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Bilt, the company that awards points when you pay rent, adds Alaska Airlines as a transfer partner. However, Bilt will lose American Airlines as a points transfer partner in June 2024. Noteworthy Alaska Airlines partners include oneworld alliance partners American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Qatar. In addition to Alaska Airlines, Bilt partners with American Airlines, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Air France-KLM, Hawaiian AIrlines, Iberia, IHG, Marriott, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and Hyatt. Bilt and American Airlines will part ways in June, three years after their partnership initially began.

Persons: Bilt, — Organizations: Alaska Airlines, Alaska Airlines cardholders, American Airlines, Service, oneworld, British Airways, Cathay, Japan Airlines, Qantas, luxe, Air, Singapore Airlines, Mastercard, Aer Lingus, Air France, KLM, Hawaiian AIrlines, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Hyatt Locations: Alaska, Cathay Pacific, Qatar, Air Canada, Emirates, Air, Iberia, IHG, Marriott

According to financial coach Hillary Seiler, you still need to spend less than you earn, even if that requires adjusting your budget. To make it from paycheck to paycheck, many are finding themselves spending more money and carrying credit card debt. "People never want to hear this one piece of advice, but it's important to spend less than you earn in any economic environment, but especially now." AdvertisementHere are three ways to start spending less than you earn:1. Review and adjust your spending habitsLook at how you spend your money. "You can earn more interest on your money now, and that will help it grow much quicker."

Persons: Hillary Seiler, Hilary Seiler, Seiler, doesn't Organizations: Business

The latest forecasts expect mortgage rates to go down in 2024 and 2025, with experts predicting that 30-year rates could fall somewhere between 5.9% and 6.1% by the end of this year. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.22% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a four-basis-point decrease from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which is likely to happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Freddie Mac Organizations: Federal, Zillow, Federal Reserve, Fed Locations: Chevron

Mortgage rates ticked up a little bit in response to Tuesday's slightly hotter-than-expected Consumer Price Index data. But mortgage rates probably won't drop substantially until we get more data showing that inflation is continuing to slow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage Refinance Rates TodayMortgage type Average rate today This information has been provided by Zillow. See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. This is good news for mortgage rates — as inflation slows and the Federal Reserve is able to start cutting the federal funds rate, mortgage rates are expected to trend down as well.

Persons: they're, they've, Fannie Mae's, Fannie Mae Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, ARM Locations: Chevron

The title acceptance pilot waives the need for a lender's title insurance policy on some refinance mortgages. The Federal Housing Finance Agency recently rolled out a new pilot program that would lower refinance closing costs for some borrowers. Called the "title acceptance pilot," this program would waive the requirement that conforming loans have a lender's title insurance policy on certain refinance mortgages. Borrowers are required to purchase a lender's title insurance policy, which can be a significant out-of-pocket cost. Pushback from the mortgage industryLeaders from the mortgage and title insurance industries overall weren't pleased with this announcement.

Persons: —, Biden, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, homebuyers, Christopher Tyson, Tyson, doesn't Organizations: Service, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Mortgage Bankers Association, Union, Consumer Financial, National Community Stabilization Trust, homebuyers

Be on the lookout for new packaging, shop store brands, and keep track of the unit pricing to avoid losing money to shrinkflation. Buy store brandsStore brands typically have cheaper prices than the major brands that you find on store shelves. Think Kirkland brand at Costco or the store brands in Walgreens or Walmart. Because store brands are already generally the cheaper options, they will also be slower to repackage or downsize their products. For example, a 30-ounce jar of pickles that costs $8 would list a unit price of $0.27 per ounce.

Persons: Shrinkflation, Biden, shrinkflation, Kirkland Organizations: Costco, Walmart, Quicken Locations: Walgreens

Average 30-year mortgage rates have generally been hovering in the 6.30% to 6.40% range this week, according to Zillow data. Where mortgage rates go next depends on the economy. As long as inflation continues to slow and the labor market doesn't heat back up, mortgage rates should go down in 2024. This means that we could see mortgage rates inch down just ahead of the summer months. This means your entire monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, shouldn't exceed 28% of your pre-tax monthly income.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae Organizations: Federal Reserve, Zillow, Mortgage, Association, Sky Locations: Chevron

Biden unveiled a plan that includes tax credits and down payment assistance to improve housing affordability. Eligible homebuyers would get this tax credit for two years, meaning you could get a total of $10,000 in tax credits for buying a house. Down payment assistanceAnother piece of Biden's plan for more affordable homeownership is the $25,000 in down payment assistance he wants Congress to provide to first-generation homebuyers. What hopeful homebuyers should knowAs a whole, this plan could substantially improve housing affordability, enabling more Americans to become homeowners. And even for homebuyers who qualify for tax credits or other assistance, saving up for a down payment remains a big barrier to homeownership.

