Category

Money Management

Here’s Exactly When the Next Fed Rate Cut Might Happen — and What to Do in the Meantime

By Money Management No Comments

The Fed has already lowered interest rates once this year and is likely to do it again. Read on to see when that might happen — and what it means for you. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

When inflation surged in the wake of the pandemic, it created a tough financial situation for a lot of people. Many Americans had to raid their savings accounts simply to keep up with expenses like gas and groceries.

In response to rampant inflation, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate 11 times between 2022 and 2023. But since inflation has slowed this year, the Fed hasn’t needed to raise interest rates.

In fact, in mid-September, the Fed actually lowered its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point (0.50%). And that rate cut is likely to be the first of many.

You should know, though, that the Fed’s interest rate cuts have the potential to impact your finances in different ways. So it’s important to know when future cuts may be coming — and how to manage your money in light of them.

We could see another rate cut in early November

The Federal Reserve has two more policy meetings scheduled for 2024. The first is set to take place Nov. 6 and 7, while the second is set for Dec. 17 and 18.

The Fed typically announces rate-related movement (or lack thereof) during the second day of its two-day meetings. So the next opportunity for the Fed to cut rates is Nov. 7. And if data shows that inflation dipped in October compared to September, then the Fed will likely move forward with another rate cut next month.

What the Fed’s rate cuts mean for you

Although the Fed doesn’t set interest rates for banking products or loans, when the Fed raises its benchmark interest rate, savers tend to earn more interest and borrowers tend to pay more interest. On the flipside, when the Fed cuts rates, borrowing tends to get cheaper but banks tend to get stingier with account APYs.

Given that there’s a good chance we’ll see another rate cut in early November, now’s a good time to take extra cash you have available and open a CD. Although rates aren’t quite as high as they were before September, some short-term CDs are still paying close to 5.00% APY.

Check out this round-up of the best CD rates to lock in a great deal before rates drop further, which may happen as soon as next month.

It’s also a good time to boost your credit score in case borrowing rates fall substantially in November. As it is, mortgage rates have declined in recent weeks. But if the Fed makes another rate cut in November, you may find that it’s cheaper to not only sign a mortgage, but take out a personal loan or finance a car as well.

The higher your credit score is, the more likely you are to snag a competitive interest rate on any loan you sign. So in the coming weeks, review your credit report for errors and take other steps to raise that number, like making timely debt payments and, if possible, paying down your credit card balances.

Of course, it’s not guaranteed that the Fed will make another rate cut this November. But it’s a strong possibility that you should prepare for.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Gen Z Is Getting Scammed Online More Than Their Grandparents. Here’s How to Stay Safe

By Money Management No Comments

Gen Z is more tech savvy than older generations — that’s putting them at risk. Keep reading to learn more about this issue. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Social media scams — they’re not just for your grandma anymore. While the age of elder fraud and identity theft is alive and well, scam artists are increasingly targeting younger social media users and their bank accounts. In this new age of fraud schemes, here’s what to look out for and how to avoid common scams.

Social media use by generation

If you’re a member of Gen Z, your parents likely aren’t on the same social media platforms that you are. Which social media apps we use depends largely on our age group, our tech proficiency, and where our friends are. If you don’t want your mom watching your Snap story or your BeReal, this is probably a good thing, but the story doesn’t end there.

Age is one of the most important indicators of social media usage, because different generations want different things from their social media sites and apps. For example, users between the ages of 30 and 49, who are in their prime working years, are most likely to use LinkedIn for its professional growth tools. Older users don’t use the platform as regularly and younger users are much less likely to use it at all.

Similarly, the format of social media feeds varies greatly from platform to platform. TikTok and Instagram users often consume content from influencers, while Facebook users typically use the platform to keep up with close friends and family. That’s why, when you show your mom a meme, she might ask “who is that?”

