Best checking account bonuses for December 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Top checking account bonuses in December 2025 can earn new customers between $250 and $400, with leading offers from banks like Capital One, TD Bank, and Fifth Third Bank.
  • To qualify for these bonuses, you typically need to open a new account, set up direct deposits that meet minimum thresholds, and keep the account open for specified period requirements and bonus amounts vary by bank.
  • These bonus offers are typically limited-time promotions, so acting quickly and carefully reviewing eligibility terms is essential to maximize your bonus opportunity.

Your checking account is like the cardio portion of your finances. Of all the ways you use your money, this account is likely the one you use to get your paycheck, pay your bills, withdraw money from the ATM and so on. It makes sense to ensure your most active account is working in your favor. 

Although moving bank accounts might rank up there with burpees and planks, it pays to make sure you’re using the checking account that best suits your needs. And if you’re shopping around for a new checking account, you could supercharge your cash on hand by choosing one that offers a bonus to new customers. We analyzed the available options to put together a list of our favorite checking account bonus currently available. 

Keep in mind that to earn these bonuses, you’ll generally have to meet certain requirements, such as committing to direct deposits or carrying an average daily balance And, typically there are restrictions disqualifying existing or recent customers, too. Still, with cash bonuses like these, working those money moves can pay off.

Editor’s Picks: Best checking account bonuses of December 2025

Bank and account(s)Max bonus amountDirect deposit requirementOffer good throughLearn more
PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select$400$5,000December 8, 2025View offer
at MoneyLion
Fifth Third Momentum Checking$300$500 +January 7, 2026View offer
at MoneyLion
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)$50 or $300 (depending on direct deposit amount)1$5,000 balance required to earn APYJanuary 31, 2026View offer
at SoFi
Chase Total Checking$300$500+January 21, 2026View offer
at MoneyLion
Capital One 360 Checking$250$1,000+OngoingView offer
at MoneyLion
PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance SelectView offer
at MoneyLion
Max bonus amount$400
Direct deposit requirement$5,000
Offer good throughDecember 8, 2025
Fifth Third Momentum CheckingView offer
at MoneyLion
Max bonus amount$300
Direct deposit requirement$500 +
Offer good throughJanuary 7, 2026
SoFi® Checking and Savings (Member FDIC)View offer
at SoFi
Max bonus amount$50 or $300 (depending on direct deposit amount)1
Direct deposit requirement$5,000 balance required to earn APY
Offer good throughJanuary 31, 2026
Chase Total CheckingView offer
at MoneyLion
Max bonus amount$300
Direct deposit requirement$500+
Offer good throughJanuary 21, 2026
Capital One 360 CheckingView offer
at MoneyLion
Max bonus amount$250
Direct deposit requirement$1,000+
Offer good throughOngoing

Details accurate as of Dec. 3, 2025.

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Find the best checking account bonus offer for you

PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select: Up to $400 bonus

PNC Bank: Virtual Wallet with Performance Select

Max bonus amount$400
Direct deposit requirement$5,000+
Offer good throughDecember 8, 2025

View offer

at MoneyLion

Company insights
  • Year Founded: 1865
  • Company Headquarters: Pittsburgh, PA
  • CEO: Bill Demchak
Fortune Rankings
  • #131on the 2025 Fortune 500 list
  • #71on Fortune’s 2025 America’s Most Innovative Companies list
  • Honorable mentionon Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list
  • #32on Fortune’s 2024 Financial Sector Leaders list.
  • Why we like this bonus

    At the time of writing, the PNC Virtual Wallet with Performance Select account offers the most generous bonus featured in our top picks. We think savvy consumers looking for a new checking account will jump at the chance to earn $400 in their new account. 

    Like the SoFi offer featured later in this article, you’ll have to allocate $5,000 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your new PNC Bank account in order to earn the maximum welcome bonus of $400 —but PNC allows a full 60 days to do so.

    What you should know

    Once the qualifying activity is met, PNC Bank will issue the bonus within 60 to 90 days. During this waiting period, you’ll want to leave your $5,000 right where it sits. Otherwise, you’ll be charged a monthly maintenance fee of $25 .

    Also, a caveat is that this offer may be limited depending on where you live; account disclosures state that the offer is “contingent on product availability and may vary based on…the ZIP code of your primary address.”

    Offer details reviewed on Dec. 3, 2025.

    Learn more: Read our full review of PNC Bank.