Persons: Biden, —, Dan Green, homebuyers Biden, hasn't, doesn't, Green, Daryl Fairweather, Fairweather, White, homebuyers Organizations: Biden, Service, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Consumer Financial, homebuilders, Loan, Program, Bank of America Mortgage, Democrats

Hillary Seiler works with NFL players to help them build solid financial habits and create wealth. AdvertisementPrioritize good credit so you can get the best interest rates and avoid obstacles to buying a home. Hillary Seiler, founder of Financial Footwork, helps clients improve their finances, including working with many NFL players to establish good financial habits and preserve their wealth. Seiler says the strategies she shares with NFL clients can be used by anyone to build wealth and financial stability. Prioritize a good credit scoreCredit has always been important, but now in a high interest rate environment, good credit is crucial.

Persons: Hillary Seiler, Seiler, Read Organizations: NFL, Business

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card. The new Points Transfer program launches April 4, and is available to all points-earning Wells Fargo credit cards, including the current Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card will be available for in-person applications at select Wells Fargo bank locations on March 9. Be the first to read our full Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review here, or check out Business Insider's guide to the best travel credit cards, the best Wells Fargo credit cards, and other Wells Fargo products.

Persons: lifemiles, —, Wells, Wells Fargo Organizations: Business, Air France, KLM, British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, Read, Service, Airlines, British Airways Executive Club Iberia, Sapphire, Capital Locations: Iberia, Wells Fargo, Wells

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card. The new Point Transfer program launches April 4, and is available to all points-earning Wells Fargo credit cards, including the current Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card. The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card will be available for in-person applications at select Wells Fargo bank locations on March 9. Be the first to read our full Wells Fargo Autograph Journey credit card review here, or check out Business Insider's guide to the best travel credit cards, the best Wells Fargo credit cards, and other Wells Fargo products.

Do Credit Card Points Expire? Credit Card Points Never ExpireUnlike many airline miles and hotel points, credit card points don't expire as long as you keep your account open and in good standing (meaning you continue to pay off your balances or communicate with the bank if you need any financial assistance). Here are the main credit card points currencies, along with the top credit card options for earning each of them:These transferable credit card points can be extremely valuable, not just because you have so many options for using them to book travel, but also because there are certain sweet spots you can use to your advantage. FAQsDo all credit card points expire? Check the terms and conditions of your credit card rewards program or contact your credit card issuer directly.

Persons: there's, Miles, you'll, that's Organizations: Business, Business †, Citi Prestige, Citi, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Airlines, Capital, American, Marriott, Alaska Airlines, Apple Locations: Chase, Alaska, Chevron

Hillary Seiler, founder of Financial Footwork, says a personal loan can make sense if you want to consolidate debt. According to Hillary Seiler, a financial coach and founder of Financial Footwork, a personal loan could be a great option, depending on your situation. AdvertisementHere are 3 times a personal loan can be a good idea:1. You have multiple debts to consolidateDebt consolidation is one of the most popular reasons to get a personal loan. AdvertisementIf you have a payday loan, for example, it's likely to carry a much higher interest rate than a personal loan from a bank.

Persons: they're, Hillary Seiler, —, Seiler Organizations: Service, Consumers, Business

According to Certified Financial Planner Lauryn Williams, having good credit is more important than ever due to lingering inflation, higher interest rates, and layoffs. A good credit score, defined as 670 or above with the FICO credit model, is crucial if you want to qualify for the lowest mortgage rates, lower credit card interest rates, and more. Potential lenders are more likely to approve someone with a 700 credit score than a 550 credit score. It also positively impacts your credit utilization, which affects your credit score. Think about your credit report as a reference for the job you did handling your credit," Williams told Business Insider.

Persons: Lauryn Williams, Williams Organizations: Service, Business

Inflation is still having an impact, and consumers are definitely feeling it at the grocery store. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. I have seen this myself when I go to the grocery store and buy five items … for $65. They are typically going to be cheaper than the grocery store,” Seiler says. Check your pantry firstThis last tip is one that we all can and should do before even making a shopping list.

Persons: Hillary Seiler, —, Seiler, “, ” Seiler Organizations: Service, NFL, Business

Capital One plans to acquire Discover in an all-stock deal valued at $35.3 billion, pending approval. On Monday, Capital One Financial announced its plans to buy Discover Financial Services. Here's what you need to know about the deal and what it could mean for current Capital One and Discover customers. Capital One credit cards are part of the Visa and Mastercard credit card networks. The Wall Street Journal reports that Capital One is planning to switch some of its credit cards to the Discover network.

