Bankrate Archives

View moreAuto ArchiveAuto

Top 10 cars for winter driving: These 10 sedans and wagons are as good for winter driving conditions as any SUV or crossover.
Car lineups to expand with VW-Suzuki deal: VW should benefit from Suzuki's expertise in compact cars; Suzuki, from VW's clean diesel advances.
5 reasons to review auto insurance & save: Experts urge you to consider shopping for a new auto insurance policy in these five situations.

View moreBanking ArchiveBanking

Bidding 'adieu' to weird financial 2009: What's that smell? Humor columnist Jay MacDonald says it's a whiff of 2009's financial weirdness.
College football bowl reflects times: Humor columnist Jay MacDonald suspects bailout-weary fans will still cheer the GMAC Bowl.
How do I … Open an account online?: Opening a brokerage or CD account online isn't much different from doing so over the phone or in person.

View moreCareer ArchiveCareer

10 best (and real) work-at-home jobs: Telecommuting has expanded rapidly, making a wide range of jobs just a mouse click away.
7 common questions about the job search: From how to write a resume to how to answer the salary history question, we have all the answers.
Spruce up a resume with professional help: Using a resume-writing service can pay off, but how much will it cost?

View moreCDs ArchiveCDs

National CD rates: Here are the average CD rates from Bankrate's weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
CD Rates Jan. 14, 2010: Greg McBride discusses declining CD rates.
Low CD rates leave 'laddering' shaky: With CD rates at 25-year lows, the popular strategy of "laddering" has been left on shaky ground.

View moreChecking ArchiveChecking

How to avoid fees: You have to know the fees if you want to bypass them. Here’s a rundown of common, and easily dodged, fees.
Bank failure worries? Move money: If your bank's woes have you worried about short-term liquidity, move some funds.
Hiding assets likely to backfire: The Internal Revenue Service and other authorities have many tools to uncover money shenanigans.

View moreCollege ArchiveCollege

College savings options for grandparents: Grandparents have several options for building college savings for their grandchildren.
Naming successor of grandparent's 529 plans: Grandparents can make parents or grandchildren owners of 529 plans, and each has pros and cons.
Is your state prepaid tuition plan flawed?: The notion that you are paying tomorrow's tuition at today's prices is invalid in most cases.

View moreCredit ArchiveCredit

3 steps to refinance your mortgage: Can you take advantage of continuing low mortgage rates? Here's how to tell.
Beat 3 refinance hurdles: Hit a traffic jam of bad news on the way to refinancing your mortgage? Here's what to do.
Layaway makes a comeback: Thanks to the Great Recession, layaway is making a comeback -- with a 21st century twist.

View moreCredit Cards ArchiveCredit Cards

Final credit card rules: The Federal Reserve Board issued rules that clarify some CARD Act provisions scheduled to take effect on Feb. 22.
National credit card rates: Here are the average credit card rates from Bankrate's weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
How to get a free credit score: Here are five ways to get a free credit score estimate for the major credit bureaus.

View moreDebt ArchiveDebt

3 ways to shed credit card debt in old age: There are few options for lowering credit card debt on a fixed income but these might help.
5 options for a car loan in bankruptcy: You can surrender your auto but there are other ways to deal with your car loan in bankruptcy.
3 tips for repairing your credit score: Follow these points to boost your credit score while beginning to use credit again prudently.

View moreHome Equity ArchiveHome Equity

National home equity loan rates: Here are the average home equity rates from Bankrate's weekly survey of large banks and thrifts.
How to buy foreclosures at an auction: Regional home auctions are different from auctions at the courthouse. Here are tips for each.
Selling a home: 5 wacky ways: Having trouble getting your home off the market? Try some of these offbeat methods.

View moreInsurance ArchiveInsurance

5 reasons to review auto insurance & save: Experts urge you to consider shopping for a new auto insurance policy in these five situations.
What health care reform will cost consumers: When passed, the new law will make insurance accessible to more consumers, but it won't be cheap.
Free job-loss mortgage insurance?: Insurance -- often for free -- can pay your mortgage in the event you lose your job.

View moreIRA ArchiveIRA

Bankrate's 2010 Tax Guide: How do I ...?: We're here to help make your tax preparations easier than ever!
Bankrate's 2010 Tax Guide: Work: Take advantage of benefits at work and you may find your job even more rewarding at tax time.
4 steps to undo a Roth IRA conversion: Follow these helpful hints to correctly recharacterize your Roth to a traditional IRA.

