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☆ 60% of Americans say reaching this milestone makes them financially successful—it's not becoming a millionaire
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Most Americans don't think they need to be millionaires in order to achieve financial success. Fewer than 20% of Americans define being "financially successful" as "being a millionaire," according to Bankrate's 2024 Financial Success survey. Nearly 60% of Americans say they would feel financially successful if they were able to "live comfortably," according to the survey. "Salary is often not the best barometer for financial success," Foster says. Increased prices for everyday necessities such as food and housing may also shape the way Americans picture financial success.

Persons: Gen, Sarah Foster, Bankrate's, wouldn't, Foster Organizations: Millionaires, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ I bought my first home this year: 7 things I wish I'd done before getting serious about my search
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-20 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

When my partner and I signed a two-year lease to move into our second New York City apartment together in 2021, we agreed that the next place we lived in would be ours. New York City is where I grew up, and I am not ready to give up my status as a "passenger princess" — yes, I'm 31 and don't have a driver's license. "There are four things that go into getting a mortgage: your credit, your income, your assets, and the property," Forbes says. The application process for a program like the New York City HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program or the NYS AHC grant can take several months. My partner and I bought a co-op, which is very common in New York City.

Persons: We've, Dave Forbes, Forbes, you've, Z, Gen Zers, millennials, wouldn't Organizations: New, Chase, NYS, Qualtrics, National Association of Housing Cooperatives, Rocket Mortgage Locations: New York City, Riverdale, Bronx , New York, Manhattan, Midtown, New York State, New York, That's, millennials, .

☆ 1 in 7 Gen Z credit card users are ‘maxed out’
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Ariel Barnes plunged into a credit card debt spiral in college, and a decade later she’s yet to escape. Barnes, a manager of gift processing at Jackson State University, has maxed out seven credit cards and is struggling to make minimum payments on $30,000 of credit card debt. Roughly one in seven (15.3%) Gen Z credit card borrowers have maxed out their credit cards, according to new research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. For instance, the median Gen Z borrower’s credit limit is just $4,500, compared with $16,300 for Millennials and $21,800 for Gen X, the NY Fed said. There’s never a good time to carry a credit card balance, but right now is arguably the worst time.

Persons: CNN — Ariel Barnes, Barnes, ” Barnes, Baby Boomer, Xers, ”, “ I’ve, Zers, Ted Rossman, Gregory Daco, ” Daco, haven’t, X, it’s, There’s, That’s, Daco, CNN’s Alicia Wallace Organizations: CNN, Jackson State University, Federal Reserve Bank of New, Fed, NY Fed, Bankrate.com, Wall, NY, Federal Locations: Jackson , Mississippi, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

☆ Buckle up America: Powell says interest rates will likely stay higher for longer as inflation stubbornly refuses to come down
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewInflation and interest rates are still high, but Americans shouldn't count on any relief just yet. Advertisement"The status of the battle against inflation requires that interest rates remain elevated in the near-term," Hamrick said. "The first quarter in the United States was notable for its lack of further progress on inflation," Powell said during the panel. But while job seekers and workers may find this cooldown concerning, that moderation is also welcome and the labor market is still strong. "Paired with high borrowing costs — like high interest rates on your credit cards — and the current economy can feel quite uncomfortable," Renter added.

Persons: —, That's, Mark Hamrick, Hamrick, Jerome Powell, Powell, Joanne Hsu, Nick Bunker, Ted Rossman, Rossman, Elizabeth Renter, Renter, it's Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI, Business, Federal, University of Michigan, North America Locations: Amsterdam, United States, —

☆ Credit card delinquencies rise as more Gen Z cardholders are maxed out, New York Fed research shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Over the last year, roughly 8.9% of credit card balances transitioned into delinquency, the New York Fed found. Credit card rates top 20%At the same time, credit cards have become one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. As the federal funds rate rose, the prime rate did, as well, and credit card rates followed suit. "With the Fed likely to keep rates higher for longer, credit card rates should remain high for the foreseeable future," Rossman said. What to do if you're in credit card debt

Persons: Bankrate, Ted Rossman, Rossman Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, New York Fed Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York

☆ Homes are more expensive than ever—here's how much prices have skyrocketed since 1965
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Mike Winters | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

If homes seem more expensive than ever, it's because they are — even after adjusting for inflation. U.S. homebuyers are spending more than double to buy a home now than they were in 1965, when the median home price was $20,200, according to U.S. Census data. In 2024 dollars, that works out to roughly $202,215, which is less than half of the $420,800 that a home costs today, per U.S. Census data. With homes selling for a median price of $20,200, a median earner would spend just under three times their income on a home. In 2024, the median annual household income is estimated to be $78,171, according to data consulting firm Motio Research.