Want something besides memes to discuss at family dinners? Check out our list of the best high-yield savings accounts and share some ideas for maximizing your money with the highest APY offers.

A new age of scams

On Facebook, scammers often hijack a user’s trust by impersonating family and friends, or using romance schemes. Gen Z usually doesn’t fall for these same scams, as their social media experience is based less on personal relationships. However, younger users still have their blind spots.

A common Instagram scam is to bait aspiring influencers with fake brand ambassador programs. After some flattery and the promise of exposure and compensation, users are asked to buy an expensive “starter kit” or provide information that can be used for identity theft. Building an online following is hard, and scammers know how tempting the “easy button” of a brand deal can be for hopeful users.

Other fraud schemes are not new, but have adapted to new platforms like TikTok. Get-rich-quick schemes lure users into cryptocurrency “rug-pulls,” leaving them empty handed once the crypto coin implodes. Other fraud artists mimic legitimate accounts to encourage users to click malicious links or pay for non-existent products.

Staying safe online

Younger social media users may not have lived through the “scared straight” era of internet safety in the 2000s, but many of the same principles apply today. Exercising a healthy degree of skepticism when interacting with any social media account is a great place to start. And be sure to cross-reference any information you receive about a product or investment with at least two reliable sources.

Another online safety rule can be taken from behavioral finance. Scam artists and legitimate salespeople alike know that a quick sale is usually a successful sale. So before giving anyone information or money online, take 24 hours to think about it with a clear head.

Fraudsters are increasingly targeting younger social media users on the platforms they use most often. Scams are evolving and may now appear in the form of brand ambassador deals and rug-pull schemes. Taking a step back and doing your own research about a deal that sounds too good to be true is a good way to keep clear of many online scams, no matter your age or the social media platform that you use.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
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The Average 30-Something Has $180,000 in Retirement Savings. But Is That Enough?

By Money Management No Comments

You should save about 25 times your desired salary in retirement. Read on to discover whether your age group is on track to retire, plus options to catch up. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

The younger you are, the easier it is to brush off advice about saving and investing for the future. So once you reach your 30s, it’s easy to feel like you’re behind on retirement savings. But what does that mean? And how much should you have saved by now?

Understanding how your balance compares to those in your age range can be a useful tool here. But ultimately, the answer to “is it enough?” depends on your situation.

Here’s what you need to know.

The average 30-something has $180,000 in retirement savings

The average 30-something has $180,164 in a 401(k), according to Empower, a financial services company. But the amount of money you’ll need in retirement depends on factors like your lifestyle, healthcare needs, inflation, and expected lifespan. So what’s “enough” for one person may miss the mark for someone else.

How to know if you have enough money saved for retirement

One way to figure out if you’ve saved enough is to look at your savings projection. Let’s say that you’re 39 and you have $180,000 in a 401(k), and you let that money sit in that account for 26 years with a 7% annual return (which is conservative considering that the S&P 500’s average return has been just over 11% over the last 10 years). In this scenario, you’d have just over $1 million by the time you retired.

One common guideline is to aim for 25 times your desired salary in retirement. So this projection would equate to just under $42,000 in spending power per year. But chances are that you aren’t planning to stop contributing at this point.

Another useful rule of thumb to understand your retirement savings needs is that you should have about three times your annual salary saved by age 40. So to be on track based on the above example, you’d need to be making no more than $60,000 per year.

If you’re earning more than that, you might be behind — but since we’re looking at a 10-year age range, you could still have a reasonable amount of time to hit that target.

How to boost your retirement savings

Whether you’re feeling behind, or you just want to make sure your retirement lives up to your expectations, there are a few ways you can bump up your retirement savings without having to necessarily max out your annual contributions. For example, 401(k) contributions are capped at $23,000 per year, as of 2024, which is a high bar for many Americans.

One key step you can take here is to open a Roth IRA. These accounts let you access tax-free withdrawals of your funds in retirement. The trade-off is that the funds you deposit into a Roth IRA don’t reduce your taxable income now.

