When you hear economic news or apply for various loans, you may encounter references to the prime interest rate. The prime rate affects borrowers and the economy in several ways. What is the prime interest rate, how is it set, and why does it matter? Read on for a primer on the prime interest rate.
Financial professionals have been sounding the alarm for a while, warning that a retirement crisis is coming. You can take steps to prepare and avoid common planning pitfalls to ensure a financially secure retirement. Learn the most common retirement planning and savings mistakes you need to avoid.
Once you’ve saved a considerable nest egg for your future financial goals, one way to keep your money relatively safe and accessible is to build a CD ladder. This strategy offers the flexibility to access your savings while offering a decent return. Learn how to build a CD ladder with your savings.
Many people approach the car-buying process in the wrong order. If you want to get the best deal on your next vehicle purchase, follow these tips.
You’ve probably heard of Discover Financial Services, a publicly traded company (NYSE: DFS) that offers consumer-friendly credit cards like the Discover it Card. According to the Nilson Report, it’s among the United States’ 10 biggest credit card issuers. What you may not know as much about is Discover’s online-only bank: the appropriately named Discover® Bank. It offers a savings accounts and CDs, all
Traditional securities such as stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are standard, well-worn vehicles most investors understand. But what if you prefer to walk on the wild side and add some zest to your financial holdings? Here are some unconventional high-risk, high-reward investments to consider.
Interest rates are near historic lows due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact, which has brought whole sectors of industry to a standstill. While that’s bad news, there may be a silver lining for well-positioned borrowers. Here’s how you can take advantage of the current low interest rates.
You’re probably familiar with the annoying adage that “it takes money to make money.” There’s a measure of truth in it. The more money you can put toward investments that generate passive income, the more income you earn. The more capital you have to launch a business, the greater its odds of success. What no one
For much of the past decade, interest rates have been at historic lows. Interest rates set by most lenders tend to go up and down based on the federal funds target rate, or the rate at which banks can borrow from other banks, which is set by the Federal Reserve. This rate has ranged from around
Bank5 Connect is the online-only arm of Fall River, Massachusetts-based BankFive, a small outfit that has about a dozen branches in southeastern New England. Don’t worry: as long as you have a U.S. address, you’re eligible to open a Bank5 Connect account. Bank5 Connect’s distinguishing characteristics include a high-yield, highly flexible checking account and a
The best way to ensure that you build wealth and avoid debt is to diligently plan and save as much money as possible for both future needs and desires. However, exactly how you handle your savings can depend greatly upon your financial habits. Some financial experts recommend setting up a simple savings account tied to
Perhaps you have a new job, are a newlywed, or have recently committed to a personal savings plan. Whatever your life stage, you’ve surely heard that regularly contributing to savings is an important financial strategy. You know to save for emergencies, retirement, college, and large purchases such as cars and homes, but where do you