View moreMoney market ArchiveMoney market

Money market funds await new rules: What happens to money market funds after the Treasury Department's temporary guarantee expires?
Safe havens: Money market accounts: For many savers, safety is the name of the game. Following are seven low-risk ways to protect cash.
Safe havens: Money market funds: For many savers, safety is the name of the game. Following are seven low-risk ways to protect cash.

View moreMortgage ArchiveMortgage

Ignore bank honchos: If an investigative panel disregards bank executives, here's who they should interview instead.
Comparing home loans now easier: The first-ever industry-standardized good faith estimate was unveiled Jan. 1.
Secrets of the homebuyer tax credit: The homebuyer tax credit has little-known rules that can help or hurt your chances for a refund.

View morePersonal Loan ArchivePersonal Loan

How do I ... Decide to remodel or buy a new home?: Here's a guide to help you decide if you should remodel or buy a new home.
Shopping for a student loan: When you search multiple loan options, you could be damaging your credit report. Here's the best way to shop
Does it pay to play by the rules?: Everywhere you look, someone is being rewarded for bad behavior. Does it still pay to play by the rules?

View moreReal Estate ArchiveReal Estate

Ignore bank honchos: If an investigative panel disregards bank executives, here's who they should interview instead.
Comparing home loans now easier: The first-ever industry-standardized good faith estimate was unveiled Jan. 1.
Ignoring the bubble: Financial crisis panel is told that hardly anyone wanted to hear warnings about the housing bubble.

View moreRetirement ArchiveRetirement

IRA transfer solves tax worry: A trustee-to-trustee transfer can help an IRA beneficiary avoid a short-term tax hit.
What's your excuse for not getting rich?: We define rich as having enough money not to work or not to worry, but many folks are not saving any.
Look out for conservative target-date funds: The supposedly safe 2010 funds took investors for a wild ride. They should display a warning label.

View moreSavings ArchiveSavings

Know rate before cashing savings bond: Before cashing in a savings bond, it's important to know the current and expected future interest rate.
College savings options for grandparents: Grandparents have several options for building college savings for their grandchildren.
Americans not confident about getting rich: Most people say it's harder to get rich than it used to be, according to Bankrate's new poll.

View moreSmall Business ArchiveSmall Business

Taking financial risks without regrets: Risk is a four-letter word that can threaten your prosperity. But it brings the prospect of reward.
Keep your job AND a side business: Want to excel at the job you need while building the business you want? Proceed with caution.
4 ways employers can cut commuting costs: Creative employees and businesses have found four ways to cut daily commuting costs.

View moreSmart Spending ArchiveSmart Spending

5 ways to give big on a shoestring budget: Nonprofit and philanthropic experts list 5 ways you can help charities even on a tight budget.
Fame & Fortune: Andy Williams: The easy-listening crooner famous for "Moon River," Andy Williams now owns a theater in Branson, Mo.
How to check out your charity: With a little research you can make sure a charity will spend your money on the cause close to your heart.

View moreTaxes ArchiveTaxes

Of online filing and fees: The IRS begins accepting electronically filed tax returns today.
Online tax payment options: The IRS offers several ways to pay your tax tab electronically.
Ways to electronically file your tax return: Most taxpayers will file their returns electronically this year. Here are the ways you can be one of them.

View morePlastic Rap ArchivePlastic Rap

Final credit card rules: The Federal Reserve Board issued rules that clarify some CARD Act provisions scheduled to take effect on Feb. 22.
ZYNC from American Express: American Express is offering a new charge card geared toward consumers in their 20s and 30s.
Monitor your credit score: A new personal finance product tracks your VantageScore credit score and report.

View moreMortgage Matters ArchiveMortgage Matters

Ignore bank honchos: If an investigative panel disregards bank executives, here's who they should interview instead.
Ignoring the bubble: Financial crisis panel is told that hardly anyone wanted to hear warnings about the housing bubble.
Mortgage rates at standstill: Mortgage rates have not changed much in the last week; gauging my record on weekly rate predictions.

View moreFed Outlook ArchiveFed Outlook

Inflation checkup and upcoming windfalls: The December Consumer Price Index was released yesterday.
Interest rate review and preview: Let's take a look at where rates went in 2009 and the outlook for 2010.
Fed still on hold: The FOMC meets this month and maintaining interest rates is still central to its game plan.

