Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Home equity rates fell this week, reaching their lowest levels in about three years. The $30,000 home equity line of credit fell one basis point to 7.31%, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the five-year $30,000 home equity loan fell three basis points…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates fell again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.09%, down from 6.16% 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…
Traditionally, all tip income was taxable, and workers had to report any cash tips exceeding $20 per month to their employer. But in 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill introduced temporary exemptions: individuals can deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their income if they meet all the qualifications (though…
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the mortgage interest deduction limits established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were made permanent. For loans taken out after December 15, 2017, taxpayers may deduct interest on up to $750,000 of combined mortgage debt across primary and secondary residences. Mortgages…
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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…
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The President’s proposal to cap credit card rates at a maximum of 10% over the next year has gotten a lot of attention in the midst of a national affordability crisis. It’s understandable. Rates are flashy, and it sounds good to talk about bringing them…
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By Julie Jaggernath If you’ve been spending your time shoveling snow recently, try using it as a chance to think about what money…
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Pulling money out of a trust can feel straightforward, but the tax consequences are often anything but. Depending on how the trust is set up and what type of funds you withdraw, a distribution could be tax-free, or it could come with an unexpected tax bill. Many people assume that…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Slight gains for home equity rates in the latest week. The $30,000 home equity line of credit rose one basis point to 7.32%, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the five-year $30,000 home equity loan gained two basis points to 7.92%. Even with…
Key takeaways Debt consolidation can simplify your finances and potentially lower your interest rate. There may be upfront costs that can offset potential savings. People with good credit may qualify for better loan terms, making consolidation a good option. Debt consolidation involves combining several debts — such as credit cards,…
Key takeaways There’s no universal “right amount” for a savings account, but most people need three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund plus cash for any short-term goals — and not much more than that. Money sitting in a traditional savings account earning the national average of…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates fell this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.16%, down from 6.23% 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 6.16%…
Key takeaways Refinancing your mortgage can help you lower your rate, access your home’s equity or move to a fixed-rate loan. For most homeowners, the best time to refinance is when you qualify for a lower rate than you’re currently paying. If you want to refinance, calculate the break-even point…
Key takeaways Bank accounts with named beneficiaries (called “payable-on-death” or POD designations) transfer directly to those people — no court involvement, no waiting. The beneficiary just needs a death certificate and valid ID. Joint accounts with rights of survivorship automatically belong to the surviving owner, though FDIC coverage drops from…
Donald Trump and his administration have made a lot of big promises to improve affordability since taking office. Those promises have ramped up as consumers increasingly feel pinched by the U.S. economy, from sticky inflation and a stagnant job market to high interest rates. The macroeconomic data broadly suggests that…
In the journey of a relationship, finances play a pivotal role that can either strengthen a couple’s bond or lead to significant stress. While every partnership is unique, identifying financial red flags early can prevent them from escalating into a crisis. Whether you are newlyweds or have been together for…
Buying your first home can be thrilling, but it can also be stressful. After all, it’s likely one of the most impactful financial decisions you’ll make. Keeping yourself informed can make the experience of getting a mortgage much smoother — so before you get started, consider this list of major…
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