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To help you get started, CNBC Select rounded up a list of the best mortgage lenders first-time homebuyers should consider. Types of loans offered: The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. The most common kinds of mortgage loans include conventional loans, FHA loans and VA loans. Fees: Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees. Common fees associated with mortgage applications include origination fees, application fees, underwriting fees, processing fees and administrative fees.

☆ Is the money in your bank account safe? Here's what to know if you're worried about your deposits
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

But a checking account and savings account won't necessarily be in different categories. However, if you had a joint savings account, then the savings account balance would fall under a different category. As you're shopping around for a deposit account, you can find out if a bank is insured with the FDIC's BankFind tool. It's also a good idea to open checking accounts or savings accounts with no monthly maintenance fees and the highest interest rate you can find. Below are a few of the best deposit accounts with FDIC insurance, according to CNBC Select's rankings:Ally Interest Checking Account Learn More Ally Bank is a Member FDIC.

☆ The 5 best business credit cards for Amazon: Earn bonus rewards on Amazon purchases and services
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +13 min

Regardless of what business expenses you have and the type of credit card rewards you prefer, there's a business card for you. Below, CNBC Select details the best credit cards for your Amazon business purchases, so you can make the best decision for your business or side hustle. The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is the most rewarding credit card for Amazon business purchases. FAQsIf I have a personal Amazon credit card, can I still apply for a business Amazon credit card? Here's our analysisBottom lineThe right business credit card for your Amazon business purchases should be the most rewarding and offer benefits that align with your business' needs.

☆ New data shows car thefts are on the rise — here's how auto insurance can help
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-12 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The NICB recommends drivers check to make sure their car insurance policy is up to date, but don't assume that your policy will cover your stolen car. You'll need comprehensive coverage to cover theftWith the exception of New Hampshire and Virginia, every state requires you to have a car insurance policy to drive. One of CNBC Select's top picks, Farmers Insurance, makes coverage cheaper with 22 discounts on car insurance. Take steps to prevent auto theftEven if you do have comprehensive coverage, having your car stolen isn't ideal. While you can take steps to prevent car theft, you'll need to have comprehensive coverage if you want theft to be covered.

☆ Adjustable-rate mortgages are growing in popularity, but they come with some big risks
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-11 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) tend to become more popular as rates rise and borrowers look for ways to save on interest. When mortgage rates hit historic lows in 2021, ARM loans accounted for less than 2% of mortgage applications. Here's how ARM loans work and what you need to pay attention to if you're considering an adjustable-rate mortgage. How ARMs workAn adjustable-rate mortgage comes with a low introductory interest rate for a set period and after the teaser rate expires, the loan's interest rate changes as mortgage rates shift. Qualifications: The low introductory interest rate of ARM loans doesn't make them easier to qualify for.

Pay down your credit card balancesIf you already have credit card debt, paying it off should become a priority. With credit card interest rates continuing to reach new heights, you don't want to get stuck with credit card debt if a recession hits. The credit utilization ratio, or how much of your available credit you're using, is the second most important credit factor after payment history. For that reason, it's best to get rid of credit card debt as soon as possible. You might also want to consider a 0% APR credit card (like the ones below) if you're anticipating big expenses.

☆ Biden wants to kill junk fees — here's what could change and how you can minimize fees right now
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

But you don't have to wait for the government to take action to reduce your exposure to junk fees. Comparison shop (as well as you can) Ferreting out junk fees can be tricky and different products and services have their own red flags. The CFPB wants to limit credit card late fees and the Biden Administration is pushing for Congress to pass the Junk Fee Prevention Act, which addresses four types of junk fees. Credit card late fees The CFPB has proposed a new rule to limit credit card late fees to $8. While it doesn't come with a welcome bonus or a 0% intro APR period, it also doesn't charge any fees — including late fees.