Persons: homebuyers Organizations: Motio Research, National Association of Realtors, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ 40-year-old paid off $20,000 in credit card debt—her No. 1 piece of advice
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

After paying down around $20,000 in credit card debt, Shonnita Leslie cut up her cards to avoid sinking that deep into debt again. 1 piece of advice is to seek out a reputable credit counseling agency that specializes in debt management like she did. In order to clear her credit card debt, Leslie partnered with a financial wellness and debt counseling service. With that plan in place, Leslie was able to eliminate her credit card debt in six years. If you're feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt, you have other options as well.

Persons: Shonnita Leslie, Leslie, Ted Rossman Organizations: CNBC

☆ New grads may have a harder time landing their dream job, despite a strong labor market — here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-09 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

"The fact remains that the job market has remained more robust and resilient than had been expected," he added. And yet, there are a few things that young adults entering the job market aren't willing to compromise on, especially when it comes to work-life balance. Going forward, however, there may be fewer remote options for those just starting out. Where new grads get the best bang for their buckCompanies with remote work opportunities will allow job seekers to cast a wider net, Salemi said. After years of high inflation, new grads must also contend with elevated food, transportation and housing costs, depending on where they go.

Persons: Mike Segar, Mark Hamrick, Monster, Vicki Salemi, Salemi Organizations: City College of New York, Reuters, Istock, Getty Locations: U.S, Manhattan , New York

☆ Buy now pay later more positive than 'phantom debt' suggests, says Bankrate's Ted Rossman
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailBuy now pay later more positive than 'phantom debt' suggests, says Bankrate's Ted RossmanTed Rossman, Bankrate Senior Industry Analyst, joins 'Fast Money' to talk the buy now pay later space and whether the U.S. consumer should be worried about 'phantom debt'.

Persons: Ted Rossman Ted Rossman Locations: Bankrate, U.S

☆ 'The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a uniquely American construct,' analyst says. Here's why
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Most U.S. homebuyers taking out a mortgage opt for a 30-year fixed-rate — but they may not realize how unusual that offering is. "The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is a uniquely American construct," said Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate. True to its name, a 30-year fixed spreads out repayment over 30 years, with an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan. In 2022, 89% of homebuyers applied for a 30-year mortgage, according to government data analyzed by Homebuyer.com. "If we did not have the dominance of the fixed-rate mortgage in the U.S. residential mortgage market, we would see a much higher level of stress among existing homeowners," McBride said.

Persons: Greg McBride, Jacob Channel, McBride Organizations: homebuyers, Bankrate, LendingTree, Homebuyer.com, Finance Locations: U.S

☆ What exactly goes into closing costs?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Samantha Delouya | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But there is an often-overlooked expense when buying a home: closing costs. At the same time, the Biden administration plans to take aim at so-called “junk fees” hidden in closing costs. New York, Delaware and Washington, DC, have the highest average closing costs, according to Bankrate; while Missouri, Indiana and North Dakota have the lowest. Lowering closing costs on your ownThere is one relatively simple way to lower your overall closing costs: shop around. “When you compare those offers, examine not just the rate itself but also the closing costs.

Persons: homebuyers, —, Biden, ” Jeff Ostrowski, , ” Ostrowski, you’re, homebuyers haven’t, Brian Connolly, it’s, “ It’s, ” Connolly, Connolly, ”, Freddie Mac, ” Genaro Villa Organizations: CNN, Consumer Financial, National Association of Realtors, realtors, University of Michigan, NAR, homebuyers Locations: New York , Delaware, Washington, Missouri, Indiana, North Dakota, Bankrate, AnnualCreditReport.com

☆ Interest rates are staying high—how to make them work in your favor
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Gabriel Cortés | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

If you were hoping interest rates might come down this spring, you're likely going to have to wait a little bit longer. After more than a decade of near-zero interest rates, savers are now in an environment where they're being rewarded for keeping deposits in the bank. And with interest rates staying at their decades-long high for longer, savers have an extended window to take advantage of everything banks are offering. "We did a study recently and found that very few people are earning even 4% on their savings," Rossman says. Now is a great time to shop around for the most favorable terms and lock in those interest rates while they're here, Rossman says.

Persons: That's, Ted Rossman, Rossman Organizations: U.S . Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Locations: U.S

"It is becoming clearer and clearer that the Fed isn't going to lower interest rates anytime soon," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. "If Americans want lower interest rates, they're going to have to do it themselves." What determines your credit card rateSince most credit cards have a variable rate, there's a direct connection to the Fed's benchmark. It's also an ideal time for consumers to take advantage of all the options credit card issuers are offering. A balance transfer credit card moves your outstanding debt from one or more credit cards onto a new card, typically with a lower interest rate.

