Key takeaways Decisions made by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark rate do not directly impact auto loans but rather the cost for banks to lend. The higher the Fed sets rates, the higher auto loan rates will likely be. The Fed made its third and last rate cut…

Key takeaways The Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set auto loan rates — but it does affect the cost for lenders to borrow money. The Federal funds rate was cut for a third and final time in 2025 and was not changed in the first meeting of 2026, so it currently…

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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Key takeaways Your credit card APR can go up if the prime rate changes, you paid your credit card bill late, your intro APR offer ended or your credit score dropped. If your APR increases, you can work on paying down your balance or transfer…

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Key takeaways Investing both time and cash could score you free cryptocurrency and NFTs. Cryptocurrency developers sometimes offer free coins or NFTs to promote their projects, though you’ll need to watch out for scams. You can leverage financial tools like savings accounts, brokerage accounts and credit cards to get crypto…

Key takeaways A divorce decree outlines which spouse is legally responsible for each debt after the divorce is completed. States either have community property or common law marriages, and these laws determine how marital debt is split after divorce. The divorce settlement agreement doesn’t override your legal obligation to a…

Key takeaways Tax lien investing is a potentially high-yielding — but risky — real estate investment strategy. Investors cover an unpaid property tax bill upfront and are then responsible for collecting from the property’s owner. Tax lien investing is subject to location-specific regulations, and not all states allow private investors…

Key takeaways Financial consultants develop strategic financial plans for clients based on their specific needs and goals. If you have a more complex financial situation or need help with important money matters, a financial consultant may be a good fit for you. Be sure to verify credentials, fee structure and…

Key takeaways Variable annuities offer regular payouts in exchange for a lump sum or series of premium payments. These annuities pay a different amount each month depending on the performance of their underlying investments. While they offer growth potential, variable annuities carry increased risk compared to fixed annuities. Variable annuities…

Ariel Skelley/Getty Images Key Takeaways Only 8% of Americans visited bank branches as their primary banking method in 2024, but 66% still value having branches in their neighborhoods. Physical branches offer unique services like safe deposit boxes, notary services, and large cash deposits that online banks can’t match. Face-to-face relationships…

Key takeaways Based on the 28/36 rule, you should aim to spend a maximum of $2,333 per month on your housing costs if you earn $100,000 each year. If you’re trying to budget for buying a home on a $100,000 salary, pay close attention to how much of your earnings…

Key takeaways To prepare for getting a mortgage, figure out what you can realistically afford, how much you’ll have saved for a down payment and if you need to improve your credit score before applying. Comparing offers from multiple lenders — at least three — could save you a significant…

Key takeaways Significant home renovations can impact the value of your home, and you may need to adjust your homeowners insurance accordingly. Adding square footage or valuable upgrades could increase your insurance premium. Renovations that reduce your risk of a claim, like a roof replacement or new security system, could…

StacieStauffSmith Photos/Shutterstock Key takeaways An easement is a legal right to use part of someone else’s property for a specific purpose, such as a shared driveway or utility access. Easements are typically documented in property records and often remain in place even if the property changes owners. Easements can be…

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