Karen Bennett
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Articles by Karen Bennett
Should you use a home equity loan to pay off your debts?
Moving credit card debt into a home equity loan changes what kind of debt it is. Credit card debt is unsecured: miss payments and the issuer can sue you or send you to collections, but it can’t take your house. A home equity loan or HELOC is secured by your home, so missed payments can lead to foreclosure. That’s the trade you’re making, and it only pays off under specific conditions. The upside of converting your higher-interest debt into a home equity loan?
What is a checking account?
Published: Wed Jun 18 2025|Updated: 3 hours ago Add Us On GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google Key takeaways A checking account is a bank account used for everyday transactions, such as paying bills, making debit card purchases, withdrawing cash at ATMs, writing checks, sending money to friends and family and receiving direct deposits. Checking accounts are often covered by federal deposit insurance.
Should you refinance with the same lender?
You can refinance with your current lender or switch to a new one – there’s no rule requiring you to do either. The real question isn’t whether you’re allowed to change lenders (you are); it’s whether it’s the smarter move for your finances. That decision comes down to more than just comparing your current lender’s offer against the competition.
Should You Refinance With the Same Lender?
You can refinance with your current lender or switch to a new one—there’s no rule requiring you to do either. The real question isn’t whether you’re allowed to change lenders (you are); it’s whether it’s the smarter move for your finances. That decision comes down to more than just comparing your current lender’s offer against the competition.
Should you refinance with the same lender?
You can refinance with your current lender or switch to a new one — there’s no rule requiring you to do either. The real question isn’t whether you’re allowed to change lenders (you are); it’s whether it’s the smarter move for your finances. That decision comes down to more than just comparing your current lender’s offer against the competition.
CD ladder: What it is and how to build one
A CD ladder spreads your savings across multiple certificates of deposit with staggered maturity dates, so you capture the higher rates of longer-term CDs while still getting access to part of your money every six to 12 months. It’s a solution to the classic CD dilemma of choosing between better rates and flexibility.
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
The average savings account rate can give you a read on the overall interest-rate environment, but it’s not a rate you should settle for. Aim for an annual percentage yield (APY) many times the national average, such as those offered by high-yield savings accounts. It’s easy to find a top high-yield savings account that offers a competitive return with a low minimum balance requirement.
Best savings accounts for kids
When selecting the best bank account for kids, look for no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements to maximize your child's savings. • Prioritize parental controls and financial education tools that help kids build healthy money habits early. • Consider age requirements and geographic and membership limitations that might restrict access to certain accounts.
Refinancing with the same lender: Convenient, but rarely your cheapest option
Key takeaways In 2025, 87% of borrowers paid higher than the best available mortgage rate for their credit profile — often because they didn’t shop around, according to Bankrate’s Hidden Homeownership Tax research. Refinancing can lower your interest rate and cut thousands of dollars off the total cost of your loan. Staying with your current lender out of convenience can mean paying a hidden “loyalty tax.” Below, we break down when sticking with your lender pays off and when it costs you.
CD ladder: What it is and how to build one
A CD ladder spreads your savings across multiple certificates of deposit (CDs) with staggered maturity dates, so you capture the higher rates of longer-term CDs while still getting access to part of your money every six to 12 months. It’s a solution to the classic CD dilemma of choosing between better rates and flexibility. kAm%92E D2:5[ E@A 7:G6\J62C rsD 4FCC6?E=J 62C? 2C@F?5 c]bdT 2??F2= A6C46?E286 J:6=5 Wp!*X[ 4@>A2C65 E@ 23@FE c]a_T p!* 7@C E@A @?6\J62C rsD] (9:=6 E96 82A 36EH66?
CD ladder: What it is and how to build one
A CD ladder spreads your savings across multiple certificates of deposit (CDs) with staggered maturity dates, so you capture the higher rates of longer-term CDs while still getting access to part of your money every six to 12 months. It’s a solution to the classic CD dilemma of choosing between better rates and flexibility.
What is the average interest rate for savings accounts?
The average savings account rate can give you a read on the overall interest-rate environment, but it’s not a rate you should settle for. Aim for an annual percentage yield (APY) many times the national average, such as those offered by high-yield savings accounts. It’s easy to find a top high-yield savings account that offers a competitive return with a low minimum balance requirement.
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