Ask Liz Weston

Get smart with your money

mortgage rates

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: As rates fall, should you refinance your student loans? In other news: Weekly mortgage rates rise for 6th straight week, where the candidates stand on personal finance issues, and how credit cards can help you navigate major life changes.

As Rates Fall, Should You Refinance Your Student Loans?
Consider refinancing private student loans if you can get a rate at least half a percentage point lower. If you have federal loans, think twice.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Rise for 6th Straight Week
You could illustrate the dictionary definition of “bummer” with a graph of recent mortgage rates.

Election 2024: Where the Candidates Stand on Personal Finance Issues
Here’s a rundown of how Harris and Trump promise to improve your finances.

How Credit Cards Can Help You Navigate Major Life Changes
Credit card perks can come in handy when you’re facing large expenses, whether you’ve planned for them or they pop up unexpectedly.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: Weekly mortgage rates rise, but long term expectations are lower. In other news: In-app deals and rewards, how to take control of awkward money conversations, and how Trump and Harris aim to address your health care.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Rise, But Long Term Expectations Are Lower
Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

Looking for Deals? You Might Need an App for That
In-app deals and rewards aren’t new, but they’ve become the perfect place to tempt inflation-weary customers in search of a good deal.

How to Take Control of Awkward Money Conversations
When families get together, uncomfortable financial discussions can follow. Here’s how to navigate them.

How Trump and Harris Aim to Address Your Health Care
Health care policy proposals from the presidential candidates have been light on details.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: First-time home buyer affordability report – Q2 2024. In other news: September mortgage outlook, weekly mortgage rates drop, and pay interest while in school.

First-Time Home Buyer Affordability Report – Q2 2024
Making a larger down payment or choosing a less desirable home could make this initial purchase easier, but not all homebuying hopefuls will find those options possible.

September Mortgage Outlook: Rates Should Fall Again
Mortgage rates have fallen four months in a row, and they’ll probably go down in September and extend the streak to five months.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Drop, Easing Affordability
Mortgage rates fell this week after the chair of the Federal Reserve uttered long-awaited, market-moving words.

Want Cheaper College? Pay Interest While in School
Making optional student loan payments while you’re in school or during your grace period can save thousands in the long-run.

This week’s money news

By

This week’s top story: 6 milestones and how they might change your life insurance needs. In other news: First EV road trip, weekly mortgage rates, and how to land the financial helicopter to support grown kids.

6 Milestones and How They Might Change Your Life Insurance Needs
Getting married, welcoming kids and starting a business are some reasons you might be thinking about life insurance.

What I Learned From My First EV Road Trip
If you’re new to electric cars or just curious about what a road trip with one is like, here’s what I learned from my cross-state drive.

Weekly Mortgage Rates Remaining Low Could Offset Higher Prices
Mortgage rates held mostly steady during the week ending Aug. 22, as mortgage lenders rolled with the punches.

Supporting Grown Kids? How to Land the Financial Helicopter
Most parents financially support their young adult children. Communication and deadlines can help.

This week’s money news

By

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

By

This week’s top story: State and local minimum wage hikes kick in around U.S. In other news: July mortgage rates could follow house prices downward, corporations want you to rent, not own, and 7 states where will pump up gas taxes on July 1.

State and Local Minimum Wage Hikes Kick In Around U.S.
Minimum wage earners in Washington, D.C., will now make $17.50 per hour, more than in any state.

July Mortgage Rates Could Follow House Prices Downward
Mortgage rates are poised to edge lower in July as inflation cools.

Corporations Want You to Rent, Not Own. Can Lawmakers Stop Them?
Corporate landlords wield outsize market power. Congressional bills would force them to sell.

Heads Up, Drivers: 7 States Will Pump Up Gas Taxes on July 1
State taxes average about 33 cents per gallon, though they vary widely by state.