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Mortgage rates have been as high as 18% in the 1980s, which is significantly higher than current rates. Just take a look at this graph from the St. Louis Federal Reserve to see how today's mortgage rates measure up against the ones in the past. For example, the 2008 recession saw a 30-year mortgage peak of 6.63%. The current 30-year rate, as of this writing, is at 5.30% but we'll see how recession fears impact this. SoFi members can also get $500 off on their mortgage loans.

It's a good idea to keep your emergency fund in a relatively accessible account, such as a Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield Online Savings account or in an Ally Online Savings Account. Ally Bank Online Savings Account Learn More Ally Bank is a Member FDIC. For that reason, you should consider how much of a monthly mortgage payment you can comfortably afford. They also encompass appraisal fees, underwriting fees, home inspection fees, credit check fees and title insurance and title search fees, among other fees. Ally Bank, for example, won't charge an application fee, origination fee, processing fee or underwriting fee.

Call to Select readers: Have you found a mistake on your credit report that's affected your credit score or not been able to get a credit card or secure a loan because of a poor credit score? What it means to have a credit score of 800A credit score of 800 means you have an exceptional credit score, according to Experian. According to a report by FICO, only 23% of the scorable population has a credit score of 800 or above. That said, you don't necessarily need to have a perfect credit score in order to get favorable terms on loans or low APRs on credit cards, as only a very small percentage of people have a perfect credit score. In other words, having a credit score of 800 puts you within the top credit score range and will help you qualify for the best terms, whether it's for a mortgage or a personal loan.

On the other end of the spectrum is what we refer to as "toxic debt." Unlike low-interest-rate debt, toxic debt is a loan that's issued with a significantly high interest rate (usually a rate north of 30%). In other words, toxic debt is debt that has little chance of being paid back with interest — a characteristic that can be particularly toxic to both the lender and the borrower. Because toxic debt could be wreaking havoc on your finances without you even realizing, below we share signs you might already have it, plus tips to avoid or get out of toxic debt. Tips to avoid or get out of toxic debtIt's obvious that you should try to avoid toxic debt at all times, but that can be easier said than done.

Talking about money in the real world, I learned, is still as taboo as it was in college. Getting honest about money in your relationshipsOne of the biggest reasons people feel uncomfortable talking about money is because it requires vulnerability, says Lowry. For example, tell your friend you're trying to pay off your credit card debt or working in a profession that's low paying. Both apps will use information about your income and expenses to determine how much money to allocate money towards your savings goals. When it comes to navigating money conversations in romantic relationships, Lowry stresses that honesty about your finances is essential, especially when making major life decisions like moving in together.

According to RenoFi, the average price of a single-family home in the U.S. could reach $382,000 by 2030. For example, the average price of a home in New York City this year is $795,000, but the average price around Albany in Upstate New York is $227,500, according to Redfin trends. It projects that San Francisco will have the highest average home value in the country at a staggering $2,612,484. For example, Betterment doesn't require clients to maintain a minimum investment account balance, but there is a ACH deposit minimum of $10. So if you want to buy a $400,000 home in 2030, you've got 9 years to start saving.

Select asked Brian Stivers, a Financial Advisor and Founder of Stivers Financial Services, to help us calculate exactly how much money 25-year-olds should invest each month to become a millionaire. Here's what we found:A 25-year-old making investments that yield a 3% yearly return would have to invest $1100 per month for 40 years to reach $1 million. If they instead make investments that give a 6% yearly return, they would have to invest $530 per month for 40 years to reach $1 million. But if they choose more aggressive investments that yield a 9% yearly return, they would only need to invest $240 per month for 40 years to reach $1 million. As we can see, a higher return can allow you to invest less money each month and still achieve the same goal.

Instead, use one of two tools available through the IRS website and/or its mobile app to check the status of your return. IRS2Go is the official mobile app of the IRS, which you can use to check your refund status, make a payment, find free tax preparation assistance, sign up for helpful tax tips and more. To check your refund status, you will need your social security number or ITIN, your filing status and the exact refund amount you are expecting. The IRS updates the tool's refund status on a daily basis, usually overnight, so check back in routinely for the most up-to-date information. If you haven't filed your taxes for the 2021 tax year yet, consider going with a tax prep software that offers expert tax assistance.

If your credit score isn't great, you can still get approved as Avant looks at both your credit score and income. When determining eligibility for a loan, LendingPoint considers credit score, loan term, credit usage, loan amount and other factors. Personal loans are a form of installment credit, which affect both your credit report and your credit score. Student loans, personal loans and credit cards are all example of unsecured loans. Our methodologyTo determine which personal loans are the best for consumers with bad credit, Select analyzed dozens of U.S. personal loans offered by both online and brick-and-mortar banks, including large credit unions.

Credit cards with welcome bonuses of 100,000 points or moreFAQsAmerican Express Platinum CardWelcome bonus value: Rewards experts generally value American Express Membership Rewards points at two cents apiece, making this bonus worth a whopping $2,000 when transferring your points to travel partners. Welcome bonus value: Many travel rewards enthusiasts have estimated the value of Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents per point, so 150,000 Hilton Honors points are worth $750 towards Hilton stays. Welcome bonus value: If you value Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents per point, 130,000 points would be worth $650. Welcome bonus value: If you value Hilton Honors points at 0.5 cents per point, 130,000 points would be worth $650. How to earn the bonus: Earn a welcome bonus of 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

Below, Select reviews if you can pay taxes with a credit card and the benefits and drawbacks of using a credit card to pay taxes. Can you pay taxes with a credit card? Yes, you can pay taxes with a credit card, but the real question is, should you? High credit utilization rate Paying taxes with a credit card can also potentially have a negative impact on your credit score. Bottom lineIf your credit card rewards or welcome bonus offer outweigh the processing fee, paying your taxes with a credit card can be a worthwhile option.

The Capital One Spark Cash for Business is no longer available to new applicants; however, Capital One has launched 3 new business cards for small business owners. Of course, finances are a huge consideration and small business credit cards can be a major asset, when used responsibly. Below, Select reviews the benefits of small business credit cards that can add up to increased savings and easier expense management. Receive travel and purchase protectionsSimilar to personal credit cards, business cards provide numerous travel and purchase protections. Don't miss: Best small business credit cardsHow to apply for a business credit card For rates and fees of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.

CNBC Select analyzed 29 credit cards that are marketed toward consumers with no or poor credit to determine the best cards for building or rebuilding your credit. If you have average credit and are looking to build up to a good or excellent credit score, it's a good idea to consider a credit card designed for average credit applicants, such as the Capital One Platinum Credit Card. It's generally easier to get approved for secured credit cards or starter credit cards, which are designed especially for those who are beginning to build their credit. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. Our methodologyTo determine which cards offer the best value for building or rebuilding credit, CNBC Select analyzed 29 of the most popular credit cards available for consumers building or rebuilding their credit.

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