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☆ Jobless rates fall for Black and Hispanic men in September
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-04 | by ( Hakyung Kim | In Hakyungkim | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

This trend bucked the overall unemployment rate, which inched lower to 4.1% in September, down just 0.1 percentage point from August. In September, Black men saw their jobless rate fall to 5.1% from 5.9% in the month prior. The jobless rate similarly fell for Hispanic men to 4.1% from 4.8% last month. The unemployment rate for men in Black and Hispanic racial groups declined in September while staying little-changed for other racial groups, according to data released Friday by the Department of Labor. "Black unemployment typically holds about two times higher than White unemployment, among the first to be laid off.

Persons: Sarah Foster, Foster, — Organizations: Amerant Bank, Department of Labor Locations: Florida, Sunrise , Florida, Black

Amazon Prime members who missed out on epic deals from Amazon Prime Day back in July can try their luck again over Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, coming up on October 8 and October 9. Amazon Prime Visa: 5% cash back with no limitAmazon Prime members who also have the Prime Visa credit card can earn 5% cash back on almost anything purchased from Amazon and Whole Foods. In addition to earning 5% back on Amazon, cardholders with an Amazon Prime membership also earn 5% on purchases from Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel℠ purchases. Even cardholders without Amazon Prime membership can earn 3% cash back on purchases from Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel℠. Other cards offer higher cash-back rates on non-Amazon purchases Insider’s Take The Amazon Prime Visa is a good choice if you're already an Amazon Prime member — and do quite a bit of online shopping.

Persons: you've, you’ve, Chase, —, Katherine Fan, Katherine, Guy, Nerdwallet, Fortune, Katherine moonlights, she's, She's Organizations: Amazon, Visa, Amazon.com, Amazon Prime, Deal, Discover, Foods, Chase Travel, FDIC, Finance, Business, Cards, CNN, Forbes, Wall, Dallas Morning News, Newsweek, Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo, SXSW, Austin American, Statesman, University of Texas, National Taiwan University Locations: Amazon, Austin, orcas, Antarctica, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan

Best Credit Cards for Amazon of 2024Compare the Best Amazon Credit CardsEarn 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Prime Visa Apply now lock icon An icon in the shape of lock. Best Credit Card for Amazon ReviewsPrime VisaThe best credit card for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases is the Prime Visa. Best Credit Card for Amazon Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the main benefits of credit cards for Amazon purchases? Compared to other rewards cards, Amazon credit cards offer higher cashback rates on purchases made at Amazon and Whole Foods. There are four personal Amazon credit cards: The Prime Visa, Amazon Visa, Amazon Store Card, and the Amazon Secured Card.

Persons: Chase, —, Cash, Wells, you've, It's, Uber, Wiley, Julie Mehretu, Peacock, Uber Cash, you'll, Cardholders, You'll, cardholders, Read, Insider's, there's, Ariana Arghandewal Ariana Arghandewal, Ariana, Guy, Education Ariana, ExperienceExpertiseEducation Read, Tessa Campbell, Tessa, she’s, Angela Fung Organizations: Business Insider, U.S . Bank, Citi, Citi Strata Premier, Card, Citi Prestige, American, Amazon Visa, Amazon Business Prime, Amazon, Foods, Amazon.com, Chase Travel, Visa, FDIC, U.S, Bank, Target, Walmart, Business, EV, Express, American Express, Disney, ESPN, Wells, Bank of America, of America, Hilton, Marriott, Saks, Entertainment, The New York Times, Street, TSA, Global, Saks Fifth, Amazon Reviews, . Bank, Bank Rewards, Citi Prestige ®, Air France, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Wyndham, Merrill, Amazon One, Amex, Southwest, Prime, Amazon Business American Express, Synchrony Bank, Amazon Business, Bankrate, CNBC, CNN, Forbes, Lonely, NBC, Traveler University, CardCon, Chicago, Expertise, Education, University of Southern, Susquehanna University, Finance Locations: U.S, Hulu, Wells, Air, That's, Merrill ., Chase, University of Southern California

☆ TV personality La La Anthony on why you should have multiple streams of income: You're 'crazy if you only do one thing'
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Renée Onque | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

And TV personality La La Anthony says, "you'll be crazy if you only do one thing. You got to do multiple things and get multiple things going for yourself." "There was a time where you could only do one thing, or people only wanted you to do one thing," Anthony tells CNBC Make It. But I think now it's a different time, a different day, where everyone's doing multiple things." She suggests not allowing fear to creep in and cause you to think that you won't be able to balance multiple things you're passionate about.