Persons: —, Simon Blanchard, Alvin Carlos Organizations: Discover, Service, Financial, Discover Financial Services, Capital, Visa, Mastercard, Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, Street Journal, CFA, CFP, District Capital Management

One silver lining is that inflation generally corresponds with higher rates on savings accounts. CDs and high-yield savings accounts currently earn more interest on your money. AdvertisementHere are some smart moves you can make to get the most out of your money when inflation is high:Shop around for higher interest rates on savingsIncreased inflation generally corresponds with higher interest rates paid by high-yield savings accounts. High-yield savings accounts are designed to make your money grow in a way a typical savings account can't. Boost Your Savings Western Alliance Bank's savings account offers an industry leading APY.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal, Savings, Savings Western Alliance

Opening a joint bank account is different from opening up an individual bank account. Both owners have full access to a bank account, and joint bank account rules also dictate specific actions if one owner dies. When you're opening up a new bank account, you'll receive a bank account agreement that lists the bank's conditions and rules. Additional rules to keep in mind with joint bank accountsWhen you open a joint bank account, Bera Daigle also suggests being mindful of another bank account rule — equal withdrawal rights. A joint bank account beneficiary can't set up direct deposits, make withdrawals, or view your bank account when you're alive.

Persons: —, you'll, Sophia Bera Daigle, Bera Daigle, there's Organizations: Service, Gen

Many parents do try to anticipate and plan for the expected costs that come with raising a family like food and clothing, but other costs can come out of nowhere. Here are 4 unexpected expenses you should be aware of if you have a family or are planning on starting one:Advertisement1. Accidents and medical careFrom bicycle accidents as kids to car accidents when they start driving, children come with the potential for accidents. Raising a family may include broken bones, tonsil surgery, and appendectomies, kids can result in big medical bills. It's also best to start saving for college as early as possible, using a 529 plan or another savings account.

Persons: babysit, It’s, It's Organizations: Service, Brookings Institution, Business, IRS Locations: United States

☆ Robinhood is running a 3% IRA match that can boost your retirement savings and reduce your tax payment
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Business Insider | Sarah Silbert | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Or with Robinhood Gold, you'll get 3% (rollovers and transfers get 3% until April 30). Earn a 3% match on Robinhood IRA contributionsIf you're a Robinhood Gold customer with a Robinhood IRA, you have an opportunity to make these things a little sweeter. The funds that earned the match must be kept in the account for at least 5 years to avoid a potential Early IRA Match Removal Fee. Robinhood does not provide tax advice; please consult with a tax adviser before taking an action that may entail tax consequences. The Robinhood IRA is available to any U.S. customer with a Robinhood brokerage account in good standing.

Persons: You'll, you'll, Robinhood, rollovers, Roth Organizations: Robinhood, IRA, Robinhood Securities, LLC, Inc

Many financial experts say you need $1.2 million or more to retire comfortably and for your retirement savings to last. But does that number include your home and home maintenance, insurance, dental work, and potential unexpected expenses? Future expenses can be hard to predict, but here are 3 steps you can take to avoid surprises when you plan to retire:Advertisement1. And don't forget about dental work. Dental work can be really expensive and dental insurance doesn’t cover nearly enough.

Organizations: Service, Business, Research

Loud budgeting is a financial trend that has gone viral as people look to save money. CFP Chloe Moore says loud budgeting can help you spend on the things that really matter to you. According to Certified Financial Planner Chloe Moore , loud budgeting can be a great way to stick to your savings goals, set financial boundaries, and even reduce anxiety around money. AdvertisementHere are 3 ways Moore says you can incorporate loud budgeting into your finances:1. Set financial boundariesWhatever your budget is for entertainment, eating out, or clothes shopping, set it and stick to it.

Persons: Chloe Moore, —, ” Moore, Moore, don’t, SoFi, “, you've Organizations: Service, Finance

If you decide to wait to buy a home, there are still positive actions you can take with your money. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Here are 4 places you can put your money to maximize your return if you think mortgage rates are too high:1. If you don't transfer to a zero-rate balance card, another option might be to get a relatively low fixed-rate personal loan. The best personal loan rate you can get will depend on your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

Persons: —, you've Organizations: Invest, Service

Despite mortgage rates hovering around 6%, homeownership is still a top priority for many Americans. Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending at Bank of America, says prospective homebuyers shouldn't try to time the market. Despite this, many prospective homebuyers are ready to act. According to Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending states at Bank of America, it's not worth waiting for rates to drop if you're otherwise ready to buy. For instance, approximately one-third of prospective homebuyers would consider starting an online store to sell handcrafted pieces (34%) or selling some of their belongings (31%) to save for a home.

Persons: Matt Vernon, shouldn't, —, it's, homeownership, Homeownership, Vernon, they'd, today's Organizations: Bank of America, Service, Finance

Ahead of tax season, keep an eye out for scams to steal your personal information and money. With the start of tax season comes tax scams aimed at stealing your identity and your money. Once a scammer has your SSN, they have everything they need to create a tax return and have your tax refund sent to them. Scammers will offer to file a tax return for you that will get you a larger tax refund — for a fee, of course. It is only a matter of time before the tax return is flagged and an audit is ordered, but by then the scammer will be long gone and you'll be left holding the bag for filing a false tax return.

Persons: —, Scammers, you'll Organizations: Service, Internal Revenue Service, Social, IRS

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