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☆ Millions of seniors on Social Security are at risk of losing benefits this summer if the GOP doesn't raise the debt ceiling, Janet Yellen says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Janet Yellen reiterated the consequences of failing to raise the debt ceiling. She said defaulting on the national debt could strip Social Security benefits from seniors and veterans. The GOP is currently negotiating a deal to raise the debt ceiling, including spending cuts. Janet Yellen told officials during a Washington conference that their constituents are greatly at risk if Congress fails to raise the debt limit by the summer. But Yellen has dismissed that idea on numerous occasions and remains committed to Congress lifting the debt limit once again.

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Opening more than one of the same credit card could mean hundreds of dollars in value toward your next trip. How to get two (or more) of the same credit cardThe first thing to mention is that credit cards sometimes will not allow you to apply for a credit card that you already have. "Product changing" is the act of requesting that a credit card issuer changes the card you currently have to a card within the same family (generally a card that collects the same rewards). When product changing a credit card, you will almost never receive a welcome bonus with the new card.

☆ Gold subdued as investors brace for U.S. inflation data
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Alexander ManzyukGold prices edged lower on Monday on a firmer dollar as investors squared positions before U.S. inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve's rate-hike roadmap. Spot gold was down 0.2% at $1,861.95 per ounce, as of 0302 GMT. Bullion is often seen as an inflation hedge, but the opportunity cost of holding it is higher when interest rates are raised to combat inflation. Data on Tuesday is likely to show the U.S. monthly consumer prices climbing 0.4% month-on-month in January, according to a Reuters survey of economists. The Labor Department's annual revisions of CPI data on Friday showed the consumer price index edged up 0.1% in December rather than dipping 0.1% as reported last month.

You can earn Marriott points from paid stays, co-branded credit cards, or flexible points transfers. How to earn Marriott pointsEarn points from Marriott Bonvoy hotel staysThere are plenty of different ways to earn Marriott points, but let's start with the simplest: earning points on hotel stays. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 6X Marriott Bonvoy Points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy4X Marriott Bonvoy Points on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets2X Marriott Bonvoy Points on all other eligible purchases1,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points with each qualifying stayComplimentary Gold Elite statusA Free Night Award (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points) after making $15,000 in purchases per year.

☆ BRITS' all-male best artist list casts shadow ahead of music awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( Marie-Louise Gumuchian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Henry Nicholls/PoolLONDON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - Hitmakers gather in London on Saturday for Britain's pop music honours, the BRIT awards, where an all-male contender list for the artist of the year prize has cast a shadow over the event's introduction of gender-neutral categories. But it added that organisers "acknowledge and share in the disappointment" of no women making the list. "A key factor is that, unfortunately, there were relatively few commercially successful releases by women in 2022 compared to those by men." We recognise this points to wider issues around the representation of women in music that must also be addressed." Last year, women won prizes in 10 of the awards' 15 categories.

Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Limited benefits beyond earning Hilton points Highlights Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Details Rewards Earn 12x Hilton Honors Points at Hilton per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Keep in mind that transferable credit card points — like Chase Ultimate Rewards®, Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles — are generally more valuable than hotel points or airline miles. That's worth around $500 in stays, according to Insider's valuation of Hilton points.

☆ How to earn, redeem, and maximize Hilton Honors rewards points — from luxurious Conrad resorts to family-friendly Hampton Inns, there are options for every traveler
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Carissa Rawson | Freelance Writer | Read More | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +44 min

