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This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Things are getting better for home buyers. In other news: Full FAFSA launch by Dec. 1, all the fuss about tips and taxes, and weekly mortgage rates cool.

Buying a House in 2024: What’s Changed?
Things are (finally) getting better for home buyers. Here’s your playbook to navigate the remainder of an unpredictable year.

Full FAFSA Launch by Dec. 1: What Students and Families Need To Know
The 2025-26 FAFSA will fully launch by December, though some students will get access as early as Oct. 1.

What’s All the Fuss About Tips and Taxes?
Both presidential candidates have touted no-tax-on-tips pledges, but experts say it’s bad policy.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Cool; Metro Home Prices Hit Record Highs
While rates may be cooling slightly, home prices continue to heat up around the country.

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Lousy customer service ‘designed for you to give up.’ In other news: What home shoppers need to know about the new buyer’s contracts, weekly mortgage rates tumble, and how to get your finances back on track for fall.

Biden Official: Lousy Customer Service ‘Designed For You to Give Up’
New government actions target “doom loop” customer service calls, fake reviews and subscription cancellations.

What Home Shoppers Need to Know About the New Buyer’s Contracts
Starting Aug. 17, home buyers will set their agents’ commissions and negotiate who will pay.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Tumble; Should You Refinance?
The rapid decrease is likely to set off a wave of refinancing.

How to Get Your Finances Back on Track for Fall
Reviewing spending and preparing for big expenses can help your budget recover from summertime.

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: How to get cheap car insurance. In other news: 5 things to ponder before you pack, August mortgage rates could continue long decline, and Americans spending less time, more money on shopping.

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance
Insurance rates may be going up, but considering some simple steps could help you get cheap car insurance.

Moving in Retirement? 5 Things to Ponder Before You Pack
From available doctors to income tax rates, here’s what to think about before deciding to live elsewhere.

August Mortgage Rates Could Continue Long Decline
Mortgage rates are likely to keep falling in August because inflation is slowing down.

Data: Americans Spending Less Time, More Money on Shopping
New data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals fewer people are shopping on any given day than they were 20 years ago, and those who do are spending less time on the task.

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: How to get into college without applying. In other news: Solar panels in Ohio, project 2025 calls for big changes to Medicare, Medicaid, and 5 ways to practice financial self-care.

Direct Admissions: How to Get Into College Without Applying
If your senior year of high school approaches, direct admissions can help you get into college. A growing number of states are offering this path to college, and companies like Common App and Niche also provide direct admissions to students regardless of where they live.

Solar Panels in Ohio: Costs and Incentives in 2024
Ohio solar panel costs are slightly lower than the national average.

Project 2025 Calls for Big Changes to Medicare, Medicaid
The nearly 900-page conservative policy platform proposes major overhauls for a wide range of government programs and agencies.

5 Ways to Practice Financial Self-Care
Start with reflecting on your past and goals, and then make a customized plan.

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Small-business lenders share an inside look at the loan process. In other news: What to know before you enroll when you are considering college at 25+, SAVE lawsuits, and weekly mortgage rates sink to 4-month low.

Small-Business Lenders Share an Inside Look at the Loan Process
Two experienced small-business lending professionals shed light on the loan process and what small-business owners can expect.

Considering College at 25+? Here’s What To Know Before You Enroll
Think about your career goals, research schools that support adult learners, apply for scholarships and grants and lean on your support network.

SAVE Lawsuits: Biden’s Student Loan Plan Blocked, Payments Paused
Borrowers on the income-driven repayment plan SAVE won’t owe student loan payments or interest until the legal situation is resolved.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Sink to 4-Month Low
We’re in the middle of homebuying season, and mortgage rates are at their lowest since March.

This week’s money news

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This week’s top story: Smart Money Podcast on unlocking financial opportunities for women. In other news: How the next generation will use credit cards, weekly mortgage rates decline, following the rate of inflation, and grocery prices tick back up in lates inflation report.

Smart Money Podcast: Unlock Financial Opportunities for Women: Jean Chatzky on Investing, Negotiating, and More
Learn about salary negotiation and investing strategies and how they can be especially helpful for women facing unique personal finance challenges.

How the Next Generation Will Use Credit Cards
The classic wallet will be as outdated tomorrow as typewriters are today.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Decline, Following the Rate of Inflation
Mortgage rates fell in the week ending July 11, with fixed rates seeing their largest week-over-week drop since May.

Grocery Prices Tick Back Up in Latest Inflation Report
Grocery prices are up 0.1% in June, according to the consumer price index.