Emily Roth

2 days ago | money.usnews.com | Melanie Pincus |Emily Roth |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways Your mortgage loan estimate will outline the terms and conditions of a lender's approximate offer. You should evaluate your mortgage loan estimate with an eye on affordability. You can get estimates from multiple lenders and compare terms. A mortgage loan estimate is a three-page document that outlines key terms of a mortgage loan that you could receive from a lender. You'll get a mortgage loan estimate after you apply for a loan but before you've been officially approved.

2 days ago | money.usnews.com | Jessica Merritt |Emily Roth |Ray Frager

Getty ImagesBe sure to pay your balance in full before interest charges apply, or you'll wipe out the value of your rewards. Key Takeaways You might be tempted to overspend for credit card rewards, especially when chasing a sign-up bonus. Carrying a balance can result in interest charges that quickly wipe out the value of rewards you've earned. Spending within your budget and paying off balances before interest charges apply is the best way to benefit from rewards.

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Mariah Ackary |Emily Roth |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways Double-dipping is a credit card strategy that involves linking your card purchases to at least two rewards programs to maximize your earnings. Some ways you can double-dip include purchasing items in your card issuer's shopping portal, joining a restaurant's rewards program or using cash back websites. Make it a priority to pay your balance in full each month so the extra rewards you've earned aren't eaten up by interest charges.

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Dawn Papandrea |Emily Roth |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways In May, Citi announced the Citi Strata℠ Card, a new iteration of its Citi Rewards+ Card, which it is phasing out this summer. For existing Citi Rewards+ cardholders, the card will reflect the changes on July 20, but new applicants will have to wait until later in the year to apply. The Citi Strata℠ Card offers top bonus rewards at supermarkets, select transit, gas and EV stations, and in a category of your choosing.

3 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Melanie Pincus |Emily Roth |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways Using auto-fill to make purchases online may be convenient, but it leaves your financial information vulnerable. Malicious browser extensions, phishing attacks and theft are all ways you could lose control of your information. Regardless of how you pay online, you should take precautions to protect your information and your devices. If your credit card information is stored in your internet browser so that you can input it via auto-fill, your financial information may not be secure.