View moreEye on the IRS ArchiveEye on the IRS

Of online filing and fees: The IRS begins accepting electronically filed tax returns today.
New, improved tax notices: The IRS is rewriting tax notices it hopes will be easier for taxpayers to understand and comply with.
Tax pro regs on the way: All paid preparers will have to meet registration, education and ethical standards in 2011.

View moreYour Wealth ArchiveYour Wealth

Handout from the wealthy?: A survey of the wealthy shows that a third are giving and loaning money to family and friends.
Luxury car sales rebound?: At the Detroit auto show, hopes are pinned on a good year for the luxury car market.
Forced philanthropy: Requiring highly-paid executives to donate to charity defeats the original intent of giving.

View moreBank Shots ArchiveBank Shots

Workplace needs new employee incentives: Humor columnist Jay MacDonald says the workplace needs a new way to motivate employees.
Bidding 'adieu' to weird financial 2009: What's that smell? Humor columnist Jay MacDonald says it's a whiff of 2009's financial weirdness.
College football bowl reflects times: Humor columnist Jay MacDonald suspects bailout-weary fans will still cheer the GMAC Bowl.

View moreBankruptcy Adviser ArchiveBankruptcy Adviser

5 options for a car loan in bankruptcy: You can surrender your auto but there are other ways to deal with your car loan in bankruptcy.
Which bankruptcy: Chapter 7 or Chapter 13?: To make the best decision about which form of bankruptcy to file, first gather this information.
Make landlord deal to drop office lease: You're liable for the remaining rent unless you settle with your landlord to vacate the office lease.

View moreBoomer Bucks ArchiveBoomer Bucks

What's your excuse for not getting rich?: We define rich as having enough money not to work or not to worry, but many folks are not saving any.
Look out for conservative target-date funds: The supposedly safe 2010 funds took investors for a wild ride. They should display a warning label.
This year will be different -- really: The American psyche has changed. This bodes well for our ability to maintain a higher savings rate.

View moreCollege Money Guru ArchiveCollege Money Guru

Spending your IRA on child's college: Tap your IRA without reducing your child's need-based financial aid. Here's how.
Moving UGMA money into a 529 plan: Converting a UGMA account to a 529 means more need-based financial aid for college, and here's why.
529 plan: Moves to make now: Has your 529 plan been battered by the stock market turmoil? Here's what to do now.

View moreCredit Card Adviser ArchiveCredit Card Adviser

Final credit card rules: The Federal Reserve Board issued rules that clarify some CARD Act provisions scheduled to take effect on Feb. 22.
ZYNC from American Express: American Express is offering a new charge card geared toward consumers in their 20s and 30s.
Monitor your credit score: A new personal finance product tracks your VantageScore credit score and report.

View moreDebt Adviser ArchiveDebt Adviser

3 ways to shed credit card debt in old age: There are few options for lowering credit card debt on a fixed income but these might help.
3 tips for repairing your credit score: Follow these points to boost your credit score while beginning to use credit again prudently.
Never too old for credit counseling: For people in debt for decades, credit counseling could show them how to climb out.

View moreAsk Dr. Don ArchiveAsk Dr. Don

10 best (and real) work-at-home jobs: Telecommuting has expanded rapidly, making a wide range of jobs just a mouse click away.
5 ways to give big on a shoestring budget: Nonprofit and philanthropic experts list 5 ways you can help charities even on a tight budget.
Top 10 cars for winter driving: These 10 sedans and wagons are as good for winter driving conditions as any SUV or crossover.

View moreDriving for Dollars ArchiveDriving for Dollars

Car lineups to expand with VW-Suzuki deal: VW should benefit from Suzuki's expertise in compact cars; Suzuki, from VW's clean diesel advances.
Will lender extend car loan period?: The finance company might rework your car loan, but don't wait till you're behind in payments to ask.
Should you buy a Pontiac or Saturn?: Buyers worry that parts won't be available for a Saturn or Pontiac, but the discounts are deep.

View moreReal Estate Adviser ArchiveReal Estate Adviser

10 tips to buy or sell real estate in 2010: If you're trying to move in or out of a house in the coming year, these real estate tips will help.
When 'dream house' becomes horror home: Researching the neighborhood can prevent your dream house from becoming a house of horror.
Top 10 states for foreclosure: Inflated prices, toxic mortgages and unemployment combined to cause a foreclosure tsunami.

