-
4 days ago | 
money.usnews.com | Kim Porter |Gina Freeman
National Average Mortgage RatesRates data is based on a borrower with good credit, a conforming loan amount (at least $200,000 but less than the national conforming loan amount), and a loan-to-value ratio of less than 80% (For purchase loans, this corresponds to a down payment of 20% or more). © Zillow, Inc., 2006-2016.
-
4 days ago | 
money.usnews.com | Dawn Papandrea |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman
National Average Mortgage RatesRates data is based on a borrower with good credit, a conforming loan amount (at least $200,000 but less than the national conforming loan amount), and a loan-to-value ratio of less than 80% (For purchase loans, this corresponds to a down payment of 20% or more). © Zillow, Inc., 2006-2016.
-
2 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Gina Freeman |Whitney Blair Wyckoff
Getty ImagesAn auto repair loan is a personal loan used to cover vehicle repair costs. Key Takeaways Auto repair loans are personal loans that cover expenses related to car repairs. Car repair loans can provide fast financing and typically come with lower APRs than credit cards. Borrowers may get prequalified risk-free and should be aware of interest rates, repayment terms and origination fees.
-
3 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Richard Barrington |Gina Freeman |Ray Frager
Key Takeaways Economic uncertainty has caused many Americans to hold off on buying a home. History shows that if you're holding out for substantially lower home prices or mortgage rates, you may have a long wait. The more secure you can be about your own finances, the less you need to rely on trying to guess what the economy will do. Every day seems to bring discouraging news for would-be homebuyers. New tariffs could bring higher inflation and slower growth.
-
3 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Ray Frager |Whitney Blair Wyckoff
Key Takeaways Debt settlement means paying less than you owe to close out an account balance. Many consumers hire debt settlement companies or attorneys to help them negotiate debt. You may be able to save money by negotiating with creditors yourself. Debt settlement is one solution for unaffordable debt, and there are lawyers and companies that settle debt for their clients.
-
3 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Peter Warden |Colin Hogan |Gina Freeman
Getty ImagesA trustworthy lender is just as important as a low interest rate. Key Takeaways Online lenders tend to offer the lowest rates, but you'll want to thoroughly research your options. If your bank or credit union's offer is close to the best, you may be more comfortable going with it. Avoid red flags like high origination fees, pressure to sign up quickly or failure to disclose the loan's APR upfront. This is not a time to borrow casually.
-
3 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Richard Barrington |Gina Freeman |Ray Frager
Getty ImagesThe New York Fed discovered that banks with higher operating expenses generally charge higher interest rates on credit cards. Key Takeaways A new study found that credit card advertising can contribute significantly to the rates cards charge. Choosing a credit card simply because you remember its commercials can cost you. You can avoid paying for credit card ads by comparison shopping and keeping your balance down. Why are credit card rates so high?
-
4 weeks ago | 
money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Peter Warden |Ray Frager
On May 6, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced it will no longer prioritize enforcement actions taken on buy now, pay later transactions, in accordance with a Biden-era rule that classified BNPL providers as credit card issuers subject to the Truth in Lending Act.
-
1 month ago | 
money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Ray Frager |Whitney Blair Wyckoff
Key Takeaways The term "debt relief" or "debt resolution" generally refers to several ways you might restructure debt to make it more affordable. Debt relief options include debt consolidation, debt management, debt settlement (also called debt resolution or debt negotiation) and bankruptcy. Some debt relief solutions are riskier or more drastic than others. It's generally best to choose the most conservative option that will solve your problem.
-
1 month ago | 
money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Gina Freeman |Ray Frager
Key Takeaways A rate and term refinance replaces your previous mortgage with a new loan that has a different rate, a different term or both. You can use a rate and term refinance to switch from one type of loan to another, such as going from an FHA loan to a conventional loan or from an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. If you want to use your refi to consolidate debts or access money for repairs or other expenses, consider a cash-out refinance or limited cash-out refinance.
