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Optimism About Mortgage Rates Reaches a Record High: Fannie Mae
Americans’ attitudes about buying a home are steadily improving. In the latest national housing survey from the government-backed corporation Fannie Mae, respondents’ homebuying sentiment hit its highest levels in two years. The share of people who said they expect mortgage rates to decline over the next year reached an all-time high for a second month in a row.
Employers Have a New Way to Help Student Loan Borrowers Save for Retirement. Will They Use It?
Certain borrowers with access to workplace retirement plans may finally have a reason to look forward to paying their student loan bills — or at least dread them a bit less. Under rules that went into effect Jan. 1, employees may be able to have their monthly debt payments matched as contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, like a 401(k). In other words, some borrowers can, or will soon be able to, save for retirement by repaying their student loans.
People Are Falling Behind on Credit Card Bills and Auto Loans at an Alarming Rate
The rates of Americans behind on auto loan and credit card bills continue to rise — in fact, both are at the highest levels in more than 10 years. Rising delinquencies indicate that more people are in financial distress. When auto loan or credit card payments are missed, consumers dig themselves deeper into debt and see major drops in their credit scores, so it’s usually an outcome people try to absolutely avoid.
How Much Does a Cat Cost
If you’re considering acquiring a feline friend to add to your family, you may be wondering about the costs related to owning one. The cost of having a cat can depend on its age, breed and health conditions. It’s also important to know that cats can live upwards of 17 years and are a long-term commitment. Read on to explore the details surrounding the cost of owning a cat.
Dog Vomiting
When a dog throws up —whether it’s acute vomiting or a one time occurrence— it can understandably make dog owners feel concerned, even if the cause is not life-threatening. And because the causes for vomiting can range from everyday occurrences like food intolerance and motion sickness to more serious reasons like underlying issues with your dog’s health, you should know when it requires medical attention, as well as how to help them and what not to do.
Why More Americans Are Buying Annuities for Retirement
Sales of annuities, a financial product that can provide a lifetime income stream in retirement, are smashing records as Americans look to lock in high interest rates. Sales of one type of annuity in particular, fixed-rate deferred annuities, have more than tripled in the last two years, rising to $164.9 billion in 2023 up from just over $50 billion in both 2020 and 2021, according to trade association LIMRA.
Why the Fed Might Actually Raise Interest Rates Again Before Cutting Them
Interest rate cuts are top of mind around the country, for good reason. It's widely expected that the Federal Reserve will begin slashing rates later this year, and among the likely benefits will be cheaper mortgages, lower credit card APRs and a juiced stock market. But what if these expectations...
A New Bill Aims to Fix Social Security by Eliminating Taxes on Benefits
A small group of lawmakers wants to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits as part of a proposal they claim could help fund the flagging program. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., introduced the You Earned It, You Keep It Act in the House of Representatives in late January. It involves both sides of the taxation process: In addition to ending the federal taxes on the Social Security payments received by about 70 million Americans every month, the bill would also significantly increase how much of someone's wages are subject to Social Security taxes in a year.
Cost to Microchip a Dog
Microchipping is the process of inserting a small capsule under your dog’s skin for the purpose of registering them with a unique identification number. The microchip also includes your name, address, phone number and return instructions. Pet microchips are not GPS or tracking devices and cannot tell you your...
This New Credit Card Offer Comes With a Very Rare (and Valuable) Travel Bonus
Three Southwest credit cards are adding an excellent benefit to their welcome bonus: a year-long pass that lets you bring along a travel buddy on flights at no cost outside of taxes and fees. The new introductory offer consists of 30,000 points and a Southwest Airlines Companion Pass® after you...
Having 'Hot Parents' Could Make You Substantially Richer, New Study Finds
If time is money, well, then so is beauty. And that’s especially the case when it comes to... your parents?. In fact, yes. By having biologically “hot” parents, a new study finds, you’re estimated to earn substantially more money than people with regular 'rents — and far more than those with below-average-looking ones.
How This Year's Super Bowl Ads Could Influence Your Investing Decisions
Tuning into the Super Bowl this weekend? Think twice before opening your wallet during the commercial breaks. In the last several years, commercials for investing products have made a splash during the big game (remember FTX's infamous Larry David ad?). But the companies behind them aren’t paying millions of dollars for those spots just to make you laugh. They want your money, and they have sneaky ways of getting it.
What Is a Balance Transfer and How Does It Work?
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), 82% of American adults have at least one credit card and, in 2023, their debt so far has surpassed $1 trillion. A balance transfer is a popular way to manage this kind of debt and reduce what consumers pay in interest. But what is a balance transfer and how does it work? Is it the best option to free yourself from debt?
How Your College Major Affects Whether You Have Enough Money for Retirement
When it comes time for young people to make decisions about higher education, growing a sufficient retirement fund probably isn’t first on their list of priorities — but the findings of a recent working paper suggest they’d be wise to at least consider it. Clinical professors Frank...
Are Adjustable-Rate Mortgages a Good Move Right Now?
Adjustable-rate mortgages are often overlooked by home buyers, but thanks to high interest rates and shifting economic environments, experts say these lesser-used loans could be an attractive option for some borrowers. As the name suggests, adjustable-rate mortgages are a type of loan where the interest rate changes over time. When...
CD Rates Are Starting to Drop. Is It Too Late to Buy?
Payouts from certificates of deposit (CDs) are already beginning to fall in anticipation of benchmark interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve later this year. Due to their attractive APYs, CDs have become an increasingly popular, safe option for folks to park their savings. However, the days of CD rates above 5% are probably numbered. In recent weeks, several major online banks, including Ally, Barclays, Discover, Marcus, Sallie Mae and Synchrony, have started slashing their 12-month CD rates.
How Much Does It Cost to Neuter a Cat?
There are many reasons why you should spay/neuter your cat. Besides controlling the cat population, it can prevent uterine infections as well as ovary and testicular cancer. When adopting a cat, it’s important to include the cost of spaying or neuter procedures into your budget. But what is the...
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?
Dogs have many behaviors that can tell us things about their health. One of those behaviors is excessive paw licking. While some paw licking is normal, persistent licking can mean something is wrong. The guide below covers the common reasons dogs lick their paws and when you should see a...
Here’s What Will Happen When the Fed (Eventually) Cuts Interest Rates
While the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged Wednesday, there’s a tone shift happening and a chance that the first rate cut in four years could be announced in March. Officials on the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) removed a piece of language from their meeting statement about...
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Dogs
Fleas are not only a nuisance, but they also represent a threat to both dogs and dog owners if not dealt with promptly and effectively. There are different measures you can implement to both treat your dog once infested and prevent future flea infestations, some of which we cover below. Read on to learn what you can do to get rid of dog fleas in all of their life stages.
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