Persons: —, Matt Schulz, Michele Raneri, aren't, Schulz, Ted Rossman, Rossman, It's Organizations: Federal Reserve, TransUnion, Finance, Treasury Department Locations: U.S

☆ Stock market today: Indexes mixed after Fed meeting as Powell calms nerves over possible hike
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Central bankers chose to keep interest rates steady, and Powell said a rate hike was "unlikely." Fed officials chose to keep interest rates unchanged, in line with the market's expectations. Investors have been fretting over higher interest rates as inflation came in hotter-than-expected throughout the first quarter. The odds of a Fed rate hike in June are less than 1%. Calling that out in the first paragraph is tantamount to saying that interest rate cuts are not coming soon."

Persons: Powell, —, Greg McBride, Bankrate, Charlie Ripley Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Nasdaq, Fed, Allianz Investment Management

☆ The Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady, offers no relief from high borrowing costs — what that means for your money
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"If Americans want lower interest rates, they're going to have to do it themselves," he said. "Going forward, mortgage rates will likely continue to fluctuate and it's impossible to say for certain where they'll end up," noted Jacob Channel, senior economist at LendingTree. Auto loansEven though auto loans are fixed, payments are getting bigger because car prices have been rising along with the interest rates on new loans, resulting in less affordable monthly payments. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers aren't immediately affected. Interest rates for the upcoming school year will be based on an auction of 10-Year Treasury notes later this month.

Persons: Brett House, aren't, Matt Schulz, Schulz, Jacob Channel, there's, Ivan Drury, Edmunds, Drury Organizations: Columbia Business School, Treasury, Fed Locations: Edmunds

☆ Americans were paid an additional $235 billion in interest in 2023, thanks to the Fed
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Jeanne Sahadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

High-yield savings accountsThe average interest rate on regular bank savings accounts is roughly 0.5% but can run as low as 0.01% at the biggest banks. By contrast, the average on high-yield savings accounts is well over 4%, according to DepositAccounts.com. If you leave it parked in a regular savings account at 0.5%, you’ll get $50 in interest for a year. As with any savings account, banks can lower the rate they offer — also known as the APY — at any time. Money market accounts and money market fundsAlthough money market deposit accounts and money market mutual funds are both generating yields competitive with the best high-yield savings accounts, there are important differences.

Persons: —, It’s, ”, Greg McBride, you’ll, McBride, “, ” McBride, Ben Bakkum, Collin Martin, Martin Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, FDIC, National Credit Union Share Insurance, Securities Investor Protection Corporation, Treasury, Fed, Schwab Center, Financial Research Locations: New York, Schwab.com, United States

☆ The Fed once again holds interest rates steady — with cuts expected later this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Read previewThe nation's central bank offered no surprises in its latest interest rate decision. On Wednesday, the Federal Open Market Committee announced that it would be holding interest rates steady, continuing the pause on rates that began in September. While the FOMC projected three interest rate cuts for 2024, inflation is not quite where the Fed needs it to be. "It looks to me like he's trying to lower interest rates for the sake of maybe getting people elected," Trump said. "Inflation has continued to run hot and there is no compelling need for the Fed to cut interest rates until they're comfortable with where inflation is headed," Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate, said in a statement.

Persons: —, It's, Jerome Powell, Powell, Donald Trump, Trump, Greg McBride Organizations: Service, Federal, Market Committee, Federal Reserve, Business, Fox News, Street Journal, Trump, Fed Locations: Washington

☆ How to make your home hurricane resistant, as scientists predict an 'extremely active' storm season
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Ana Teresa Solá | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

In this article Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTRyersonclark | E+ | Getty ImagesMaking your home hurricane resistant can be a significant financial undertaking. In 2024, the national average cost to upgrade an entire house with hurricane windows runs between $1,128 and $10,293, or $100 and $500 per window, including installation, according to This Old House. Hurricane resistance is about preventing 'pressurization'Hurricanes are different and unpredictable storms, said Jeff Ostrowski, a housing analyst at Bankrate. If installing new hurricane windows aren't in the budget, shutters are lower-cost options to protect windows and other openings, said Chapman-Henderson. Talk to your insurer about possible discounts Strengthening your home against disasters may help lower your insurance cost.

Persons: Phil Klotzbach, Jeff Ostrowski, Leslie Chapman, Henderson, Jennifer Languell, Chapman, Kin, Melissa Cohn, William Raveis, Bankrate's Ostrowski, Ostrowski, Loretta Worters, Worters, Languell Organizations: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Hurricanes, National Oceanic, Fluid Dynamics, Climate, Energy Solutions, Swiss, Finance, Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric, Federal Alliance, Safe, Safe Homes, Department of Energy, Trifecta, William Raveis Mortgage, Insurance, Institute, Homeowners Locations: windstorms, U.S, Florida, In Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, dsireusa.org

☆ 'It's a good time to lock in,' expert says. What to know to get the best rates on your cash now
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Higher interest rates may be here to stay for a while longer, thanks to persistent inflation. That's good news for cash savers, who have the best opportunity to earn returns on their money in 15 years. To secure today's high rates, individuals may turn to CDs, Treasury bills and Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities, or TIPs. Series I bonds — a U.S. government savings bond aimed at providing inflation protection — will pay 4.28% for the next six months, the Treasury Department announced Tuesday. Yet 67% of Americans are earning interest rates below that threshold, according to a recent Bankrate survey.

