Aly J. Yale
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Articles by Aly J. Yale
5 Best Auto Refinance Companies of October 2026 Original
*Rates and APYs are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of September 29, 2026. PenFed is our top pick because the lender doesn’t charge document fees or origination fees, and its annual percentage rates are competitive. Our list of best auto refinance companies is built on more than 300 cumulative research hours. We evaluated 30+ auto refinance lenders, interviewed 15+ company representatives and reviewed over 30 data points.
What actually happens after you submit a VA loan application?
You've got your loan preapproval, and you're moving ahead with your lender. Filling out your full loan application is just the first step in getting a mortgage. While it's typically the most labor-intensive part, at least for borrowers, it takes only a few minutes in what typically amounts to a weeks-long process to buy or refinance a home. This is true regardless of the type of mortgage you're applying for, though the application process varies slightly by loan type.
What Actually Happens After You Submit A VA Loan Application? Original
A VA loan typically closes 40 to 50 days after you sign the purchase contract, with underwriting taking 3 to 4 weeks. VA appraisals assess a home's condition against VA safety standards, not just its value, and take 7 to 21 days. Manual Certificate of Eligibility (COE) requests can take up to 5 days. VA specialized lenders can often obtain your COE in minutes. You've got your loan preapproval, and you're moving ahead with your lender.
Inflation rises in the latest report. Will that move mortgage rates even higher?
Inflation plays a role in mortgage rates, along with other economic factors that influence the bond market, particularly the 10-year Treasury yield. A key measure of inflation, the September Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose more than expected, increasing expectations for another Federal Reserve interest rate hike. How will mortgage rates respond? With the Fed waiting in the wings, mortgage rates may not rise immediately, but there's certainly no current momentum for them to fall.
Best Banks for Savings Accounts for 2027
Up to 3.30% APY² with eligible direct deposit or $5,000 or more in qualifying deposits during the 31-day evaluation period. Limited Time Offer - +0.90% Boost on Savings APY to up to 4.20% for up to 6 months on new accounts. Terms apply.8 $0 min. balance to earn APY Open Checking & Savings Accounts with 1 Sign Up Up to 2-Day-Early Paycheck3 Access additional FDIC insurance up to $3M on deposits4 No Account Fees5 & No-fee Overdraft Coverage6 *Terms Apply Open SoFi Account Today
Best Banks for Savings Accounts for 2027
The best savings accounts offer high annual percentage yields (APYs), have low minimum balance requirements and charge low (or no) fees while also providing customers with reliable and widely accessible customer service. The products on our list offer some of the highest APYs available.
10 Great Places to Retire That Have Cheap Housing
Housing makes up more than 36 percent of spending for Americans age 65-plus, making affordable housing a key retirement consideration. Comparing AARP’s Livability Index, which ranks the best places to live for older adults, with real estate data shows low home prices can coexist with strong access to health care, recreation and social engagement. Several of the communities that exemplify that match are in Iowa, Minnesota and Pennsylvania and range from small towns to major cities.
9 Best Roth IRAs of October 2026
Charles Schwab is the best overall Roth individual retirement account (IRA) provider, offering no minimum investment amount, no annual fees and access to stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, bonds, CDs, options, IPOs and annuities. Betterment has the best robo-advisor option, while Vanguard is best for passive investors. Robinhood is worth considering if you’d like matching contributions, while SoFi is a good choice if you prioritize great customer service.
Best Student Loan Refinance Companies of October 2026 Original
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad Earnest claims the best overall title with its flexible repayment options; you can choose your monthly bill amount and create a term around it. Other top companies include SoFi and RISLA. Borrowers with federal undergraduate loans will have a hard time beating their interest rate on the private market. But federal graduate loans, federal parent loans and private loans carry higher interest rates and offer a better shot at savings.
4 Best Extended Car Warranties of October 2026 Original
* Sample rates are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of Sept. 25, 2026. With the cost of new and used vehicles rising, Americans are hanging onto their cars for longer. The average car on the road in 2025 was nearly 13 years old, government data shows, and nearly two-thirds of owners now keep their vehicles for at least five years or more, according to Cox Automotive.
