deposit account rates are also on the decline. It’s more important than ever to ensure you’re earning the highest rate possible on your savings, and a high-yield savings account … Read more