Persons: La La Anthony, Anthony, isn't, we've, Get Organizations: MTV, Starz, CNBC, Amgen

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card, My Best Buy® Visa® Card, U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card, Citi Custom Cash℠ Card, Citi® Double Cash Card. Introduction to Store Credit CardsStore credit cards can be incredibly enticing for shoppers looking to save at their favorite retailers. Closed-Loop Credit Cards vs. Open-Loop Credit CardsThere are two types of store cards: closed-loop cards that can be used only within a specific store (or website), and open-loop cards that can be utilized anywhere most credit cards are accepted. Ulta Credit CardUlta has a closed-loop Ulta Beauty Rewards™ Credit Card and the open-loop Ulta Beauty Rewards™ Mastercard® Credit Card. Store Credit Card Frequently Asked QuestionsWho is the Best Buy store card through?

Persons: Cardholders, cardholders, they've, Nordstrom, Wells, You'll, Sephora, it's, Ariana Arghandewal Ariana Arghandewal, Ariana, Guy, Education Ariana, ExperienceExpertiseEducation Read Organizations: Business Insider, U.S . Bank, Card, Bank, Citi, Amazon, Visa, Foods, Chase Travel, American, American Express, U.S, Apple, . Bank, Best, EV, Costco, Bank of America, The Bank of America, Disney, Chase, Hulu, ESPN, Home Depot, Depot, Nordstrom, Nordy Club, Navy, Old Navy, Wells, PayPal, Mastercard, Target, Privileges, JetBlue, Wyndham Rewards, Walgreens, Walgreens Mastercard, Citibank, Business, Bankrate, CNBC, CNN, Forbes, Lonely, NBC, Traveler University, CardCon, Chicago, Expertise, Education, University of Southern Locations: Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Old, Sephora, Target, Ulta, Chevron, University of Southern California

Chase Freedom Flex® Review 2024Chase Freedom Flex® Insider’s Rating Info icon Insider's Ratings are decided by our editorial team. Chase Freedom Flex® Overview and Key FeaturesThe Chase Freedom Flex® credit card has been extremely popular since it debuted a few years ago. Consumer Insights on the Chase Freedom Flex®The Chase Freedom Flex® is well-loved for the various benefits mentioned above. Chase Freedom Unlimited® vs. Chase Freedom Flex®The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is a cousin of the Chase Freedom Flex®, and another one of Personal Finance Insider's picks for the best credit cards. Chase Freedom Flex Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the Chase Freedom Flex Credit Card?

Persons: takeout, Chase, There's, cardholders, You'll, Cash, you'll, it's, Finance Insider's, Cardholders, Read, you've, What's, Katherine Fan, Katherine, Guy, Fortune, Katherine moonlights, she's, She's, Jasmin Baron Organizations: Business, Citi, Chase, McDonalds, PayPal, Chase Travel, Mastercard, Sapphire, Emergency, Lyft, Consumer, Finance, Restaurants, Citi Entertainment, Amazon.com, Cards, CNN, Forbes, Wall, Dallas Morning News, Newsweek, Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo, SXSW, Austin American, Statesman, University of Texas, National Taiwan University Locations: There's, Reddit, Chase, Austin, orcas, Antarctica, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Taiwan, Canada

☆ High Credit Card Interest Rates Are Loading Americans With Debt
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-02 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

The average credit-card interest rate is now just over 21%, up from about 15% a decade ago. Additionally, as credit-card companies continue to charge high interest rates, more cardholders in debt become delinquent — and that could push the US economy closer to recession. Advertisement'The highest credit-card rates we've ever seen'Until 1978, most states had laws capping interest rates for credit cards and consumer products. Lowering the current high interest rates, and the profits that come with them, has become a priority across the aisle. Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate, described the feedback loop of high prices and high interest rates as "a tough cycle to break."