7 Best Job Posting Sites for Employers of October 2026 Original
Money named Indeed as the best overall job posting site because its high web traffic will help employers get in front of a large pool of applicants, and it has budget-based pricing for paid posts, as well as relatively generous free job listing rules. Other top sites included LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter and Handshake. Online job posting sites are the fastest way to find applicants and onboard qualified hires.
Home Equity Sharing: Pros and Cons
One of the primary advantages homeowners have over renters is the ability to build up — and tap into — home equity. You can access this equity through several loan products that either disburse a lump sum or provide a line of credit. But most home equity products — including home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) — require monthly payments. Home equity sharing agreements don’t.
5 Best Home Equity Sharing Companies of October 2026 Original
Home equity sharing trades a portion of a home's future equity for a lump sum, with no monthly payments; homeowners generally need an LTV below 70%. Money's analysis of availability, payoff term, loan amount, credit score and property types names Point best overall: 3.9% fee, 500 minimum score, 30-year payoff. Hometap offers up to $600,000, tied for the highest amount found, at a 4.5% fee and 585 minimum credit score.
7 Best Mobile Home Loans of October 2026 Original
Money's review of nearly two dozen lenders across six weighted factors names CrossCountry Mortgage best overall; minimum credit scores start at 500. Homes built before June 15, 1976, fail HUD standards and can't get conventional, FHA, VA or USDA mortgages — leaving chattel or personal loans. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, law since July 11, ends the permanent chassis requirement, saving $5,000 to $10,000 per home.
10 best home equity loans of October 2026
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Best Personal Loans of October 2026 Original
We found that Credible has some of the best APRs, LendingTree offers the best marketplace, with access to 300+ lenders, and Lightstream boasts the widest variety of loan options. The average APR for a 24-month personal loan is 11.86%, according to the Federal Reserve. Personal loan rates tend to be higher than rates on secured loan products, like car loans or home equity loans, due to the higher risk for lenders.
10 Best Home Equity Loans of October 2026
Money's review of 60-plus home equity lenders scores PNC Bank best overall at 4.85 out of 5, with rates from 7.49% and loans up to $1 million. Qualifying standards, loan amounts, property requirements, and other details are not standardized and vary by financial institution. Figure leads HELOCs with fixed rates starting at 6.90% APR as of July 31; Navy Federal's 20-year draw period is the longest among those analyzed. * Sample rates and APRs are subject to change.
10 Best Home Equity Loans of October 2026
* Sample rates and APRs are subject to change. All information provided here is accurate as of September 29, 2026, and may change at any moment. Our Top Picks for Best Home Equity Lenders of October 2026 • Fifth Third : Best Flexible Rate Lock • Bank of America : Best for No Fees Why we chose it:PNC Bank came out on top with a whopping 4.85 out of 5 score, making it the best-rated home equity product among the 60+ we analyzed.
5 Best No-Appraisal Home Equity Loan Lenders of October 2026 Original
Money's review of more than 60 home equity lenders names Connexus Credit Union best overall, with a 4.99% intro APR through April 1, 2027, and 90% LTV. No-appraisal lenders use automated valuation models, desktop appraisals or prior valuations, skipping fees that typically run $314 to $424. Figure Lending, Rate and PenFed cap no-appraisal loans at $400,000 versus $500,000 to $750,000 with an appraisal; Achieve accepts scores from 600.
6 Best Reverse Mortgage Companies of October 2026 Original
Reverse mortgages let homeowners 62 and older convert equity into cash with no monthly payments; proprietary jumbo products start at 55 and cap near $4 million. Money's review of nearly two dozen lenders across eight factors names Finance of America best overall, Longbridge best for options and Guild Mortgage best rates. The 2026 HECM conforming limit is $1,249,125, and average HECM rates ranged from 5.48% to 5.98% in June, the most recent month for which government data is available.