How to earn Hilton rewards pointsHilton has two main categories of points: bonus points, which help you earn rewards via special promotions, and elite-qualifying base points. You can do so at the following ratios:HawaiianMiles : 1 HawaiianMile = 1.5 Hilton Honors points: 1 HawaiianMile = 1.5 Hilton Honors points Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 1 Virgin Atlantic point = 1.5 Hilton Honors pointsEarn Hilton points through your elite statusJoining Hilton Honors can be especially lucrative if you're on the road often. Finally, Lyft and Hilton have teamed up to offer 3x Hilton Honors points on Lyft rides, or 2x Hilton points for shared Lyft rides. Redeem Hilton Honors points for event creditsIt's also possible to redeem your points for events at a Hilton, though this isn't generally considered a good way to maximize your Hilton points value. Here's how much the credits cost:25,000 points = $5050,000 points = $10075,000 points = $150125,000 points = $250250,000 points = $500Exchange Hilton points for airline milesIf you'd rather have airline or rail points, you have the option to transfer Hilton points to partner airlines, though redemption rates vary.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightCiti vs. Bank of America Savings Account ComparisonsCiti offers two savings accounts — Citi® Accelerate Savings and the Citi® Savings Account. Meanwhile, the Bank of America Advantage Savings Account may be a better choice if you find it easier to waive monthly service fees at Bank of America. Bank of America, Member FDICBank of America Advantage Savings Account Learn more at Bank of America's secure site. Citi Fixed Rate CD 3.25 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.25 out of 5 Stars Annual Percentage Yield (APY) 0.05% to 4.15% Minimum Deposit Amount $500 View Full Details Learn moreCiti Fixed Rate CD 3.25 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.25 out of 5 Stars Annual Percentage Yield (APY) 0.05% to 4.15% Minimum Deposit Amount $500 View Full Details Learn more at Citi's secure site. Winner: Bank of America Bank of America wins in this category since it is more likely to address customer issues, but keep in mind it's also been involved in public controversies.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightCiti vs. Bank of America vs. Chase Ssavings Account ComparisonsSee how Citi, Bank of America, and Chase savings accounts compare. Citi® Accelerate Savings Bank of America Advantage Savings Account Chase Savings℠ APY 3.85% (vary by location) 0.01% to 0.04% 0.01% effective as of 10/10/2022. Winner: Bank of America and Citi Bank of America and Citi tie in this category because their savings accounts stand out for different reasons. Citi Fixed Rate CD 3.25 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.25 out of 5 Stars Annual Percentage Yield (APY) 0.05% to 4.15% Minimum Deposit Amount $500 View Full Details Learn moreCiti Fixed Rate CD 3.25 /5 A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.25 out of 5 Stars Annual Percentage Yield (APY) 0.05% to 4.15% Minimum Deposit Amount $500 View Full Details Learn more at Citi's secure site. Which bank of the three, Citi, Bank of America, or Chase, is the safest?

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card comes with an increased limited-time welcome bonus and good perks for a no-annual-fee card, but unless paying an annual fee is a dealbreaker for you, other Marriott cards — like the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, or Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — are a better deal. Review: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit Card the Best Credit Card for You? How to Earn Points With the Marriott Bonvoy Bold Credit CardThe Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card doesn't have as generous an earning structure as other Marriott credit cards, but you'll still have the opportunity to earn bonus points when you travel. Generally, the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card requires a good to excellent credit score to be eligible, which means a FICO score of at least 670.Who is eligible for the Marriott Bonvoy Bold? You're also not eligible if you already have a Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card, or Marriott Bonvoy® Premier credit card (not available to new applicants) open, or earned the welcome bonus from one in the past 24 months.

Review: Is the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card the Best Credit Card for You? Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Benefits and FeaturesThe Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card comes with a host of benefits and travel perks. You're also not eligible if you already have a Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card, or Marriott Bonvoy® Premier credit card (not available to new applicants) open, or earned the welcome bonus from one in the past 24 months. Within the past 90 days, you've been approved for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, or Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card. Within the past 24 months, you've earned a welcome bonus/upgrade bonus for the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card.

Earn 6x Hilton Honors Points on business purchases at U.S. gas stations, shipping providers, and wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers. Earn 6x Hilton Honors Points on select travel purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights, and car rentals. Earn 6x Hilton Honors Points on select travel purchases at U.S. restaurants, flights, and car rentals. Details Rewards Earn 12x Hilton Honors Points at Hilton per dollar for purchases made directly with hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio. Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card.

