Personal Finance Audio | Bankrate.com

Why buy a diesel car?

Article: Considering a diesel car? Weigh the pros and cons before you buy one.

Credit card surcharge at the pump

Article: Paying by credit card at the pump? Some gas stations are charging a surcharge to use the card.

Understanding real estate comps

Article: Comps are important in a real estate transaction, but just how comparable are the sales?

Get your home hurricane-ready

Article: Don't wait for hurricane season to start to get your home ready for a storm.

Americans stay away from stocks

Article: Consumers say their finances are improving, but why are they avoiding investing in stocks?

Class-action lawsuit a big payoff?

Article: Visions of a big payoff dancing in your head? Read up before you join that class-action lawsuit.

Insurance for ID theft?

Article: With identity theft increasing, should you consider purchasing ID theft insurance?

Preparing to buy a house

Article: Buying a home can be complicated. Here's what you need to know to make it less stressful.

SmarterBank helps pay student loan

Article: This new debit card rewards program pays out to your student loan when you shop.

Keep finance records in order

Article: Keep your personal finance records organized and know how long to keep them.

Ways to save on common costs

Article: With everyday items getting more expensive, you can still find ways to save money.

Reduce spending and save more

Article: Having trouble meeting your savings goals? Learn what you can cut to save.

Travel overseas with EMV card

Article: Is your credit card ready for overseas travel?

Selecting a mortgage lender

Article: Don't just focus on the lowest rate when looking for a mortgage lender.

Having a baby costs

Article: Many are still considering having a baby despite the bad economy.

Where meals cost more

Article: In several major cities, the tax on a meal can put a bite on your wallet.

Benefit from Social Security

Article: Deciding when to begin drawing Social Security benefits is a personal one.

Resolving a bank mistake

Article: Banks process millions of transactions every day and mistakes occur. Find out how to fix one.

Manage your rep on social media

Article: Employers are checking job applicant's social media profile. Make sure to keep it clean.

Early CD withdrawal eats interest

Article: Consider the cost you'll pay before making an early withdrawal from a CD.

Rising gas prices: Who gets the money?

Article: As gas prices rise, you may be wondering where all that money is going.

Women and credit

Article: It pays for women to have a good relationship with credit.

Mobile banking a hit with young adults

Article: Mobile banking usage is highly correlated with age, according to a recent survey.

Shopping with social responsibility

Article: Does it cost more to be a socially conscious consumer?

Preparing for a short sale

Article: You can get a great deal on a property, but it will take lots of time, effort and patience.

Electronic distractions while driving

Article: The NHTSA is recommending new guidelines for automakers to limit electronic distractions.

Tips for a home walk-through

Article: Don't let the emotions of closing day cloud your judgment during your walk-through.

Driving distractions for teens

Article: New studies explain why friends in the car make things riskier for teen drivers.

Refinancing through HARP 2

Article: A refreshed HARP aims to help facilitate refinancing for upside-down borrowers.

Holiday credit card debt trimmed

Article: Americans are working hard on cutting holiday credit card debt.

Join the elite credit card club?

Article: If you're a desirable customer, you may be invited to an elite credit card club.

Job interview mistakes to avoid

Article: Don't ruin your chances of getting a new job by making common interview mistakes.

Cost of 18th century living

Article: Take a look back at how much it cost to live in George Washington's time.

More in savings than in debt?

Article: Do you have more money in your emergency savings than you do in credit card debt?

Teaching kids about money

Article: Get your kids involved in all things financial at a young age.

Finances and siblings

Article: According to financial and psychiatric experts, siblings may have different financial views.

Older Americans lack confidence in economy

Article: Americans over 50 say they are less confident about their finances.

New card bonus a good deal?

Article: Should you get that new credit card for the sign-up bonus?

The cost of a 401(k) plan

Article: Don't be surprised by how much money is taken from your 401(k) plan to cover fees.

Canceling a credit card

Article: Trying to cut debt? Here's what you need to know before closing credit card accounts.

Fighting a traffic ticket

Article: Your chances of beating a traffic ticket may be better than you thought.

Homebuyers shop for a deal

Article: In real estate, homebuyers are searching for the best deal they can get and maybe a few extras.

High net worth prolongs life

Article: A British survey reveals men with the highest net worth live longer than those with less money.

Steady returns with dividends

Article: When markets are volatile, investors can rely on regular income from dividends.

Investing for creative minds

Article: If you are a creative type, investing may seem too complicated. Here's how to overcome that.

Ways to save on rent

Article: Want to score a great deal on your new place? Here's how to do it.

The cost of pet ownership

Article: Thinking about buying a pet? Before you do, find out how much it will cost.

Using student ID for payment

Article: Find out how student ID can double as a prepaid card on campus.

Preparing for a job layoff

Article: With advanced notice, you can prepare for a layoff to soften the financial impact.

Easy ways to save money

Article: Want an extra $2,000 this year? Get started with these simple tips.

Can a balance transfer cut debt?

Article: Trying to cut credit card debt? Consider a balance transfer credit card.

Saving extra from paychecks?

Article: Did you overlook an opportunity to set aside a little extra from your paycheck last year?

Positive economic outlook

Article: 2011 ended with Americans' feeling more financially secure. Does the momentum carry over in 2012?

Ditch post-holiday debt

Article: Experiencing post-holiday debt blues? Here's how to start slashing that debt.

Losing weight pays off

Article: Need motivation for losing weight? Look no further than your wallet.

Clean-up credit card debt

Article: Is your wallet full of plastic and your mailbox full of bills? Try organizing your credit cards.

Interest rate outlook for 2012

Article: In 2011, low interest rates were great for spenders, but not savers. Will that change in 2012?

First-time homebuyer missteps

Article: First-time homebuyers often learn expensive lessons. Here's how to avoid those mistakes.

Opening a teen checking account

Article: A checking account can be a great learning experience for teens.

Free, fun things to do

Article: Entertain yourself with these frugal activities.

Should you fan and follow card issuers?

Article: Could you benefit from connecting with your credit card issuers on Facebook and Twitter?

Start establishing credit

Article: There are options for establishing credit for those with poor credit or little credit history.

Change your credit card game plan

Article: Not getting the interest rate you desire? Here are some tips to change that.

Get organized for tax season

Article: It's the new year and tax season is here. Follow these tips to get ready ahead of time.

Debit cards can be a risky swipe

Article: Avoid using a debit card in situations where fraud is common.

Cancel an unused credit card?

Article: Credit card companies have been closing unused accounts. Find out how this could hurt you.

Homeowner tax breaks

Article: Being a homeowner can make paying taxes easier on your wallet.

Shedding pounds for cash

Article: Learn how to earn cash while shedding the pounds.

Smart saving in the new year

Article: Want a fresh financial start in the new year? Here are some tips to reach your savings goals.

Keep your New Year's resolutions

Article: Here are some ways to stick to your New Year's resolutions through January and beyond.

Product	Rate	+/-	Last week
30 yr fixed mtg	3.82%		3.73%
15 yr fixed mtg	3.11%		3.03%
5/1 ARM	2.67%		2.68%
30 yr fixed mtg refi	3.78%		3.80%