8 Best VA Loan Lenders of October 2026 Original
Money's review of 30-plus VA lenders across six weighted factors names Veterans United best overall, Rocket Mortgage best for refinancing and Pennymac best online. VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance, though a funding fee of 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount applies. Rocket Mortgage's research finds that 54% of eligible borrowers know VA loans require no down payment; fewer than 40% know they skip mortgage insurance.
5 Best Dental Insurance Plans of October 2026
Along with brushing and flossing, good dental insurance goes a long way towards keeping your teeth healthy. It can also help offset the rising costs of dental care, which has surged 11% since 2019, according to the last quarterly report from the American Dental Association. But not all insurance providers are created equal. Coverage amounts, deductibles and customer service can vary, so it’s important to do your research upfront.
How To Get a Student Loan With No Credit
If you have bad credit or no credit history, federal student loans are typically the best place to start because most don’t require a credit check. Private student loans are harder to qualify for on your own, though a handful of lenders weigh factors like your GPA, degree program, school, or future earning potential rather than credit alone. Applying with a cosigner opens up more options. It can improve your approval odds and help you qualify for a lower private student loan rate.
How Down Payment Assistance Works — and How to Stack It With an FHA, USDA or Conventional Loan
The down payment represents the biggest hurdle for most hopeful homebuyers. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment amounted to 19% of the purchase price in 2025. Applied to the approximate $403,000 price tag on a median-priced home, 19% comes out to a whopping $76,608. For buyers who can’t come up with that hefty chunk of change, down payment assistance programs (DPAs) can be an option.
Park Morton Marks Start of Communitywide Transformation
For decades, Park Morton stood as a symbol of disinvestment in Washington, D.C.'s Park View neighborhood. Today, the site has been reimagined as a modern, 142-unit affordable housing community, delivering long-awaited homes for residents while setting the stage for the next chapter of a broader neighborhood revitalization effort.
Pennrose Development Strengthens Newport News Neighborhood
Legacy Landing is about more than replacing aging public housing. The new mixed-income community is a key piece of a sweeping effort to reconnect, revitalize, and reimagine the Marshall-Ridley neighborhood in Newport News, Virginia.
Longmont Development Combines Family Housing and Childcare
A new affordable housing community in Longmont, Colorado, is helping families solve two challenges at once: finding an affordable place to live and securing access to quality early childhood education. The $38.9 million Ascent at Hover Crossing development delivers 75 income-restricted apartments alongside the Aspen Center, an on-site educational facility serving children ages 1 to 6. Together, the offerings create what the development team views as a rare family-centered housing model.
FHA Loans for First-Time Buyers: How They Work and Who They're Best For
There are lots of mortgage options out there, but not all of them are right for every borrower. Conventional loans, for example, are the most popular type of mortgage in the country. They made up about 75% of all mortgages in 2025, according to Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data, but they’re typically best reserved for high-credit borrowers with plenty saved for a down payment.
The Housing Allowance Strategy: Building a Portfolio One Duty Station at a Time
For active-duty service members who are constantly moving to new locations, buying a home may not be high on their radar. But that mindset can lead them to overlook one of the greatest benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs offers: the home loan. The VA loan program lets military service members and veterans buy homes at low interest rates and, in many cases, with no down payment.
Thinking about investing in gold bars and coins? Here's where prices could be headed this fall. Original
While there may be some ups and downs this fall, the overall price trajectory for gold looks promising. Gold has been on quite the ride over the last year, hitting record highs at one point in early 2026, only to fall notably in the months following. While gold prices have somewhat recovered since then, they're still much lower than those record highs seen earlier this year.
7 Best Job Posting Sites for Employers of September 2026
Money named Indeed as the best overall job posting site because its high web traffic will help employers get in front of a large pool of applicants, and it has budget-based pricing for paid posts, as well as relatively generous free job listing rules. Online job posting sites are the fastest way to find applicants and onboard qualified hires. While there are dozens of job posting sites to choose from, only a few are worth your time and money — particularly in today's challenging hiring market.
