Whitney Blair Wyckoff

Washington, D.C.

Managing Editor at U.S. News and World Report

@USnews managing editor for credit cards, loans and banking. French enthusiast. Historical YA author. Chicago native. Views are my own.

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Articles

How Does Debt Settlement Work?

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways Debt settlement, debt relief, debt negotiation, debt adjustment and debt resolution all refer to the same thing – persuading a creditor to accept less than you owe as payment in full. You can attempt debt settlement yourself or hire a debt settlement company. Debt settlement isn't guaranteed, and companies are not required to negotiate with you. But many will. What is debt settlement?
Pacific Debt Inc. Review 2025

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

Editor’s NoteDebt settlement, sometimes called debt relief or debt resolution, is a service in which companies negotiate with your creditors to reduce the total amount you owe. It can be expensive and have tax implications. Make sure you exhaust other options, including working with a nonprofit credit counselor or even negotiating with your creditors directly, before considering debt settlement.
'Liberation Day' Tariffs Could Shackle Homebuyers | Mortgages | U.S. News

2 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Erika Giovanetti |Gina Freeman |Whitney Blair Wyckoff

Here's how Trump's latest tariffs could impact mortgage rates and homebuilding costs in a market that's already fraught with affordability woes.
Personal Loan vs. Bail Bond: Which Is Better to Get out of Jail?

3 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Ray Frager |Whitney Blair Wyckoff

Key Takeaways If you're charged with a crime, you may be required to post bail to get out of jail before your court date. Three common types of bail bonds include cash, surety bonds and property bonds. Bail bonds are not loans. They are guarantees. Being charged with a crime is probably not going to make your day. But the experience gets worse if you find yourself navigating the bail system.
Why All the Hate for Adjustable-Rate Mortgages?

4 weeks ago | money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways Adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, can save you money when their starting rates are lower than fixed mortgages. In atypical economic conditions, ARM rates can be higher than fixed rates. When rates drop, borrowers with ARMs can benefit without refinancing. When interest rates rise, homebuyers look for ways to make their purchases more affordable. And that means adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs, are on the table. But today's ARM rates are all over the place.
What Happens When You're Clear to Close

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Sarah Brodsky |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways "Clear to close" is a phrase lenders use to indicate that you've met your home loan's requirements and are ready to schedule closing. It's not a guarantee that your loan will be funded. You'll review your closing disclosure, schedule a walkthrough of the property and make an appointment to sign your final documents. Once you are cleared to close, stay in close contact with your lender and follow instructions. Avoid making major changes to your finances.
What Student Loan Protections Can We Lose if the CFPB Goes Away?

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Melanie Lockert |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, helps oversee student loan protections for borrowers. The federal agency is under threat, and its future is uncertain. If the CFPB goes away, there may be less lender and loan servicer oversight. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, is a federal agency that helps protect consumers from financial harm. For millions of student loan borrowers, the CFPB has curbed predatory lenders and loan servicers.
FHA Streamline Refinance Without Appraisal, Minimum Credit Score or Income Qualifying

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Richard Barrington |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways Poor credit, limited income and no equity don't usually prevent you from refinancing with an FHA streamline refinance. You can refinance without an appraisal. Lower your interest rate, change your loan term or switch from an adjustable- to a fixed-rate mortgage. Refinancing your mortgage can be a valuable financial move. It can make it easier to afford your monthly payments and/or lower the long-term cost of your mortgage. Too often, though, people face obstacles to refinancing.
What's So Special About a Fixed Rate HELOC?

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Peter Warden |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Gina Freeman

Key Takeaways With a fixed-rate HELOC, you have the option to fix the rate on some or all your balance during the loan's term. There may be limits on how many times you can fix your rate or how many fixes can be current at any one time. A fixed rate can protect you when general interest rates are rising. However, with some fixed-rate HELOCs, you can end up paying a higher rate than necessary if rates fall.
Your Realtor Has a Preferred Mortgage Lender. Here's Why You Should Think Twice

1 month ago | money.usnews.com | Gina Freeman |Whitney Blair Wyckoff |Ray Frager

Key Takeaways Real estate agents commonly refer mortgage lenders to their clients. That's not necessarily bad, as long as they follow the law. But you might not get the best deal on a loan. It's always smart to get a second opinion or three when you shop for a home loan.