Persons: What's, Greg McBride, McBride Organizations: Securities, Treasury Department, Finance Locations: U.S

☆ Sorry, America, it's looking like higher interest rates are going to stick around longer
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The Federal Reserve is expected to once again hold interest rates steady on Wednesday. Some predictions also do not forecast any interest rate cuts until the second half of the year. AdvertisementIt's probably still not time for the nation's central bank to cut interest rates just yet. AdvertisementGiven that inflation is still above the Fed's 2% target, it's looking like rate cuts might not come until the second half of 2024. "Inflation has continued to run hot and there is no compelling need for the Fed to cut interest rates until they're comfortable with where inflation is headed."

Persons: Powell, —, It's, Julia Pollak, Jerome Powell, Gregory Daco, Greg McBride Organizations: Federal, Service, Fed Locations: Washington

☆ 29% of households have jobs but struggle to cover basic needs: They are 'one emergency from poverty,' one expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Stubborn inflation has driven many households near the breaking point, but the pain of high prices has not been shared equally. By most measures, low-income households have been hardest hit, experts say. The Federal Reserve responded with a series of interest rate hikes that took its benchmark rate to its highest level in more than 22 years. The spike in interest rates caused most consumer borrowing costs to skyrocket, putting many households under pressure. Inflation continues to prove stickier than expected, dashing hopes that the Fed will be able to cut interest rates anytime soon.

Persons: ALICE, Brett House, Greg McBride, we've, Jerome Powell, Hoopes Organizations: Columbia Business School, Federal, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics

When you miss a mortgage payment, you incur late fees and hurt your credit score. But skipping mortgage payments comes with serious consequences that could include losing your house. Are you finding it hard to make your monthly mortgage payment? This allows you to pause your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time or, in some cases, make reduced payments instead. FAQsWhat should I do first if I realize I can't make my mortgage payment?

Persons: Craig Martin, Christian Mills, Freddie Mac, you've, you'll, it's, Aly J, Yale Aly J, Bob Organizations: Christian, US Department of Housing, Urban, Chevron, Yale, Forbes, Money Magazine, The Dallas Morning News, Bob Schieffer College of Communication, Twitter

☆ How a stay-at-home dad turned his passion for pickleball into 'a game changer' side hustle
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But outside these and other tasks, Echavidre, 45, spends time playing pickleball in California. Other stay-at-home parents could find it helpful to pick up work on the side. Echavidre recommends other stay-at-home parents try to earn money through something they are passionate about if they have time. If you are looking to pick up side work, Echavidre said to look out for what's in demand. He said he especially finds older and retired people are playing pickleball.

Persons: —, Antoine Echavidre's, pickleball, Echavidre, Ted Rossman, Rossman, he's Organizations: Service, Sports & Fitness Industry Association, Business, Social, Fitness Locations: California, TeachMe.To, Japan, France

☆ Don't believe these money misconceptions: 3 things to know that can help improve your finances
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Part of the problem: People continue to believe common misconceptions about managing and investing their money. When it comes to your retirement savings, target-date funds can be another smart option. Young couple managing finance and investment online, analyzing stock market trades with mobile app on laptop and smartphone. "People feel like, I can get a higher return with no risk … but basically, a higher return is always a reward for higher risk." There's almost no risk to money in federally insured deposit accounts, unlike investments that are subject to the daily changes in the stock, which can result in much higher risk.

Persons: Witthaya, Annamaria Lusardi, Paul Yakoboski, Young, Lusardi, There's Organizations: TIAA, Global Financial, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, TIAA Institute, Target, CNBC, Financial Wellness, Board Locations: U.S

☆ How to start a high-paying side hustle: 'It has to be something that you're actually passionate about,' says expert
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Gili Malinsky | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

If you're considering picking one up yourself, there are so many ways to start. But, she says, if you really want to see some profits, "it has to be something that you're actually passionate about." When you're passionate, 'you actually develop that unique skill'Kristof has seen all sorts of side hustle successes. "I think that when you're really passionate about something, you actually develop that unique skill," she says. When it comes to identifying that passion, "I usually tell people to think about what they do for fun," she says.

Persons: Kathy Kristof, Kristof

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