The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and, often, a lot of expenses. As the festivities wind down, many find themselves facing the reality of depleted bank accounts, credit card debt, and the daunting task of rebuilding their financial safety nets. An emergency fund serves as a…

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Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate A construction loan is a short-term, high-interest loan used to finance building a home. Funds are paid out in phases over the course of construction and typically cover land, materials, contractor labor and permits. They tend to…

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Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Home equity rates were unchanged in the latest week, holding at their lowest point in two years. The $30,000 home equity line of credit stayed at 7.81%, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the benchmark five-year $30,000 home equity loan also didn’t budge,…

Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates jumped higher this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.37%, up from 6.29% the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low…

At a time of sticky inflation and a softening job market, extra money in the bank can serve as a lifeline for many consumers. Yet 8 in 10 Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year, a new Bankrate survey found, leaving them in no better financial position to…

Key Takeaways: Transition Challenges: Veterans face unique financial challenges when transitioning from military to civilian life, including employment hurdles, healthcare costs, and housing instability. Employment and Economic Stability: Despite strong leadership skills, veterans often encounter unemployment or underemployment due to skill mismatches. Support from programs like VETS and the GI…

Good news for those looking for more affordable housing: Rents keep falling. In October, rents fell for the 27th straight month year-over-year and the third consecutive month-over-month according to Realtor.com’s October Rental Report. The median asking rent for a 0-2 bedroom property in the 50 largest U.S. metros was $1,969,…

Key takeaways Saving builds security, flexibility, and freedom — not just a rainy-day fund. Cash reserves protect you from financial stress and open doors to opportunity. The earlier you start saving, the easier it is to reach your life and retirement goals. Most people know they should save. But understanding…

PeopleImages/Getty Images Key takeaways CDs are among the safest places to keep your money, but early withdrawals or inflation can erode returns. FDIC or NCUA insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. Smart CD strategies — like laddering or using no-penalty CDs — can help you avoid losses…

Key takeaways Mobile banking is secure when you use official apps and follow best practices. Major banks invest billions in cybersecurity, but user habits still matter. With the right steps — like multi-factor authentication and strong passwords — mobile banking can be safer than visiting a branch. Mobile banking is…

Kseniya Ovchinnikova / Getty Images Business owners often have startup or major costs that come with investing in their businesses. A credit card with a 0 percent intro APR offer can buy you time to pay off a big purchase without accruing interest. As long as you pay off the…

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