Just be aware that IRAs (including both traditional and Roth IRAs) have an annual contribution limit of $7,000 as of 2024 (or $8,000 if you’re age 50 or over). Thinking about upping your retirement savings goals with an IRA? Discover the best IRA providers in our curated list for 2024.

A few other ways to save more for retirement include:

Accessing your full employer match, if available. This extra free money may not be a lot right now, but it can grow exponentially over time.Opening a health savings account (HSA), if you’re eligible. This can be used to pay for health costs tax free in (or out of) retirement and can be invested and grow over time. That way, you won’t have to use retirement dollars for those costs. Note, however, you can only open an HSA if you have a qualifying high-deductible health insurance plan.Raising your contribution each year. The caps on annual contributions are adjusted each year. And if your salary rises over time, it’ll be easier to contribute at least a bit more from year to year.

Saving for retirement is a marathon. It takes consistency and dedication to hit the various benchmarks that lead to a comfortable retirement. And if you’re behind on that journey, the sooner you start making moves to close the savings gap, the better off you’ll be once you’re ready to retire.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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The Fed Just Cut Rates. Here’s What You Should Do if You’re in Your 30s

By Money Management No Comments

The federal funds rate is now lower, and it could mean big savings for you. Find out how to take advantage and make smart money moves now. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

The Federal Reserve just gave us a jumbo-sized rate cut, and while it might not sound as exciting as a sale at your favorite store, it’s a big deal for your finances. The Fed’s decision to lower its benchmark rate by 0.50 percentage points now trickles down to the rest of us, influencing everything from credit card APRs to mortgage rates.

But what does that mean if you’re in your 30s? You’re probably juggling a career, family, and trying to save for the future while maybe still carrying some debt. Here’s how to take advantage of the Fed’s latest move.

1. Pay down credit card debt

Credit card interest rates in the U.S. are sitting at a sky-high average of 24.92%, which is the highest since LendingTree began tracking rates in 2019. However, thanks to the Fed’s rate cut, issuers like American Express and U.S. Bank have already lowered their APRs by 0.50 percentage points. While this might only save you a couple of dollars a month, every little bit helps when you’re carrying a balance.

For example, if you have a $5,000 credit card balance and make $250 monthly payments, a half-point reduction could save you about $1.50 a month in interest. That’s not life-changing, but it’s definitely better than nothing. If the Fed continues cutting rates into 2025 (as it’s suggested it will), the cumulative effect could be more significant, so now is a great time to focus on paying down that debt.

Need some breathing room to pay down your balance faster without accruing more interest? Check out our top balance transfer credit cards to move your high-interest debt to a card with a 0% introductory APR.

2. Refinance your mortgage (maybe)

If you’re already a homeowner, you’re in luck. According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan just dropped to 6.08% — the lowest since February 2023.

That’s a small but meaningful decrease of 0.11 percentage points from the previous week. While it might not seem like much, it could save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your mortgage.

However, refinancing isn’t always the right decision. You’ll still have to factor in the closing costs, which can be anywhere from 2%-5% of the loan amount.

If you’re planning on staying in your home for several more years, refinancing now could be a good move. But if you’re considering selling soon, it may not be worth the hassle. The key is to shop around for the best rate (and closing fees) and calculate whether the long-term savings outweigh the upfront costs.

Experts predict mortgage rates might dip into the mid-5% range by the end of next year, so it could pay off to keep an eye on the market before making a move.

3. Consider buying a home

If you’re still renting and have been dreaming of owning a home, now might be a good time to start running the numbers. While mortgage rates are still higher than a few years ago, the recent decline to 6.08% is encouraging. And with the Fed likely cutting rates further in 2024 and 2025, borrowing could get even cheaper.

