Melanie Lockert

New York

💰 Writer, creator: Dear Debt, paid off $81k 🧠 Host @mentalhandw show 🧚‍♀️ Founder @lolaretreat 👀 Featured in NY Times & Marketwatch

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Articles

Which CD term is the most beneficial ahead of rate cuts? Savings experts weigh in

1 week ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Angelica Leicht

In recent years, certificate of deposit (CD) accounts have provided savers with predictable returns and attractive annual percentage yields (APYs). During this time, the Federal Reserve has been working to fend off stubborn inflation, keeping the federal funds rate relatively high, despite rate cuts in 2024 — and that has helped keep CD rates elevated.
What Is a Mortgage Origination Fee?

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Gina Freeman |Whitney Blair Wyckoff

Key Takeaways A mortgage origination fee can be part of your home loan closing costs. The fee covers loan processing, underwriting, funding, document preparation and other services. Lenders may charge a percentage of the loan amount or a flat fee. Your mortgage loan estimate may include a charge for loan origination. This fee represents the cost to administer your application, and it varies by lender.
Are annuities safe if the market crashes? Experts weigh in

2 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Matt Richardson

Though inflation has been decreasing, higher costs have had a major impact on the lives of many Americans, including seniors in or approaching retirement. Increased costs, as well as market uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and other economic fears have many retirees on edge and nervous about what's next. For those who are relying on their investment portfolios, the prospect of a stock market crash can be especially unsettling when time isn't exactly on your side.
Student loan moves to make for the fall 2025 semester

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Angelica Leicht

The school year has ended and summer vacation is here. While it can be a time to relax and enjoy a break from your studies, getting your student loan financing in order now to prepare for the fall 2025 college semester can be a smart move. Whether you're entering college for the first time or enrolling for another year, paying for your tuition costs and fees is crucial to continuing your education without any interruptions or hurdles.
How to determine HELOC affordability in today's changing rate climate

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Angelica Leicht

The Federal Reserve is dealing with a delicate balancing act, trying to do what's necessary to lower inflation without wreaking havoc on the economy. In pursuit of those economic goals, the Fed has maintained the federal funds rate at its current level throughout 2025 to counteract the inflation that has plagued Americans over the past several years. While the hope is that this strategy will smooth things out in the long term, borrowers are bearing the brunt of this choice in the short term.
Where are HELOC rates heading in the second half of 2025?

3 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Angelica Leicht

The average home equity amount currently stands at $313,000, according to the March 2025 Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) Mortgage Monitor report. Homeowners who want flexible access to financing can turn to a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which leverages their existing home equity and turns it into a line of credit that can be drawn from as an affordable financing option. For more than a year, HELOC interest rates have been steadily decreasing, even reaching a two-year low at one point.
This Unusual Loan Can Help You Boost Your Credit Score

3 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Bob Musinski |Melanie Lockert |Sebastian Oliveira |Whitney Blair Wyckoff

Key Takeaways A credit-builder loan helps consumers with a limited or blemished payment history establish credit. Customers make monthly payments, which are reported to credit bureaus. At the end of the term, they receive the loan proceeds. Credit-builder loans aren't widely available at major banks, but there are a range of options at credit unions and online lenders. Building a credit history isn't as simple as securing a conventional loan and paying it off.
LendingUSA Personal Loans Review

4 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Jessica Merritt |Emily Hayes

Company OverviewLendingUSA isn't a traditional personal loan provider. It's a point-of-sale financing platform for merchants to help their customers finance goods and services. The Sherman Oaks, California-based company has over 10,000 merchant partners in medical, health care, funeral, veterinary and other industries. LendingUSA says applicants should have a credit score of at least 620.
Will home equity loan and HELOC rates drop this June? Experts weigh in

4 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Matt Richardson

The latest inflation reading showed a decline to 2.3%, heading closer to the Federal Reserve's 2% target. But that good news may be short-lived and ongoing economic uncertainty threatens to upend that downward trajectory. The Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate paused as it believes the risks of higher unemployment and inflation have increased. With no rate cuts, the borrowing landscape continues to be costly with elevated interest rates.
Is a short- or long-term CD better this June? Here's what experts think.

4 weeks ago | cbsnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Matt Richardson

While the Federal Reserve continues to uphold the current federal funds rate, savers can maximize their returns in this high-rate environment. A certificate of deposit account (CD) comes with a fixed interest rate so you can lock in returns for a set term. In normal circumstances, long CD terms would provide the most competitive Annual Percentage Yield (APY). However, in these uncertain times, there's a notable switch, and short-term CD accounts are providing the highest interest rates.