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High-yield savings accounts reward you with higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts and allow your money to grow faster thanks to compound interest — which lets you earn interest on interest. While rates can fluctuate over time, high-yield savings accounts generally offer APYs over 10 times greater than the national average on savings accounts. To determine which high-yield savings accounts are the best overall, CNBC Select analyzed and compared dozens of savings accounts offered by online and brick-and-mortar banks, including large credit unions. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best high-yield savings accounts.) Our methodologyTo determine which high-yield savings accounts offer the best return on your money, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of U.S. savings accounts offered by online and brick-and-mortar banks, including large credit unions.

☆ Cash-strapped homeowners are swarming to HELOCs at the fastest rate in more than a decade to pay for food, gas, and renovations
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Higher mortgage rates have curbed cash-out refinancing, one way of tapping the equity. HELOC rates have climbed, too, but homeowners have flexibility with how much financing they buy versus taking out a 30-year loan on the house. HELOC rates averaged 7.8% in mid February. High mortgage rates have created a lock-in effect in the US housing market as the majority of US home loans were created with 30-year rates below 4%. Since October, when he bought the property and started renovations, the interest rate on his loan has increased from 6.5% to 7.5%.

While rates can fluctuate over time, high-yield savings accounts generally offer APYs over 10 times greater than the national average on savings accounts. To determine which high-yield savings accounts are the best overall, CNBC Select analyzed and compared dozens of savings accounts offered by online and brick-and-mortar banks, including large credit unions. (See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best high-yield savings accounts.) Find the best savings account for you: Help your money grow by finding the savings account that offers the best rates and features for you. Our methodologyTo determine which high-yield savings accounts offer the best return on your money, CNBC Select analyzed dozens of U.S. savings accounts offered by online and brick-and-mortar banks, including large credit unions.

☆ Debt due to another person's fraud can't be discharged in bankruptcy. Neither can these bills
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

That includes $11.9 trillion in mortgages, $1.6 trillion in student loans, another $1.6 trillion in car loans and more than $990 billion in credit card debt. Some debts cannot be wiped out in bankruptcyFirst, while most forms of consumer debt — credit card debt, personal loans, medical debt, mortgages and auto loans — are generally fair game for either eliminating or negotiating a lower payback amount in bankruptcy, that's not true for student loan debt. Same goes for cash advances above $1,100 from a single creditor in the 70 days ahead of filing bankruptcy. Both Chapters 7 and 13 stop collection activity like calls from creditors or debt collectors, wage garnishments and, potentially, lawsuits from creditors. This approach can quickly erase certain forms of unsecured debt, including from credit cards, medical bills and personal loans.

☆ Millennials are building up a mountain of debt in pursuit of the middle-class American dream — and they're starting to miss credit card payments at an alarming rate
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This debt load is beginning to takes it toll — the NY Fed's report found that millennials are missing credit card and auto loan payments at rising rates. Millennials are starting to miss credit card paymentsAfter falling over the last few years as borrowers paid down their balances, US credit card debt rose $61 billion in the fourth quarter, the largest increase in the history of the NY Fed's data, which dates back to 1999. This increase brought total credit card balances to $986 billion, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of $927 billion. Inflation has caused many millennial consumers to spend more, save less, and ultimately turn to credit card debt as pandemic-era savings have run out. While there are surely several factors fueling credit card debt among millennials, the high cost of childcare and related expenses surely aren't helping.

Checking your credit score and your credit report will not impact your credit score. Understanding credit score checksChecking your own credit score does not hurt it. This may be when you make monthly credit card payments, as many credit card companies show you your credit score. Using too much credit: Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you're currently using on your revolving credit accounts compared to your total available credit. "Your credit card balance should not exceed 30% of the available limit on a credit card," Haywood explains.

☆ Inflation is doing a crab walk and Fed officials fear its pinch
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Some background: The Covid-19 crisis triggered a sudden shift in student loan policy and a new openness to forgiveness. About 40% of those with federal student loan debt would have a zero balance; even more would have a much smaller monthly payment. But, “if payments resume without debt relief, we expect both student loan default and delinquencies to rise and potentially surpass pre-pandemic levels,” warned Fed researchers. Those missed payments suggest that some federal student loan borrowers are having trouble meeting their monthly debt obligations. “We expect these delinquency patterns to worsen if federal student loan payments resume without relief,” said the report.

☆ U.S. consumer watchdog fines TitleMax $10 mln for 'illegal' lending
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 23 (Reuters) - The U.S. consumer watchdog on Thursday fined TitleMax $10 million, saying the Georgia-based title lender illegally made thousands of auto loans to military borrowers over a five-year period, often charging interest rates well above legal limits. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the business, which comprises an array of entities operating under TMX Finance LLC, was a repeat offender. From 2016 to 2021 TitleMax made nearly 2,700 prohibited auto loans to borrowers covered by the Military Lending Act and charged illegal fees on about 15,000 loans, the CFPB said. In its statement, TitleMax said the CFPB's factual and legal allegations were unproven and untrue. It also denied being a repeat offender, saying it had complied with all prior Bureau directions.

