Federal Reserve cuts interest rates: What’s next for credit cards, auto loans, mortgages
After over a year of holding steady, the Federal Reserve finally cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point — and while the move was widely expected, it still marks a shift in economic policy that could impact everything from your credit card APR to your mortgage rate. If you’re wondering what this means for […]
Credit Scores Fall For The Second Year In A Row As More Borrowers Miss Payments
For the second year running, the national average credit score has dropped, according to FICO, the company behind one of the most widely used credit scoring models in the U.S. The average score now sits at 715, down from 717 in 2024 and 718 in 2023. FICO scores range from 300 to 850, and while […]
The Fed Cut Rates. Will It Help the Housing Market?
On September 17, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25%, a move that financial markets had been expecting for some time. But it’s not just Wall Street that’s paying attention—so are millions of Americans hoping for relief from high mortgage rates. If you’re thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current […]
How to get a mortgage rate under 6% this September
Mortgage rates have been a hot topic for homebuyers and refinancers alike, especially as we’ve seen them bounce around in recent years. After spiking to historic highs in 2023, mortgage rates seemed to cool down toward the end of last year. Now, with potential rate cuts looming and the broader economic landscape showing signs of […]
How Home Sellers Can Get Great Real Estate Photos
You’ve probably scrolled through online real estate listings and found yourself laughing at the awkwardly taken photos—like blurry shots with fingers over the lens or odd bathroom photos featuring toenail fungus remover. But every once in a while, you come across a listing with photos that truly stand out—photos that make you stop and want […]
What Is The Average Home Value Increase Per Year?
Your home is more than just a place to live — it’s a long-term investment. As you make mortgage payments, you’re not only covering the cost of the loan, you’re also building equity, which grows over time. Home appreciation — the increase in your home’s value — plays a big role in this process. Here’s […]
Fed Cuts Rates 25 Basis Points; Mortgage Rates Fall to 2025 Low
On September 17, the Federal Reserve announced its decision to cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points — the first reduction since December 2024. For context, a basis point is one one-hundredth of a percentage point. While this move is aimed at managing inflation and supporting the economy, it could have a direct […]
What Savers Should Do After the Fed’s First Rate Cut in 2025
The Federal Reserve has delivered the rate cut that many analysts were expecting, lowering the federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage points. This brings the target range to 4.00% to 4.25%. While this move is likely to make loans cheaper, it will also impact savers, particularly those with money in high-yield savings accounts. If you’re […]
How Much House Can You Afford? A Smart Guide for Today’s Homebuyers
As America continues to recover from the housing crash, many buyers see opportunity in today’s market. With home prices still competitive and mortgage rates near historic lows, this could be the perfect time to buy a home. But before you start touring open houses, you need to answer the most important question: How much home […]
Bankruptcy Myths Debunked: Fact vs. Fiction
When you hear the word bankruptcy, you might think: failure, broke, bottom, the end, humiliation. But the reality is different. Bankruptcy isn’t the end of the road — it’s a financial tool that can provide relief for people in overwhelming debt. While it’s never the first option you should consider, it may be the right […]