☆ Gold eases as steady dollar, U.S. rate-hike outlook dent appeal
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Alexander ManzyukGold prices edged lower on Thursday, as the dollar steadied and after U.S. Federal Reserve officials said more interest rate increases were likely to curb inflation. Spot gold was down 0.1% at $1,874.58 per ounce, as of 0054 GMT. Gold is sensitive to high interest rates which lift the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion. SPDR Gold Trust , the world's largest gold-backed exchange-traded fund, said its holdings rose 0.03% to 921.10 tonnes on Wednesday from 920.82 tonnes on Tuesday. Spot silver fell 0.1% to $22.28 per ounce, platinum was 0.3% lower at $966.85 and palladium eased 0.1% to $1,646.89.

Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Automatic Marriott Gold elite status (room upgrades and late checkout when available, bonus points on stays) Check mark icon A check mark. 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy. Cardholders receive automatic Hilton Gold status, which opens the door to perks like free breakfast (food and beverage credit at US hotels), bonus points, and room upgrades. With Gold status, you'll get perks like a 10% points bonus on paid stays, late checkout when available, and access to preferred rooms.

Marriott BonvoyThe Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card have rolled out new welcome bonus offers through April 6, 2023. Chase has just launched new welcome offers on the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card for a limited time, so it's a good opportunity to stock up on points now for travel. Compare Marriott Bonvoy Boundless and Bonvoy Bold cards Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit CardMarriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. If you're not looking to redeem points for hotel stays, Marriott Bonvoy points are still useful. Review: Marriott Bonvoy Bold credit card reviewWhich Marriott credit card offer should you choose?

Review: Is the Hilton Honors Surpass Card the Best Credit Card for You? The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns terrific rewards rates in multiple categories like Hilton hotel bookings, restaurants, gas stations, and more. Redeem Hilton points for experiences, events, merchandise, and moreOther options for redeeming Hilton points also won't get you the highest value, but they could be helpful in certain circumstances:Hilton experiences — Use points for exclusive events, dining, and toursUse Hilton points for event credits — Starting at 25,000 points for up to $50 creditRedeem Hilton points at Amazon — A poor value; you'll get just 0.2 cents per pointDonate Hilton points to charity — For every 10,000 points you donate, Hilton will send $25 to a charity of your choiceUse Hilton points toward Lyft rides — Again, not the best value; you'll typically get around 0.2 cents per pointPool or transfer Hilton points to a friend — Send up to 2 million points per year to friends or family with no fee, or pool your points with up to 11 people to save for a redemptionHilton points expire if there's no activity in your account for 24 months. Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightFees and CostsThe Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card has a 20.24% - 29.24% Variable APR. So, for example, if you already have The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, Hilton Honors American Express Card, or Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you could still qualify for the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card.

☆ Gold gains as U.S. dollar eases off one-month peak
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold and Silver bullion is offered for sale at the Chicago Coin Company May 11, 2006 in Chicago, Illinois. Gold prices ticked higher on Wednesday as the dollar retreated from a one-month peak after U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell did not revert to a more hawkish stance despite last week's stronger-than-expected jobs report. Following Powell's remarks, the dollar index eased from a one-month high and was down 0.1% on the day. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari said the Fed would probably have to raise interest rates to at least 5.4% in order to tame high inflation. Although gold is seen as an inflation hedge, high interest rates lift the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is ideal for small-business owners who fly Southwest frequently. Review: Is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card the Best Card for You? How to Earn Points From the Southwest Performance Business Credit CardThe Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card makes it easy to earn lots of Southwest points. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the most feature-packed Southwest card on the market. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a small-business rewards credit card.

As a newly minted Airman, I was floored when I first found out about all the credit card perks active duty military members receive. Note that credit card lenders may use many different variations of credit score models when considering your application. Review: IHG Rewards Premier credit card reviewBest Discover Cards for Military MembersWhile Discover credit cards don't actually charge any annual fees — it's one of their hallmarks — they've outdone much of the competition by eliminating all over-limit and late fees for active-duty military credit cards. Review: Navy Federal Flagship Rewards credit card reviewBest Credit Cards for Active-duty Military Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Are military credit cards guaranteed approval? Military members will have their credit vetted just as anyone who applies for a credit card.

