interest rates

7 Ways to Pick the Bank That's Right for You

With so many banks — and credit unions! — vying for your business, it can be hard to choose. Here's how to find the bank that works for you.

8 Ways Rising Interest Rates Can Help Your Wallet

Interest rates may be on the rise. Here's how you can take advantage.

Why You Should Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

Despite a bad reputation, adjustable-rate mortgages are making a comeback. Learn why an ARM might be the right choice for you.

6 Things Every College Student Must Know About Private Student Loans

Private student loans may look like a good way to fund your education, but there are a few things you should know before you sign the paperwork.

Choosing the Right Mortgage Loan: 15 or 30 Years?

Getting a 15-year mortgage might seem like a no-brainer — it means you'll spend less overall — but there are good reasons to consider a 30-year as well.

Why Savings Account Interest Rates Are So Low

Five or six years ago it was easy to find a savings account that paid 4% or 5%. Today, 1% or less is the norm. What happened?

Turn a Day Off Into Your Most Profitable Day of the Year

We often focus on what is most pressing with our finances. But if you take a day off to do some long-term work, you can save hundreds of dollars a year.

Savings Rates Below Inflation? Save Anyway

When savings rates are below the inflation rate, it's easy to delude yourself into thinking you shouldn't save. That's a bad idea.

The Parable of The Flat-Screen TV

A carefully considered purchase is a wise purchase. On the other end of the spectrum? Meet Dan and his not-so-new flat-screen TV.

How Much Car Can You Afford?

If you're planning to lease a new (or new-to-you) car, follow this advice to make sure you're factoring in all the costs and getting a car you truly can afford.

Cancel Student Loans to Save — and Receive an Interest-Free 120-Day Loan

What's an easy way to have less debt? Return money you don't need. In federal loan lingo, it's called "canceling" your loan, and it can save you a lot.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Debt Snowball Method

If you're trying to pay off a stack of debts, the snowball method can give you the motivation you need to knock them all out. Learn how.

How to Earn a Good Interest Rate in a Low-Rate Environment

If you're feeling ho-hum about saving while interest rates hover around 1%, discover why current interest rates don’t dictate your average return over time.

6 Common Excuses for Not Saving Money

If you don't feel like you're saving enough money, there's probably one thing stopping you — you. Learn how to get over the excuses and start saving.

8 Things to Consider Before Switching to an Online-Only Bank

Everything is going digital these days, and banks are no exception. But is online-only banking the right move for you?

While Waiting for Rates: I-Bonds

You could reach for yield by taking on more risk, or you could suck it up and wait for rates to go up. If you prefer to wait, consider I-Bonds.

What QE2 Could Mean for Ordinary Americans

A second round of quantitative easing, or QE2, could have a real and significant impact on households nationwide. Learn why some Americans might soon have to do more with less.

5 Things You Need to Know About Credit Scores

Over the past few years, consumers have been increasingly aware of the importance of a credit score. It is a good idea to learn as much you can about this important number.

When Interest Rates Head Up

It doesn't take any skill at prognostication to make this forecast: Interest rates are heading up. For one thing, they can't go any lower.

New Credit Card Rules: Who Really Benefits?

Credit card industry reform may have good intentions, but will these rules encourage the same behavior that made reform necessary in the first place?