Persons: Lana Linge, it's, Linge, isn't, Adam Rust, Bruce McClary, TransUnion, Austan Goolsbee, Rust, You've, you've, Antoinette Schoar, Schoar, David Silberman, GOP Sen, Josh Hawley, Hawley, Democratic Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Michele Raneri, Ranieri, Ted Rossman Organizations: Consumer Federation of America, Federal Reserve, National Foundation, Credit, Federal Reserve Bank of New, New York Fed, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Louis Federal Reserve, Federal, Financial, MIT, Center for Responsible Lending, Lawmakers, GOP, Democratic, Reserve, TransUnion Locations: overspending, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, South Dakota, Delaware

☆ You could retire with $1 million even if you don't start saving until your 30s: How much money you need to set aside per month
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

A sizeable number of Americans hope to retire as millionaires, according to Bankrate's latest savings survey. A little over a third of American workers say they'll need $1 million or more to retire in comfort, per Bankrate's survey. The median amount they think they'll need saved up is about $875,000. And millennials are the most likely of each generational cohort to think they'll need to save up at least $1 million to retire comfortably. With that in mind, CNBC calculated how much you would need to save each month in order to retire with $1 million at 65, starting at ages 25, 30, 35 and 40.

Persons: Matt Schulz Organizations: CNBC

☆ These are the 10 most valuable college degrees—all but 1 help grads earn six figures
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-01 | by ( Kamaron Mcnair | In Kamaronmcnair | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Electrical engineeringMedian salary: $115,000$115,000 Unemployment rate: 1.9%1.9% Percentage of workers with advanced degrees: 47.6%2. Computer engineeringMedian salary: $112,000$112,000 Unemployment rate: 2.1%2.1% Percentage of workers with advanced degrees: 38.8%3. Petroleum engineeringMedian salary: $100,000$100,000 Unemployment rate: 0.9%0.9% Percentage of workers with advanced degrees: 39.2%4. Aerospace engineeringMedian salary: $105,000$105,000 Unemployment rate: 1.9%1.9% Percentage of workers with advanced degrees: 48.9%5. Mechanical engineeringMedian salary: $100,000$100,000 Unemployment rate: 1.9%1.9% Percentage of workers with advanced degrees: 38.9%7.

Persons: Bankrate, It's, Get Organizations: Survey, Computer, Petroleum, Aerospace, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Actuaries, CNBC

☆ 6 strategies to help mitigate rising car and home insurance costs
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-30 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

While overall inflation has slowed, insurance costs are taking a bigger bite out of many household budgets. Car insurance premiums have also shot up. Bankrate estimates that in September the average cost for full coverage car insurance is $2,348 a year. Extreme weather events, higher replacement and repair costs, and increased medical expenses after accidents have boosted car insurance rates, experts say. Car insurance discounts range from safe driver and good student discounts to taking a defensive driving course.

Persons: Mike Spiering, Francesca Spiering, Joe Raedle, Shannon Martin, that's, Afilalo, Mike Barrett, Tayfun, David Carothers, Loretta Worters, you've, Rod Griffin, They're, You've, Bankrate's Martin, Price Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Autoinsurance.com, Barrett Insurance Agency, Anadolu, Getty, Independent Insurance Agents, of America, Florida Risk Partners, Insurance, Federal Emergency Management Agency, University of Pennsylvania's Wharton Risk Center Locations: Hollywood , Florida, St, Johnsbury , Vermont, Fork, New Mexico, United States, Florida, Valrico , Florida, U.S

☆ The 10 college majors that pay off when searching for a job
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-30 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Bankrate found the "most valuable" majors among 152 fields of study. Valuable majors were based on unemployment, salary, and people with advanced degrees. AdvertisementA new analysis of 152 majors found engineering degrees are valuable financially and in the labor market. Bankrate analyzed 2022 American Community Survey data to determine the "most valuable college majors." AdvertisementBelow are the majors that made the top 10 in Bankrate's ranking:The top nine most valuable majors had median salaries of at least $100,000.