$95 Apply now On Wells Fargo's website Apply now On Citi's website Apply now On Chase's websiteHere are the cheapest ways to get a family to Hawaii on points and miles. HiltonFor the highest Hilton credit card welcome bonus, look no further than the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card . You can also utilize miles from the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to cover the cost of activities. Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases, Card Members are eligible to select an Earned Choice Award benefit. Pay these rewards with your Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and redeem miles toward statement credits.

Read our review Read Our Review A looong arrow, pointing rightThe $0-annual-fee U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card is a no-frills secured credit card with a very high APR. Review: Is the U.S. Bank Secured Credit Card the Best Credit Card for You? The U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card Doesn't Have a Rewards ProgramThe U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card does not earn rewards. U.S. Bank Secured Credit Card Benefits and FeaturesThe U.S. Bank Secured Visa® Card has rudimentary features at best when pitted against the vast majority of other credit cards — but they can still be handy for someone who's just getting started in the world of credit. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year N/A Benefits Free credit score check Choose your payment due date Zero fraud liability No foreign transaction fees Automatic consideration for credit line increases Refundable security deposit No foreign transaction fees Automatic consideration for credit line increases Refundable security deposit Review Discover it Secured Credit Card review Capital One Quicksilver Secured card reviewU.S. Bank Secured Visa Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Is the U.S. Bank Secured Visa Card worth it?

☆ Gold firms as dollar inches lower; Powell's speech in focus
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Gold prices rose on Tuesday as the dollar pulled back slightly, with traders awaiting U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's speech later in the day for hints about future rate hikes after last week's strong economic data. Gold prices had shot over the $1,900-an-ounce threshold in January on hopes of slower Fed rate hikes, but prices have since retreated. Market participants will be keenly watching Powell's speech to see if he turns hawkish after last week's stunning jobs data. Gold is sensitive to high interest rates, which lift the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset. Spot silver rose 0.3% to $22.33 per ounce, platinum XPT= eased 0.1% to $970.94 and palladium edged 0.1% lower to $1,596.74.

☆ Factbox: FACTBOX Possible U.S. debt-ceiling workarounds to avoid default
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Historians say that aimed to ensure the federal government would not repudiate its debts, as some ex-Confederate states had done. Some experts have suggested that Biden could invoke this amendment to raise the debt ceiling on his own if Congress does not act. Analysts say this would leave Treasury on the hook for higher interest payments and unsettle the market for Treasury bonds, which serve as a bedrock for the global financial system. GET RID OF ITCongress could vote to abolish the debt ceiling entirely, which would eliminate the need to vote on the issue periodically but also erode Congress's authority on fiscal matters. Attempts to abolish the debt ceiling have gotten no traction in Congress in recent years.

☆ Gold rebounds but holds below $1,900/oz level on Fed fears, firm dollar
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Twenty kilogram gold and silver bricks sit at the ABC Refinery smelter in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Gold prices regained some ground on Monday but a firmer dollar and concerns that the U.S. Federal Reserve might keep hiking interest rates kept bullion below the key $1,900-an-ounce level. Spot gold was up 0.4% at $1,872.96 per ounce, as of 0257 GMT, after hitting its lowest level since Jan. 6 earlier in the session. Those bets helped the dollar index rise 0.2%, adding pressure on gold by raising its cost for buyers holding other currencies. Spot silver edged up 0.2% to $22.39 per ounce, platinum was little changed at $973.88 and palladium added 0.2% to $1,626.38.

Here's what credit score you'll need to qualify for the various Delta SkyMiles American Express cards. Small business owners have three Delta SkyMiles cards to choose from: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card. Luckily, the business and personal Delta cards are considered separate products so if you had the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, for example, you'd still be able to earn the welcome bonus with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card. Bottom lineTo qualify for an Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you'll probably need a FICO® score of 670 or higher. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card card, click here.

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