CNBC Select compared more than a dozen car loan lenders based on the types of loans offered, affordability, credit requirements and shopping experience they provide. Here are our top picks for car lenders that serve customers with bad or fair credit. It offers various types of loans, including used and new car loans, refinancing and lease buyouts. If you have bad credit, getting approved for a car loan without a co-signer can be more challenging — but it's still possible. The rates and fee structures advertised for car loans are subject to fluctuate in accordance with the Fed rate.

☆ As emergency savings drop and credit card debt rises, an 'ugly stew is brewing,' warns advocate
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Valentinrussanov | E+ | Getty ImagesHigh inflation is leading to reduced savings and higher credit card debt — and there are some signs households may be reaching a tipping point under increased financial pressures. A new survey from Bankrate finds 39% of individuals surveyed in January said their emergency savings are less than they were last year. Still, slightly more than half of respondents — 51% — said they have more emergency savings than credit card debt. The remaining 13% have no credit card debt nor any emergency savings. Bankrate's survey found 45% of millennials, 44% of Gen Xers and 38% of Gen Zers have more credit card debt than money in savings.

☆ Half of Americans have less emergency savings than last year or no savings at all
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Bankrate survey that took place from January 20 to January 23 asked about how a respondent's emergency savings compared to these savings a year ago. About 4 in 10 US adults have fewer emergency savings than they did just a year prior, according to the survey conducted by SSRS. But not everyone has seen their emergency savings fall from where they stood a year ago. "Many have resorted to tapping their emergency savings if they have it, or have taken on credit card debt, or some combination. And emergency savings is money of course that should be highly liquid for when and if they need to tap that money supply."

☆ Higher rates are not a great thing for general consumers, says Valley Bank CEO Robbins
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | 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 EmailHigher rates are not a great thing for general consumers, says Valley Bank CEO RobbinsIra Robbins, Valley Bank CEO, joins ‘Power Lunch’ to discuss the impact of rising rates on mortgage applications, auto loan demand and more.

☆ Scoring the best deals on Presidents' Day holiday sales: 3 smart money moves to make as you shop
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-20 | by ( Sharon Epperson | In Sharoneppersoncnbc | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"For two reasons – the impact of inflation during a pandemic era and interest rates – what appears to be a deal may not be." Before you charge the purchase to a credit card, remember this is one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. The annual percentage rate on a credit card is at an all-time high of nearly 20%. Credit experts say that a cash-back rewards credit card with a 0% interest introductory offer may be an even better deal. Look for lower loan rates at a credit union: Many car brands offer Presidents' Day deals that lower the purchase price or interest rates or make lease deals more attractive.

☆ More Auto Payments Are Late, Exposing Cracks in Consumer Credit
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-18 | by ( Ben Eisen | Gina Heeb | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

A shortage of vehicles during the pandemic sent car prices soaring, and many borrowers took out large loans to buy them. The U.S. economy is on a steady footing and the unemployment rate is superlow. Yet a rising number of Americans are falling behind on their car payments. Some 9.3% of auto loans extended to people with low credit scores were 30 or more days behind on payments at the end of last year, the highest share since 2010, according to an analysis by Moody’s Analytics.

☆ Average 401(k) balances dropped 20% in 2022 — but few investors flinched, Vanguard research shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

There's no question 2022 was a rough year for investors. With record-high inflation, economic uncertainty and aggressive interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve to combat rising prices, stocks took a beating. The median balance — half were above, half below — was $27,376 at the end of the year, a 23% decrease. At the same time, though, 39% of participants' deferral rate — the portion of their paycheck directed to their 401(k) account — climbed higher, compared with 9% of investors who decreased their contributions. While many initiated the increase on their own, more than half of the boosts came from the plan's yearly automatic escalation.

☆ Consumer debt hits record $16.9 trillion as delinquencies rise as well
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Consumer debt hit a fresh record at the end of 2022 while delinquency rates rose for several types of loans, the New York Federal Reserve reported Thursday. Debt across all categories totaled $16.9 trillion, up about more than $1.3 trillion from a year ago as balances rose across all major categories. Auto loan debt delinquencies rose 0.6 percentage point to 2.2% while credit card debt jumped 0.8 percentage point to 4%. Student loan debt also increased for the month after staying flat during much of the pandemic amid government-backed amnesty for borrowers. Auto loan debt edged higher to $1.55 trillion while credit card balances rose to just shy of $1 trillion.

☆ U.S. household debt jumps to $16.90 trillion
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Lindsay Dunsmuir | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Feb 16 (Reuters) - U.S. household debt jumped to a record $16.90 trillion from October through December last year, the largest quarterly increase in 20 years, as mortgage and credit card balances surged amid high inflation and rising interest rates, a Federal Reserve report showed on Thursday. Household debt, which rose by $394 billion last quarter, is now $2.75 trillion higher than just before the COVID-19 pandemic began while the increase in credit card balances last December from one year prior was the largest since records began in 1999, the New York Fed's quarterly household debt report also said. Mortgage debt increased by $254 billion to $11.92 trillion at the end of December, according to the report, while mortgage originations fell to $498 billion, representing a return to levels last seen in 2019. Meanwhile credit card balances increased by $61 billion in the fourth quarter while auto loan balances rose by $28 billion, the report said. However, younger borrowers appear to be struggling more to make repayments for both credit card and auto loans.

