Melanie Lockert

1 day 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.

3 days 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.

3 days 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.

4 days 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.

1 week 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.