On average, this is how long it takes a homeowner to make up for mortgage interest and closing costs. Then, there are closing costs to consider. You aren't expecting to pay the capital gain tax, but there are still closing costs to consider. If $441,000 is your listing price, you can expect to pay 10% of it in closing costs — or $44,100. How to avoid selling too earlyIf you've done the math and found that you'll lose money if you sell the house, consider the alternatives.

☆ What's a mortgage rate buydown? 3 things you need to know to avoid 'lighting money on fire'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Jason Stauffer | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

How does a mortgage rate buydown work? The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, so it's important to understand how your individual mortgage lender is defining the buydown. When you pay for discount or mortgage points, you permanently lower your mortgage's interest rate (as opposed to buydowns which only temporarily lower the rate). So it may make less sense for these types of borrowers to pay for a lower rate. You'll want to pay attention to your mortgage's closing costs because the fees you pay can wipeout the potential savings from securing a lower mortgage rate.

☆ Here's how much Americans have in their retirement accounts — and what it means for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Fidelity Investment's latest analysis of its retirement accounts reveals Americans have, on average, six-figure balances in their IRA and 401(k) retirement accounts. As of the fourth quarter of 2022, the average balances in an IRA, 401(k) and 403(b) were (respectively) $104,000, $103,900 and $92,683. Betterment Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected. For example, Betterment doesn't require clients to maintain a minimum investment account balance, but there is a ACH deposit minimum of $10. Wealthfront Learn More Minimum deposit and balance Minimum deposit and balance requirements may vary depending on the investment vehicle selected.

That's where the Ink Business Cash Credit Card comes in handy, providing additional bonus categories to help me maximize all my spending. The Ink Business Cash Credit Card card earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores, and on internet, cable, and phone services every anniversary year — that's a pretty extensive spending category, so 5% is a substantial number for me. Overall, the Ink Business Cash card provides higher earning potential without me having to pay an annual fee. While that's an invaluable benefit, you don't have to pay for it if you have certain credit cards, including the Ink Business Cash card. Luckily, the Ink Business Cash card does provide primary coverage, so I won't have to pay extra for supplemental insurance as long as I charge the car rental to that card.

Those building or rebuilding credit have the best chances of qualifying for secured credit cards. 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. Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™. 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. Our methodologyTo determine which cards offer the best value for building or rebuilding credit, Select analyzed 29 of the most popular credit cards available for consumers building or rebuilding their credit.

Below, CNBC Select rounds up some of the best balance transfer credit cards. And issuers also factor in the total cost of the balance transfer, which includes any balance transfer fees. And issuers also factor in the total cost of the balance transfer, which includes any balance transfer fees. Balance transfer credit cards are typically for consumers with good to excellent credit scores. Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our credit card marketplace or get personalized offers via CardMatch™.

Balance transfer fee: Many balance transfer cards charge a fee per transfer. Learn more: How 0% APR cards work and how to complete a balance transferWhat credit score is required for 0% APR credit cards? Most 0% APR credit cards are reserved for consumers with good (670-739) or excellent (740 and greater) credit. 8 things to know before applyingWhat's the best way to use a 0% APR credit card? When you apply for a credit card (including a 0% APR card), you'll have a hard credit pull on your credit report, which typically comes with a dip of a few points in your credit score.

You'll get 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 in the first six months with the Amex Gold. The Amex Gold offers better rewards for frequent travelers, while the Capital Savor One is a better choice for those who spend more on entertainment. These benefits are rather common for annual-fee travel credit cards and available with the Amex Gold as well. For example, if you're good at navigating point transfers to get the best value, the Amex Gold can offer a higher yield. For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

Below, CNBC Select breaks down what you need to know if choosing between high-yield savings accounts, CDs and treasury bills. High-yield savings accounts let you earn a higher interest rate on your balance compared to what you'd earn through traditional savings accounts. The Marcus by Goldman Sachs High Yield Online Savings Account is one savings account option that doesn't charge any excessive withdrawal fees. Like high-yield savings accounts, certificate of deposit accounts (CDs) allow you to deposit money into an account to earn interest on your balance. How to choose between a high-yield savings account, a CD and treasury billsUltimately, deciding between a high-yield savings account, a CD and treasury bills will come down to what the money will be used for.