However, don’t get too excited just yet. Owning a home comes with extra costs like property taxes, maintenance, and insurance, so it’s important to ensure you’re financially ready. Plus, while you may be able to afford more house for the same monthly payment thanks to lower rates, it’s wise to avoid maxing out your budget. No one wants to be house-rich and cash-poor.

If you’re not quite ready to buy, waiting and saving is OK. Real estate agents aren’t going anywhere, and neither are homes for sale.

The Fed’s rate cut isn’t a ticket to start throwing money around, but it presents opportunities — whether refinancing a mortgage or paying down debt. Remember your financial goals, crunch the numbers, and take advantage of the Fed’s moves while staying smart about your spending and saving strategies.

You’re in your 30s — this is the time to make smart decisions that set you up for success down the road.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.American Express is an advertising partner of The Ascent, a Motley Fool company. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends U.S. Bancorp. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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The Average 20-Something Has $6,264 in Retirement Savings. But Is That Enough?

By Money Management No Comments

Wondering if your 20s are too early to start saving for retirement? Learn how to grow your savings and take control now. [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

Ah, your 20s. The decade of finding your first real job, possibly moving out of your childhood bedroom (finally), and, oh yeah, figuring out this whole “retirement savings” thing. According to Western & Southern Financial Group, the average person under 25 has just $6,264 in retirement savings. Is it enough?

Spoiler alert: not really. But don’t panic just yet! Let’s dive into what this means and how you can course-correct without swearing off your favorite latte.

Starting from (close to) zero

That average $6,264 might feel like a drop in the bucket when you think about needing anywhere near 10 times your annual salary by the time you retire (yep, that’s the magic number). Now, before you throw your hands up in despair and decide to live off ramen forever, let’s break it down.

At this point in your life, having anything saved is better than nothing. You’re likely still figuring out your career, juggling debt, and maybe even paying rent for the first time. So don’t be too hard on yourself if your savings look slim. You’ve got decades to work with.

But the key here is starting early. Thanks to the magic of compound interest, every dollar you put away now is like a tiny financial snowball, gaining momentum as it rolls downhill toward your future retirement.

Still looking for the right account to start investing for retirement? Check out our curated list of the best brokers for IRAs to get started today.

How much should you really have saved by 30?

Alright, you’ve got $6,264 by 25. Now, how do you get to where you need to be by the time the big 3-0 rolls around?

A popular rule of thumb is to have the equivalent of your annual salary saved by the time you hit 30. So, if you’re making the median salary for someone in their early 20s, which is around $40,000 to $50,000, aim to have that much in your retirement savings.

That might sound a little intimidating, but the key is consistency. Small contributions over time can add up. Here’s where the good news comes in: You have time — and that’s your biggest asset.

The beauty of starting to invest in your 20s is that even modest contributions can grow substantially thanks to compound interest. And let’s be honest, you’re not retiring next week, so slow and steady wins this race.

The magic of compound interest

Essentially, compound interest means you earn interest on both the money you contribute and the interest that money earns. Over the years, this can turn even modest savings into a hefty retirement nest egg.

For example, if you contribute just $100 a month starting at age 25, and your investments grow at an average annual return of 7%, you’ll have over $239,000 by age 65. And that’s with just $100 a month!

Is $6,264 enough? Not exactly, but there’s hope

Look, let’s call it what it is: $6,264 in your 401(k) or IRA at 25 isn’t going to get you that beach house retirement dream. But here’s the thing — retirement planning is a marathon, not a sprint. The fact that you’ve even got something saved puts you ahead of many others your age.

The real goal right now is to establish habits that’ll set you up for success down the road. Whether it’s maxing out your employer match (that’s free money, after all!) or automating your savings, there are plenty of ways to get closer to that financial target. Plus, if you’re diligent, you’ll catch up — and possibly even surpass the average savings for people in their 30s, which is around $37,211, according to Western & Southern Financial Group.

What should you do next?