7 Best Mobile Home Loans of September 2026
Money's review of nearly two dozen lenders across six weighted factors names CrossCountry Mortgage best overall; minimum credit scores start at 500. Homes built before June 15, 1976, fail HUD standards and can't get conventional, FHA, VA or USDA mortgages — leaving chattel or personal loans. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, law since July 11, ends the permanent chassis requirement, saving $5,000 to $10,000 per home.
5 Best No-Appraisal Home Equity Loan Lenders of September 2026
Money's review of more than 60 home equity lenders names Connexus Credit Union best overall, with a 4.99% intro APR through April 1, 2027, and 90% LTV. No-appraisal lenders use automated valuation models, desktop appraisals or prior valuations, skipping fees that typically run $314 to $424. Figure Lending, Rate and PenFed cap no-appraisal loans at $400,000 versus $500,000 to $750,000 with an appraisal; Achieve accepts scores from 600.
Best Online Banks for September 2026
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad Axos is Money's pick for the best overall online bank. With an expansive network of 95,000+ ATMs, Axos' savings, checking, senior and teen accounts offer competitive APYs and no fees. Customers enjoy an array of security features, and reviews on third-party sites are strong for the bank. Online banks are increasingly popular due to their high annual percentage yields (APYs) and low fees.
5 Best Home Equity Sharing Companies of September 2026
Home equity sharing trades a portion of a home's future equity for a lump sum, with no monthly payments; homeowners generally need an LTV below 70%. Money's analysis of availability, payoff term, loan amount, credit score and property types names Point best overall: 3.9% fee, 500 minimum score, 30-year payoff. Hometap offers up to $600,000, tied for the highest amount found, at a 4.5% fee and 585 minimum credit score.
8 Best VA Loan Lenders of September 2026
Money's review of 30-plus VA lenders across six weighted factors names Veterans United best overall, Rocket Mortgage best for refinancing and Pennymac best online. VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance, though a funding fee of 0.5% to 3.3% of the loan amount applies. Rocket Mortgage's research finds that 54% of eligible borrowers know VA loans require no down payment; fewer than 40% know they skip mortgage insurance.
How Much House Can I Afford?
The first step in your homebuying journey is determining how much you can comfortably spend and setting your budget. How much home you can afford will depend on many factors, including your income, debt-to-income ratio and the loan terms. Using an affordability calculator gives you an estimate of your homebuying budget. Updated June 2026 Buying a home can be an exciting journey. It's one of the largest investments you'll make, and it's the key to building long-term wealth.
Money market vs. high-yield savings account: Which will be better if the Fed raises interest rates? Original
If you want to maximize the returns on your savings, finding the right interest-bearing deposit account is key. Interest rates on interest-bearing deposit accounts have been decent lately, though they're nowhere near the highs seen just a few years ago. In turn, there are lots of opportunities for savers to maximize the returns on their money. That could change, though, as the Federal Reserve may be eyeing an interest rate hike in the near future.
Will mortgage rates drop below 6% in 2026? Original
Mortgage rates aren't set in stone, and there's still a chance rates could drop, but how likely is it? Mortgage rates haven't been particularly ideal this year. Though rates started out the year in the low 6% range (and even fell under it at one point), mortgage rates have since been 6.5% or higher for most of the summer. Just recently, though, they climbed to an average 6.75% on conventional 30-year mortgage loans.
Is a HELOC or home equity loan better for borrowers now? Original
The choice between a HELOC and home equity loan can be difficult for homeowners in this lending environment. Between today's high inflation and soaring gas prices, more Americans may be finding themselves in need of extra cash to cover their essentials. Borrowing money isn't always affordable in today's landscape, though. After all, credit cards come with double-digit rates and increase the risk of compounding financial challenges even further.
Inflation pulls back slightly in July. Is that good news for mortgage rates?