Persons: Bankrate, —, Alex Gailey, Gailey, grads Organizations: Service, Survey, Petroleum, Pew Research Center, Federal Reserve Bank of New Locations: Bankrate's, Federal Reserve Bank of New York

These are the best credit cards for bad credit in 2024, according to Business Insider's team of credit card experts. Discover it Secured Credit Card ReviewBest for 1.5% Cash Back: Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit CardThe Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card is a secured credit card that earns a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits. US Bank Altitude Go Secured Credit Card ReviewBest for Everyday Expenses: Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit CardThe Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card is another good option for maximizing your rewards earnings. Credit Cards for Bad Credit Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat are the main benefits of credit cards for bad credit? Upgrade to an unsecured credit card — Secured credit cards are meant to be a stepping stone to better financial products.

Persons: They're, it's, cardholders, you'll, Cardholders, Cash, you've, You'll, you’ve, it’s, Quicksilver, WebBank, —, Holly Johnson Freelance, Holly Johnson, Johnson, Angela Fung, Read Organizations: Business Insider, U.S . Bank, Bank of America, Card, Bank, Bad Credit, Credit, Business, Quicksilver, . Bank, Cell, Sporting, EV, US Bank, Cash Plus, U.S, Go, The Bank of America, Gas, Drug, of America, Walmart, Visa, Discover, Capital, CreditWise, Rewards, Bank Cash, Go Visa, Cards, U.S . News, Club, Finance Locations: U.S, Capital, Chevron

☆ The majority of this generation feels behind on their retirement savings—how they can catch up
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-26 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The oldest Gen Xers are turning 59 this year, and once they reach 59½, they can begin making penalty-free withdrawals from their 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts. However, nearly 70% of Gen X, which is comprised of Americans between the ages of 44 and 59, feel behind on their retirement savings, according to a new retirement savings survey from Bankrate. The average 401(k) balance for people in their 50s, who make up the majority of Gen X, is $214,100. The good news: Many Gen Xers are already taking strides to get their retirement savings where they want them to be. Plus, they've increased their IRA contributions by 30% to the highest level in five years, per Fidelity's second quarter retirement analysis.

Persons: Xers, Mark Hamrick Organizations: Fidelity Investments Locations: Bankrate

☆ Americans have an average of $6,300 in credit card debt: Here's how much you'd pay monthly to clear it in 1, 2 or 3 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The average American has thousands of dollars of credit card debt. As a whole, Americans hold a record $1.14 trillion in credit card debt as of the second quarter of this year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's August report. "Credit card debt is easy to get into and hard to get out of," Rossman says. Carrying credit card debt can cost youCarrying a balance from month to month can make your credit card debt more expensive in the long run due to accruing interest. How to pay off your credit card debt

Persons: Ted Rossman, Bankrate, Rossman, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve Bank of New, CNBC Locations: LendingTree

AssumptionAn assumable mortgage will let a borrower transfer the mortgage to someone else even if they haven't fully paid it off. Assumable mortgagesIf you have an adjustable-rate mortgage or a government-backed mortgage (including FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages), you might have an assumable mortgage. Finally, if you want to transfer a property into a trust, a mortgage transfer may be able to help, too. Mortgage transfer processIf you think a mortgage transfer is the right move for your needs, follow this step-by-step process. If the lender doesn't approve a mortgage transfer, you will need to explore other options, such as refinancing your mortgage or selling your house.

Persons: You'll, Molly Grace, Molly, Read, Aly J, Yale Aly J, Aly, She’s Organizations: Chevron, Business, Rocket Companies, Indiana University, Yale, Finance, Dallas Morning News, CBS, Forbes, Fortune, Money, Newsweek, US, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, Mortgage, National Association of Real, Insurance, Texas Christian University Locations: Chevron, Michigan

☆ 49% of workers think they can meet their retirement goals — 35% say they will need over $1 million to retire comfortably
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-25 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Overall, 35% of Americans believe they will need more than $1 million to retire and live comfortably, according to a new report by Bankrate.com. Older generations closer to retirement age are more likely to regret not saving for retirement early enough, the CNBC survey found. More than any other money misstep, not saving for retirement early enough is the biggest financial regret for 22% of Americans, according to another recent report by Bankrate. The retirement savings gapOther reports show that a retirement savings shortfall is weighing heavily on Americans, especially as they approach retirement age. "They are focused on their health and financial well-being, but many are at risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement."