Here’s a game plan:

Start saving, even if it’s small amounts. Contributing just a few dollars a month now can grow into a significant sum by retirement.Take advantage of employer matches. If your employer offers a 401(k) match, make sure you’re contributing enough to get the full match. It’s essentially a raise that goes directly into your retirement fund.Consider your risk tolerance. In your 20s, you’ve got plenty of time to ride out the ups and downs of the stock market. That means you can afford to take on more risk, which can lead to higher returns over time.Increase contributions over time. As your salary grows, so should your contributions. Aim to increase your savings rate by 1% each year or when you get a raise. You won’t even miss it in your budget!Don’t stress about the number. It’s easy to get fixated on whether you’re saving “enough,” but the most important thing is to just start saving and stay consistent.

No, $6,264 saved in your 20s isn’t enough for retirement, but it’s a solid start. The key is to build good habits now, take advantage of compounding interest, and keep your long-term financial health in mind. Your future self will thank you when you’re sipping piña coladas on a beach somewhere (or, you know, just enjoying a comfortable retirement).

Until then, keep saving — and enjoy your avocado toast.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Here’s What the Fed Rate Cut Means for the Average House Price Right Now

By Money Management No Comments
[[{“value”:”Image source: Getty Images
The Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate 11 times over the past few years to tamp down rampant inflation. The result has been a massive cooldown in inflation (the good news) but a significant increase in how much we all have to pay for mortgages, personal loans, and credit card interest (the bad news).Thankfully, with inflation slowing down, the Fed now believes the economy can handle interest rate cuts and recently made its first one — a large half-percentage point cut. So, how does this cut and any future ones change how much Americans will pay for a mortgage? Let’s take a look.Here’s how much the average house price costs right nowTo be clear, house prices aren’t affected by rate cuts. Instead, the cuts affect the interest rate you pay for a mortgage, which can lower your monthly payments.Mortgage rates are about 6.1% right now on average, which is down from about 6.5% at the end of August. The average-priced home is $412,300, so here’s how the latest rate drop affects the monthly cost:Home PriceInterest RateLength of LoanDown Payment(10%)Monthly Payment (Principal + Interest)$412,3006.1%30 years$41,230$2,248$412,3006.5%30 years$41,230$2,346Data source: Author’s calculations using The Ascent’s mortgage calculator.In this scenario, an average-priced home costs about $98 less per month than it did approximately a month ago. That’s not an earth-shattering amount of savings, but the good news for potential home buyers is that more interest rate cuts could be on the way.Need to save for a down payment? Click here to view the best high-yield savings accounts for your cash.The Federal Reserve will meet in November and December and could potentially lower rates at each meeting. Better yet, some economists estimate that the Fed will continue to cut its benchmark rate throughout 2025. That could potentially bring mortgage rates down to 5.5% by the end of next year, according to a chief economist at Moody’s.If that happens, the monthly mortgage payment for the average-priced home could fall about $142 by the end of 2025 from what it is right now.Home PriceInterest RateLength of LoanDown payment(10%)Monthly Payment (Principal + Interest)$412,3006.1%30 years$41,230$2,248$412,3005.5%30 years$41,230$2,106Data source: Author’s calculations using The Ascent’s mortgage calculator.What affects your mortgage rateWhile your mortgage rate is certainly affected by the Federal Reserve’s decisions, you have some control over the rates you receive from banks.These things have the biggest impact on your mortgage interest rate:Your credit scoreThe price of the homeHow big your down payment isThe state you live inHow long the loan term isWhether you have a conventional, FHA, USDA, or VA loanLet’s look quickly at one of these factors: Your down payment. While there’s no specific formula, lenders will usually give you a lower interest rate the larger your down payment is.For example, if you buy a $400,000 home with a 5% down payment and a 7% interest rate, you’ll pay $2,527 in principal and interest each month, plus $233 in private mortgage insurance (PMI). But if you put 20% down and receive a 6.5% rate, you could lower your payment to $2,023 per month and pay $0 in PMI, saving you $737 each month.The current interest rate trend is encouraging if you’re waiting on the sidelines of the housing market, like I am. If you can wait, it might be worth being patient to see if rates continue dropping. And while you’re waiting, it pays to save up as much as possible so you’ll have a larger down payment when you’re ready to buy.Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026
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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.”}]] [[{“value”:”