Inflation plays a role in mortgage rates, along with other economic factors that influence the bond market, particularly the 10-year Treasury yield. The July Consumer Price Index (CPI), a key measure of inflation, revealed a second month in a row of moderating prices. How will mortgage rates respond? Learn about how mortgage rates are determined. Before understanding how inflation affects mortgage rates, it is essential to first know what inflation is and how it's measured.
Why are gold prices falling? 4 factors that are impacting gold's value Original
The price of gold is down considerably from a record high reached in January. The price of gold has fallen notably over the course of 2026 — a stark turnaround from last year's record-setting run-up. In fact, gold prices are now sitting at less than $4,400 per ounce, more than $1,000 below their January peak. It's not great news if you already hold gold, but if you're considering investing in the precious metal in the near future, there's an opportunity to get in affordably.
USDA vs. FHA vs. Conventional: What They Are and How to Choose the Right Loan
Work the programs in order of cost: USDA first if income and property qualify, then HomeReady or Home Possible at or below 80% of area median income. USDA's map covers about 97% of the U.S. landmass, says Neighbors Bank's Ashley Harris, but ratios are tighter—29% housing, 41% total debt. FHA is most forgiving about credit, accepting scores near 500, but its mortgage insurance usually lasts the life of the loan. Mortgage loans aren’t one-size-fits-all.
Best Online Banks for August 2026
Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.Ad Axos is Money's pick for the best overall online bank. With an expansive network of 95,000+ ATMs, Axos' savings, checking, senior and teen accounts offer competitive APYs and no fees. Customers enjoy an array of security features, including automatic log-out, 128-bit SSL encryption, anti-virus and malware protection to help protect sensitive information and data.
Sallie Mae Student Loans Review
Sallie Mae is one of the largest private student loan providers in the country. Since 2014, it has provided financing to over 1.4 million families. Like other lenders, it offers competitive rates on undergraduate and graduate student loans. But unlike other lenders that only have loan options for those pursuing degrees, Sallie Mae also provides loans for career training, certificate programs, bar exam preparation and medical school residencies.
6 Best Reverse Mortgage Companies of August 2026
Finance of America Reverse is the best reverse mortgage lender due to its variety of loan products, wide availability and strong customer ratings. Other top picks include Longbridge, which offers the most options, and Guild Mortgage, which has the most competitive rates. Reverse mortgages allow you to turn your home equity into cash. You can receive the funds as a one-time payment, monthly payments, a line of credit or a combination of these options.
6 Best Cash-Out Refinance Lenders of August 2026
The best cash-out refinance lenders offer competitive rates, flexible loan terms, limits, and credit score requirements, and reasonable fees. Our top picks for the best cash-out refinance lenders include Rocket Mortgage, the best online lender; Carrington Mortgage for those with bad credit; and PenFed, the best credit union. A cash-out refinance allows you to tap into your home equity by taking out a new, larger mortgage, paying off the old loan and keeping the difference.
What is the mortgage rate forecast for fall 2026? Here's what experts expect. Original
Borrowers searching for affordable mortgage interest rates may encounter a different rate climate this fall. Mortgage interest rates have been in the mid-6% range for much of 2026, and recently, they've jumped even higher. According to Zillow, the average rate on 30-year conventional loans is now at 6.75%, around a full point higher than where it sat in March.
What is the mortgage rate forecast for fall 2026? Here's what experts expect.
2 hours ago America’s greatest rival is single-handedly averting a global energy crisis. No one knows how the country is doing it—or why. When Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz, experts warned that oil prices could hit $150 or $200 a barrel within a few weeks. The great mystery of the Iran war is why that …
4 ways to double your money, according to financial experts
Higher-risk options can include options like cryptocurrency, day trading or investing in businesses and startups. "There are no safe ways to double your money quickly," says Adam Sommers, lead planner and chief investment strategist at Sommers Financial Management. "Speculation in options, cryptocurrency, or stocks has the potential to double your money quickly — but the flip side of the coin is that when speculating, your balance can just as easily go to zero.
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