Key takeaways Using a personal loan to pay off credit card debt could be a smart move if you can secure a lower rate or are juggling multiple credit card payments Paying off credit card debt with a personal loan may not be right for you if you’re overwhelmed by…

Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates rose this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.23%, up from 6.18% last 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 6.23%…

If you’re scrambling to compile tax documents as the filing deadline approaches, you’re not alone. A tax extension can offer welcome breathing room, but it also comes with rules and potential pitfalls that many taxpayers misunderstand. Knowing how long an extension lasts, what it does and doesn’t cover and what…

Credit card debt is one of the most common financial challenges couples face, and learning how to manage credit card debt together can strengthen both finances and relationships. Honest communication, shared financial goals, and a clear plan can turn tackling credit card debt together from a stressful situation into a…

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Holiday spending came in at the high end of projected ranges for 2025 despite numerous economic challenges. According to Mastercard, U.S. retail sales (excluding automotive) increased 3.9% year-over-year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21, 2025. CNBC and the National Retail Federation published a similar increase,…

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Key takeaways The Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set auto loan rates — but it does affect the cost for lenders to borrow money. The Federal funds rate was cut for a third and final time in 2025 and was not changed in the first meeting of 2026, so it currently…

Key takeaways An emergency fund helps ensure you can handle unplanned expenses, whether from a job loss or a substantial car repair or medical bill. Saving three to six months’ worth of essential expenses is often recommended, but individual circumstances may require saving more or less. Automating savings and using…

VIEW press/Contributor/Getty Images Wells Fargo is a financial institution that offers its customers personal, small business, commercial, corporate and investment banking solutions. There are currently around 5,600 branches and 11,000  ATMs nationwide. Wells Fargo Bank near me You can find a Wells Fargo retail banking branch near you by using…

Key takeaways Mobile banking alerts detect fraud faster than manual monitoring. The sooner you report unauthorized activity, the greater your chance of full reimbursement under federal law. Low balance alerts help you avoid overdraft fees, which average $26.77 per transaction in 2025, according to Bankrate’s checking account survey. Essential alerts…

You’ve heard of home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and home equity loans, which let you borrow against the value of your home, getting ready cash for renovations, debt consolidation or anything else. But jumping through the income-qualification hoops that characterize much home-based financing may be difficult for borrowers with…

Key takeaways The NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insures credit union deposits up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. NCUA insurance provides the same protection as FDIC insurance at banks. Both are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Joint accounts receive $250,000…

Key takeaways CD early withdrawal penalties typically cost 60 to 365 days of interest, with longer terms carrying steeper penalties. Breaking a CD early may be worth it if you need funds to avoid high-interest debt, make a major down payment, or lock in significantly higher rates. CD early withdrawal…

Key takeaways The Federal Reserve’s decisions significantly impact the economy, influencing borrowing costs for consumers, the job market and inflation. The Fed’s monetary policy has shifted significantly over the years, from combating high inflation in the 1980s to dealing with recessions and financial crises in the 2000s and 2010s. The…

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