Image source: Getty Images

The Federal Reserve hiked its benchmark interest rate 11 times over the past few years to tamp down rampant inflation. The result has been a massive cooldown in inflation (the good news) but a significant increase in how much we all have to pay for mortgages, personal loans, and credit card interest (the bad news).

Thankfully, with inflation slowing down, the Fed now believes the economy can handle interest rate cuts and recently made its first one — a large half-percentage point cut. So, how does this cut and any future ones change how much Americans will pay for a mortgage? Let’s take a look.

Here’s how much the average house price costs right now

To be clear, house prices aren’t affected by rate cuts. Instead, the cuts affect the interest rate you pay for a mortgage, which can lower your monthly payments.

Mortgage rates are about 6.1% right now on average, which is down from about 6.5% at the end of August. The average-priced home is $412,300, so here’s how the latest rate drop affects the monthly cost:

Home PriceInterest RateLength of LoanDown Payment
(10%)Monthly Payment (Principal + Interest)$412,3006.1%30 years$41,230$2,248$412,3006.5%30 years$41,230$2,346
Data source: Author’s calculations using The Ascent’s mortgage calculator.

In this scenario, an average-priced home costs about $98 less per month than it did approximately a month ago. That’s not an earth-shattering amount of savings, but the good news for potential home buyers is that more interest rate cuts could be on the way.

Need to save for a down payment? Click here to view the best high-yield savings accounts for your cash.

The Federal Reserve will meet in November and December and could potentially lower rates at each meeting. Better yet, some economists estimate that the Fed will continue to cut its benchmark rate throughout 2025. That could potentially bring mortgage rates down to 5.5% by the end of next year, according to a chief economist at Moody’s.

If that happens, the monthly mortgage payment for the average-priced home could fall about $142 by the end of 2025 from what it is right now.

Home PriceInterest RateLength of LoanDown payment
(10%)Monthly Payment (Principal + Interest)$412,3006.1%30 years$41,230$2,248$412,3005.5%30 years$41,230$2,106
Data source: Author’s calculations using The Ascent’s mortgage calculator.

What affects your mortgage rate

While your mortgage rate is certainly affected by the Federal Reserve’s decisions, you have some control over the rates you receive from banks.

These things have the biggest impact on your mortgage interest rate:

Your credit scoreThe price of the homeHow big your down payment isThe state you live inHow long the loan term isWhether you have a conventional, FHA, USDA, or VA loan

Let’s look quickly at one of these factors: Your down payment. While there’s no specific formula, lenders will usually give you a lower interest rate the larger your down payment is.

For example, if you buy a $400,000 home with a 5% down payment and a 7% interest rate, you’ll pay $2,527 in principal and interest each month, plus $233 in private mortgage insurance (PMI). But if you put 20% down and receive a 6.5% rate, you could lower your payment to $2,023 per month and pay $0 in PMI, saving you $737 each month.

The current interest rate trend is encouraging if you’re waiting on the sidelines of the housing market, like I am. If you can wait, it might be worth being patient to see if rates continue dropping. And while you’re waiting, it pays to save up as much as possible so you’ll have a larger down payment when you’re ready to buy.

Alert: highest cash back card we’ve seen now has 0% intro APR into 2026

This credit card is not just good – it’s so exceptional that our experts use it personally. It features a 0% intro APR for 15 months, a cash back rate of up to 5%, and all somehow for no annual fee!

Click here to read our full review for free and apply in just 2 minutes.

We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

“}]] Read More