View moreTax Adviser ArchiveTax Adviser

Can sales tax on a new car be deducted?: Tax law changes last year still allow you to deduct sales tax on a new car, with some limits.
Are blood donations taxable income?: Depending on the situation, your blood donations could be taxed as earned income.
IRS gets a cut of cruise ship winnings: You can't get away from giving Uncle Sam a taste when you're lucky at gambling.

View moreBasics ArchiveBasics

What type of CD is best?: CDs come in all types. Here is a list to help you find the one to suit your financial needs.
How to avoid fees: You have to know the fees if you want to bypass them. Here’s a rundown of common, and easily dodged, fees.
The good-faith estimate: Closing fees, also called settlement costs, cover almost every expense associated with your home loan.

View moreExclusives ArchiveExclusives

6 ways to get free gift cards: Gift cards are offered as incentives for lots of things you already do. See how to get them.
Video: Gift card fees and terms: Which types of gift cards have fees and which ones can expire?
American Express gift card: Details on American Express gift cards.

View moreFame and Fortune ArchiveFame and Fortune

Fame & Fortune: Andy Williams: The easy-listening crooner famous for "Moon River," Andy Williams now owns a theater in Branson, Mo.
Fame & Fortune: Tom Bergeron: The consummate TV host, Emmy-award winner Tom Bergeron is the front man on three shows now running.
Fame & Fortune: Reba McEntire: The "Queen of Country" is still singing and acting, but now she has a clothing and luggage line, too.

View moreFinancial Literacy ArchiveFinancial Literacy

How to deal with the coming economic crisis: Think we've experienced a crisis? Expect things to get worse, says author Stephen Leeb, Ph.D.
Americans not confident about getting rich: Most people say it's harder to get rich than it used to be, according to Bankrate's new poll.
Do you think you will be rich one day?: Six out of 10 Americans say it's not likely they'll get rich, but one-third expect to be affluent.

View moreLife Stages ArchiveLife Stages

Handout from the wealthy?: A survey of the wealthy shows that a third are giving and loaning money to family and friends.
Know rate before cashing savings bond: Before cashing in a savings bond, it's important to know the current and expected future interest rate.
Car lineups to expand with VW-Suzuki deal: VW should benefit from Suzuki's expertise in compact cars; Suzuki, from VW's clean diesel advances.

View moreNews Spotlight ArchiveNews Spotlight

7 common holiday budget busters: Retailers are trying to get you to overspend this holiday season. Here are seven ways to make it easy for them.
State agencies that help you find unclaimed money: A listing of all the state agencies that help you find unclaimed money and property.
Even in a recession, companies still hire: Even in a recession, there are ways to not only get a job, but to secure the one you have.

View moreSmart Spending ArchiveSmart Spending

5 ways to give big on a shoestring budget: Nonprofit and philanthropic experts list 5 ways you can help charities even on a tight budget.
Fame & Fortune: Andy Williams: The easy-listening crooner famous for "Moon River," Andy Williams now owns a theater in Branson, Mo.
How to check out your charity: With a little research you can make sure a charity will spend your money on the cause close to your heart.

Compare Rates

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About this index

Overnight Averages

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
30 yr fixed mtg	3.89%		3.85%
15 yr fixed mtg	3.21%		3.18%
5/1 ARM	2.88%		2.85%

View rates in your area:

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
$30K HELOC	4.66%		4.71%
$30K home equity loan	5.97%		5.99%
$50K HELOC	4.28%		4.32%

View rates in your area:

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
48 month used car loan	4.80%		4.24%
48 month new car loan	3.62%		3.63%
36 month used car loan	4.88%		4.87%

View rates in your area:

Product	Yield	+/-	Last week
6 month CD	0.47%		0.47%
1 yr CD	0.75%		0.75%
5 yr CD	1.54%		1.56%

Compare rates:

Product	Rate
Balance Transfer Cards	16.14%
Cash Back Cards	16.40%
Low Interest Cards	10.78%

Compare rates:

By Judy Martel

Mortgages »

Upbeat forecast for home prices

Consumer confidence in the economy is rising slightly and so are predictions about home prices. Mortgage company Fannie Mae report

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