Persons: Bankrate, Gen Xers, Zers, Jacqueline Reeves, you'll, Reeves, they're, Catherine Collinson Organizations: Fidelity Investments, Bankrate.com, CNBC, Bryn Mawr Capital Management, Pew, American, Transamerica Center, Retirement Studies, Transamerica Institute Locations: U.S, Bryn Mawr

☆ Trump's 10% credit card interest cap could hurt borrowers, experts say: 'Access to credit would dry up'
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-24 | by ( Annie Nova | Annie Nova Is A Reporter On The Personal Finance Team | Covering Education. Prior To Cnbc | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

A national interest rate cap requires CongressUnder current federal law, nationwide limits on credit card interest rates are scarce, consumer advocates say. Likewise, federal credit unions are typically restricted to an 18% interest rate on their credit cards. “A president cannot set a cap on credit card interest rates,” said Rust. A 10% interest rate cap could backfireFinancial experts on both sides of the debate expressed concerns that a 10% interest rate cap could backfire on consumers in various ways. “Otherwise, it is a game of whack-a-mole.”In 2022, credit card issuers charged $14 billion in late fees, he noted.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, ”, Kamala Harris, It’s, Trump’s, Ted Rossman, ” Rossman, Karoline Leavitt, ” Harris hasn’t, Biden, Adam Rust, Rust, “, ” Rust, Lauren Saunders, Nicholas Anthony, they’re, ” Anthony, Rossman, Saunders, “ Banks Organizations: Social Security, Republican, Democratic, Federal, Bankrate, CNBC, Consumer Financial, Consumer Federation of America, Bank Act, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Consumer Financial Protection, National Consumer Law, Cato Institute’s Center, Monetary, Bureau, U.S . Chamber of Commerce Locations: New York, South Dakota, Delaware, Utah, U.S, Bankrate

☆ How to find great returns on cash after the Fed cut: Rates won't 'go from awesome to awful overnight,' expert says
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-23 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

And it still is, despite the Federal Reserve's recent 50 basis point rate cut, which will push record returns on cash lower. "Those rates aren't going to go from awesome to awful overnight," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. "There's no need to panic if you haven't moved your money into a high-yield savings account yet or you haven't locked in a CD rate." "The biggest mistake that people can make … is the failure to save," said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate. "The urgency of saving is not made any less in an environment where rates are coming down," he added.

Persons: Matt Schulz, haven't, Mark Hamrick Organizations: Federal, Finance

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates in its September meeting. With inflation starting to level off and the Fed cutting interest rates in its September 18 meeting, many experts believe rates have only just started dropping. After all, lower rates help consumers save when they borrow money, but they also translate to lower rates on savings accounts and money market accounts. For example, borrowing money at lower rates can make it easier to purchase a home, finance a car, or start a business. Lower interest rates can also help potential homebuyers buy a pricier home, since less of the mortgage payment they qualify for goes toward interest each month.

Persons: It's, Jennifer Beeston, it's, Beeston, Stephen Kates, Cliff Ambrose, Ambrose, Lawrence D, doesn't, Holly Johnson Freelance, Holly Johnson, Johnson Organizations: Federal Reserve, Savings, Apex Wealth, U.S . News, Club Locations: RetireGuide, U.S

☆ How this 'Bachelor' star turned reality TV fame into a small influencer fortune
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-21 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Mari Pepin and Kenny Braasch got engaged on season 7 of "Bachelor in Paradise" and married in 2023. Pepin was a participant on "The Bachelor" season 25, which aired in 2021, and then returned for "Bachelor in Paradise" season 7 later that year. After "Bachelor in Paradise" aired and her following jumped, influencer opportunities followed. Mariela Pepin, who goes by Mari, was a contestant on "The Bachelor" season 25 and then "Bachelor in Paradise" season 7. Still, 57% of Gen Zers said they would like to become an influencer if given the chance, according to a 2023 report from Morning Consult.

