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Sep 16, 2024 | 
time.com | Sara Coleman |Gianetta Palmer |Paige Cerulli |Brianna E. Kaplan |Stephanie Faris Berry
I spent hours as a teen with over-ear headphones, blasting music into my ears. While AirPods didn’t exist yet, earbuds certainly did, but I never found them comfortable until I got older. What I do remember vividly was the ache I’d get in my ears after just 30 minutes wearing those headphones. Flash forward to this year. The second I picked up the Jabra Evolve2 65 headphones, I knew technology had improved.
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Sep 10, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer |Lynnae Freeman |Adam Clement |Katelyn Peters
This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here.
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Aug 16, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer |Deborah Kearns
This content is created by AP Buyline in accordance with AP’s editorial guidelines and supervised and edited by AP staff. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about AP Buyline here. Updated August 27, 2024In a nutshellA real estate attorney handles the legal paperwork associated with a home purchase, including contracts, titles and other financial documents.
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Aug 16, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer |Will Kenton
In a nutshellA 401(k) is a retirement plan offered by an employer but mainly funded through contributions from an employee. In contrast, a pension plan is usually financed by the employer. A 401(k) plan’s value often rises and falls due to employee contributions and economic volatility. A pension plan is guaranteed income for the life of the retiree. 401(k)s have largely replaced pension plans as most employees' primary source of retirement income.
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Jul 23, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer
In a nutshellThe cost of flights can vary a lot depending on when you book them. While booking early can generally save you money, there are also a number of other factors to consider if you’re looking for the best deal. Cheaper fares for domestic and international destinations may be found midweek — though this has not been proven. You can expect to pay the most for a flight the closer you get to the departure date.
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Jul 15, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer |Will Kenton
In a nutshellWhen considering a new home purchase, prospective homebuyers should plan to spend no more than 28% of their gross monthly income on a mortgage payment. Mortgage payments typically include principal, interest and escrow payments, among other fees. Credit history, monthly income and total debt are key indicators used by mortgage lenders before offering loans to prospective buyers. Other monthly bills should be factored in when determining how much of a monthly payment you can afford.
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May 21, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer
In a nutshellStudent loans are a viable option for those looking to pay the high costs of college, but borrowing too much money can cause financial problems down the road. There are generally two types of student loans: federal student loans and private student loans. Repayment of student loans typically begins six months after graduation. Applicants should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin the federal loan process.
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May 14, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Gianetta Palmer
In a nutshellHealth savings accounts (HSAs) are savings accounts used by those with high-deductible health plans to help pay for qualified medical expenses before a deductible is met. HSAs offer favorable tax benefits for those who participate. Not all who have high deductible health plans qualify for HSAs.HSAs roll over from year to year.
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May 1, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Holly Johnson |Jean Folger |Ashley Kilroy |Gianetta Palmer
In a nutshellVA loans help veterans, active duty military members and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners through various means, including buying an existing home or building a new one. While VA loans are partially guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these home loans are offered through private lenders. The fact VA loans are backed by a government agency means buyers get access to favorable loan terms.
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Apr 29, 2024 | 
apnews.com | Jean Folger |Holly Johnson |Ashley Kilroy |Gianetta Palmer
In a nutshellOnce you're under contract, closing on a house takes about 42 days, but buyer financing issues, low appraisals and other setbacks can slow down the process. Mortgage underwriting is usually the most time-consuming step in the closing process. Having your finances in order, getting mortgage preapproval and responding quickly to lender requests can speed up the process. What should you look for when buying a house?