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.

Homeowners typically make their normal monthly mortgage payments and expect to pay off their homes over 30 years. One of the best mortgage lenders for refinancing is Rocket Mortgage due to its flexible loan repayment terms, fast approval process and lower credit score requirements. There are three primary methods for making extra payments – pay extra each month, make a lump sum payment or switch to bi-weekly payments. The first two methods require you to pay extra manually, but this one locks you into a quicker mortgage payoff. These strategies help borrowers pay off their homes faster and reduce the interest they'll pay.

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.

☆ Don't forget to take advantage of these 4 'free money' benefits, says financial expert
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Maximize your credit card rewards Credit card rewards programs let you earn cash-back (or other perks) on money you were going to spend anyway. For example, with a cash rewards credit card like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you can earn 2% cash rewards on all eligible purchases with no annual fee. Transfer your cash to a high-yield savings account In this rising-rate environment, now is the time to open a high-yield savings account and earn more interest than you would in a traditional savings account. You're essentially collecting "free" money by parking your cash in a savings account — especially one with an above-average APY. Bask Bank Interest Savings Account Learn More Bask Bank and BankDirect are divisions of Texas Capital Bank, Member FDIC.

If you're ready to begin your home shopping journey, make sure you get a mortgage pre-approval first. A mortgage pre-approval letter is an essential step in the homebuying process. Below, CNBC Select breaks down how a mortgage pre-approval works and when you want to get one. What is mortgage pre-approval? Bottom lineA mortgage pre-approval can help you gauge how much mortgage you can afford and position yourself as a serious homebuyer.

☆ Record-high credit card debt outpaces savings for nearly one-third of the country — here's what you can do
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | Jason Stauffer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Here's what credit cardholders with debt can doThe following advice can help set you on the path toward solvency if you feel you're drowning in credit card debt. Transfer debt to a balance transfer credit card If you're carrying a credit card balance month to month that you just can't pay off, your first priority should be putting a halt to the interest it's accruing. And, once you can pause the interest accrual on your credit card, you can then also focus on growing your savings. Consolidate debt with a personal loan Those with credit card debt may want to also think about taking out a personal loan to consolidate their debt into one monthly payment. Bottom lineIf you're struggling under the burden of credit card debt, you're far from alone.

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.

☆ 8 reasons why you need an EIN for your business and how to apply for one
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Lee Huffman | Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

Below, CNBC Select explains how to apply for an EIN for your business and eight reasons why you need one. An Employer Identification Number (EIN) is a federal identification number for your business. These are a few of the most common reasons why you need to apply for an EIN. You cannot open a business bank account for most forms of business without an EIN.. You cannot open a business bank account for most forms of business without an EIN. Best small business resourcesOnce you have your EIN, it will be easier to separate personal and business expenses and take advantage of various small business resources, such as business credit cards, business checking accounts, business savings accounts, business loans and business expense trackers.

☆ CNBC's best big bank savings accounts of 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-17 | by ( Elizabeth Gravier | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +22 min

To determine which big bank savings accounts are the best overall, CNBC Select analyzed and compared dozens of savings accounts offered by the largest banks and credit unions. Best big bank savings accounts of 2022Best at Bank of AmericaBank of America Advantage Savings Learn More Bank of America, N.A. If you want a simple, no-frills and low cost savings account at a big bank, U.S. Bank's Standard Savings Account is for you. The three choices include Virtual Wallet, Virtual Wallet with Performance Spend and Virtual Wallet with Performance Select. Spend is your everyday checking account, Reserve your interest-bearing checking account / primary overdraft protection account and Growth is your long-term savings account / secondary overdraft protection account.

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