Persons: Mari Pepin, Kenny Braasch, Pepin, Kenny Braasch's, Braasch, Mariela Pepin, Mari, influencers, Casey Lewis, Gen Zers, Lewis, Bankrate Organizations: Finance, Pepin, CNBC, Brands Locations: Chicago, U.S

The Fed cut interest rates in its September meeting, which is the first cut in years. Experts say not to rush to action with your cash savings — but start doing some research. But, the Fed finally cut interest rates by 50 basis points at its meeting on September 18 — the first rate cut since March 2020. This is true now, but it will be just as true if the Fed continues to drop the federal funds rate in the future. However, interest rate increases could lead to having to sell the note on the secondary market at a loss.

Persons: Robert Farrington, Paul Miller, Andrew Crowell, D.A, Davidson, Joseph DiSanto, DiSanto, doesn't, Holly Johnson Freelance, Holly Johnson, Johnson Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, The, Investor, Miller & Company, Barclays, U.S . News, Club Locations: U.S

But many people are still wondering, what does a rate cut mean for my money? For those who’ve been waiting it out, the rate cut “will instill some hope in folks,” said Elizabeth Renter, senior economist at NerdWallet. Consider your (improved) debt repayment optionsThis week’s rate cut was good news for those struggling to unload themselves of credit card debt. They’re a popular savings instrument when interest rates are high, and as most economists expected, CD rates have already started declining since the Fed’s interest rate cut. “This rate cut is not something that should trigger you to go make any drastic changes to the overall direction of your portfolio,” he added.

Persons: Jerome Powell, ”, Elizabeth Renter, Michele Raneri, “, “ It’s, Rodney Lake, It’s, cardholders, Now’s, Lake, don’t, Freddie Mac, ” Renter, they’ve, Raneri, Lee Baker, there’s, Bankrate, Baker, it’s, —, “ Don’t Organizations: NerdWallet, TransUnion, Federal Trade Commission, GW Investment, George Washington University School of Business, Apex Financial Services, P Locations: U.S

☆ Fed meeting live updates: Fed set to cut rates — but market reaction may depend on size of move
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The Federal Reserve is expected to make its first cut to interest rates on Wednesday after more than two years of tight monetary policy. That is up from 4.29% during the week of March 11, 2022, just prior to the Fed kicking off its first hike. Home equity loans have also become more expensive, with rates rising to 8.49% as of last week, compared to 5.96% back in March 2022, according to Bankrate. The Fed's tight policy has provided a silver lining to savers, however. The annual percentage yield on a five-year certificate of deposit has jumped to 2.87%, up from 0.5% in March 2022, according to Haver.

Persons: Bankrate, Haver, — Darla Mercado, Nick Wells Organizations: Federal, Mortgage News, Fed

☆ The Fed’s rate cuts could have unintended consequences for the housing market
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The market had become all but impenetrable after mortgage rates went from historic lows in 2020 to their highest levels in a generation last year. “And I think if we even go down to 5.9%, that would be really psychologically impactful to the housing market. The current 6.2% mortgage rate average is, of course, preferable to last year’s peak of 7.8% — a difference that could translate to hundreds of dollars in monthly payments. As my colleague Samantha Delouya wrote this week, a drop in mortgage rates could be a double-edged sword. “A further drop in mortgage rates could bring a surge of demand that makes it tougher to actually buy a house.”

Persons: ” Daniel Alpert, Alpert, “, ” Daryl Fairweather, Samantha Delouya, ”, Greg McBride Organizations: New, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Westwood Capital, Fed, Bankrate Locations: New York

☆ The Federal Reserve just cut interest rates by a half point. Here's what that means for your wallet
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-18 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"Interest rates took the elevator going up, but they'll be taking the stairs coming down," he said. That makes paying down high-cost credit card debt a top priority since "interest rates won't fall fast enough to bail you out of a tight situation," McBride said. "Many Americans have been holding off on making vehicle purchases in the hopes that prices and interest rates would come down, or that incentives would make a return," Caldwell said. Student loansFederal student loan rates are also fixed, so most borrowers won't be immediately affected by a rate cut. Eventually, borrowers with existing variable-rate private student loans may be able to refinance into a less expensive fixed-rate loan, he said.

Persons: Spencer Platt, APRs, McBride, they'll, Jacob Channel, Jessica Caldwell, Edmunds, Caldwell, Mark Kantrowitz Organizations: Getty, Treasury, Auto, Fed Locations: New York City, Edmunds

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