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☆ Household debt, credit card balances and delinquencies all rose last quarter
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Minneapolis CNN —Americans continued to add to their debt at the end of last year — and grew their credit card balances at record rates, according to data released Thursday by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Total US household debt hit $16.9 trillion during the fourth quarter, an increase of $394 billion, or 2.4%, from the prior three-month period, according to the Fed’s latest Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit. While the lion’s share of the debt is attributable to mortgages, the report showed that not only are credit card balances swelling at record levels, delinquencies are on the rise as well. Credit card balances increased nearly 6.6% to $986 billion during the quarter, the highest quarterly growth on record, according to New York Fed data that goes back to 1999. And as debt is growing, Americans are having more trouble meeting payment obligations: The share of current debt becoming delinquent increased across nearly all debt types, with credit cards and auto loans showing delinquency transparency rates of 0.6 and 0.4 percentage points, respectively.

☆ There is more of a sense of comfort with EV auto loans, says Experian's Melinda Zabritski
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | 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 EmailThere is more of a sense of comfort with EV auto loans, says Experian's Melinda ZabritskiCNBC's Phil LeBeau reports on the realities of electric vehicle monthly loans.

☆ Our cleaning business made $558,000 in sales last year. Here's how we got started without having to clean a house ourselves.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Anthony and Jhanilka Hartzog started a cleaning-service business in 2017 to pay off their debts. If we could start the cleaning business without cleaning, then we could both keep our nine-to-five jobs, which we did for five years while we grew the business. Jhanilka HartzogYou can start a cleaning business with $1,500J: It probably would've been less, but we had a lawyer review the contract that we used with the contractors. Teaching others to start their own cleaning businessesA: Our cleaning business allowed us to pay off our debt, leave my nine-to-five, and go all in on this business. J: We have a course for people to start their own cleaning business.

"While we disagree with the allegations in this case, we are pleased to have resolved this legacy issue," a Wells Fargo spokesperson said in a statement. Wells Fargo disclosed in July 2017 that hundreds of thousands of customers had been unnecessarily charged for "collateral protection insurance," which covers auto lenders when borrowers are uninsured. The bank also concealed auto insurance issues from the U.S. Senate Banking Committee in November 2016, the investors alleged. Wells Fargo settled an auto borrower class action in 2019 for $386 million without admitting wrongdoing. In 2018, Wells Fargo agreed to pay $1 billion to U.S. regulators to settle probes of its auto insurance and mortgage practices.

☆ Auto insurance is up by more than 15% this year in some states. Here's how to keep your premium down
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Miniseries | E+ | Getty ImagesAs with many line items in your household budget, your auto insurance probably costs more this year than in 2022. While auto insurance tends to eat up a small share of a person's income — about 3% for the average person, according to the Bankrate study — you may be able to reduce it even further. "If you're working from home now, I'd definitely let your insurance company know you're not commuting to work," said Brian Moody, executive editor of Kelley Blue Book. If you were to increase your deductible to $500 from $250, it could reduce your coverage cost by 15% to 30%, Friedlander said. "Auto insurance is extremely competitive and companies want your business to grow their market share," Friedlander said.

Learn more A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.25 out of 5 Stars Editor's Rating A tooltip OUR EDITOR'S RATINGS ARE PRIMARILY BASED ON 3 THINGS: SIMPLICITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND VALUE. Learn more A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4 out of 5 Stars Editor's Rating A tooltip OUR EDITOR'S RATINGS ARE PRIMARILY BASED ON 3 THINGS: SIMPLICITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND VALUE. Learn more A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 4.25 out of 5 Stars Editor's Rating A tooltip OUR EDITOR'S RATINGS ARE PRIMARILY BASED ON 3 THINGS: SIMPLICITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND VALUE. Learn more A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star A five pointed star 3.75 out of 5 Stars Editor's Rating A tooltip OUR EDITOR'S RATINGS ARE PRIMARILY BASED ON 3 THINGS: SIMPLICITY, AFFORDABILITY, AND VALUE. Pros Check mark icon A check mark.

☆ Auto loan delinquencies are rising. Here's what to do if you're struggling with payments
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( Sarah O'Brien | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Fotostorm | E+ | Getty ImagesFor a rising share of car owners, monthly auto loan payments appear to be evolving into a problem. High prices, interest rates have led to bigger paymentsLoan delinquencies can harm your credit scoreWhile the auto loan delinquency rate is edging higher, the default rate is not, according to Cox. "If you're 30 days late, it impacts your credit score," said Brian Moody, executive editor of Kelley Blue Book. What to do if you're struggling with auto loan billsFor car owners who are pretty sure they're heading toward delinquency, it's important to try preventing the problem from snowballing. If you're struggling to keep up because you don't budget well, that's at least potentially fixable, experts say.

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