    Fifth Third Momentum Checking: Up to $300

    Fifth Third: Momentum Checking

    Max bonus amount$300
    Direct deposit requirement$500 +
    Offer good throughJanuary 7, 2026

    View offer

    at MoneyLion

    Company insights
    • Year Founded: 1858
    • Company Headquarters: Cincinnati, OH
    • CEO: Tim Spence
    Fortune Rankings
  • #320on the 2025 Fortune 500 list
  • #231on Fortune’s 2025 America’s Most Innovative Companies list
  • Honorable mentionon Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list
  • Why we like this bonus

    With a much lower direct deposit requirement and a longer time frame to complete it—$500 within 90 days—this $300 bonus offer from Fifth Third is likely more accessible to many consumers than those from SoFi or PNC Bank.

    Plus, with payout occuring 10 business days after meeting requirements, this account offers one of the faster bonus timelines on our list. 

    Finally, there are no monthly fees or overdraft charges on this account, and you’re not required to keep a minimum deposit to leave it open.

    What you should know

    If you’re currently a primary or joint account owner on a Fifth Third checking account, or you were on an account that was closed in the past 13 months, you can’t get this bonus.

    Also, if you’re someone who prefers to have physical bank branches available, know that Fifth Third only has locations in the following 11 states at the time of writing:

    • Florida
    • Georgia
    • Illinois
    • Indiana
    • Kentucky
    • Michigan
    • North Carolina
    • Ohio
    • South Carolina
    • Tennessee
    • West Virginia

    Offer details reviewed on Dec. 3, 2025.

    SoFi Checking and Savings: $50 or $300 bonus

    SoFi Checking & Savings

    Member FDIC

    Max bonus amount$50 or $300 * (depending on direct deposit amount)
    Direct deposit requirement$5,000 balance required to earn APY
    Offer good throughJan. 31, 2026

    Advertiser DisclosureView offer

    at SoFi

    Company insights
    • Year Founded: 2011
    • Company Headquarters: San Francisco, CA
    • CEO: Anthony Noto
    Bonus Disclaimer

    New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not receiveda cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults)and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

    Why we like this bonus

    If you’re seeking an institution to store your money on an ongoing basis, rather than merely to earn a quick buck, we expect you’ll like pairing your checking account with a high-yield savings account at SoFi—offering a high APY of up to 3.60%2.

    The bonus payout timeline is seven business days after the 25-day direct deposit bonus period (which begins when your first direct deposit arrives in the account) ends.

    Earn an even higher APY for a limited time

    New customers who open both a checking and saving account with SoFi, member FDIC—along with enrolling in SoFi Plus—by Jan. 31, 2026 have an opportunity to earn a 4.30% annual percentage yield (APY) on their savings. This represents a 0.70% APY boost on top the standard up to 3.60%% rate. The maximum time period for the boosted APY is six months. (Terms apply. Rates are variable and subject to change.)3

    SoFi Plus is available at no extra cost for customers with eligible direct deposit. Otherwise, the cost of membership is $10 per month as of this writing.

    Benefits for Plus members include a 10% boost on cash-back rewards earned with certain SoFi credit cards, a 1% match on recurring deposits to SoFi Invest (paid in rewards points) and unlimited one-on-one planning sessions from SoFi Wealth.

    What you should know

    Know that SoFi has some strict requirements to earn the maximum. Hopeful applicants must be able to direct deposit $5,000 from qualifying sources such as a paycheck or social security. On top of that, the deposits must hit the account fairly quickly: From the day the first direct deposit hits, you only have another 25 days to meet the $5,000 threshold. Applicants who can’t meet this threshold but still manage to direct deposit over $1,000 will get a paltry $50 reward.

    Offer details reviewed on Dec. 3, 2025.

    Chase Total Checking: Up to $300 bonus

    Chase Bank: Chase Total Checking

    Max bonus amount$300
    Direct deposit requirement$500+
    Offer good throughJanuary 21, 2026

    View offer

    at MoneyLion

    Company insights
    • Year Founded: 1871
    • Company Headquarters: New York City, NY
    • CEO: Jamie Dimon
    Fortune Rankings
  • #11on the 2025 Fortune 500 list
  • #17on Fortune’s 2025 America’s Most Innovative Companies list
  • #21on Fortune’s 2024 Global 500 list
  • #7on Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list
  • #2on Fortune’s 2024 Financial Sector Leaders list.
  • #33on Fortune’s 2023 Change the World list.
  • Why we like this bonus

    If you’re looking for a quick and easy win, Chase Total Checking is a great option. All it takes is a $500 direct deposit, and you can earn $300—nearly doubling your money with very little effort. And with a 15-day payout timeline after qualifying, Chase doesn’t make you wait too long for your bonus, either.

    What you should know

    One factor you should keep a close eye on is the account’s minimum balance requirement: You’ll need to keep at least $1,500 in here to avoid a monthly fee.

    Also, if you’re looking to maximize your earnings rather than just score a bonus immediately, bear in mind that Chase sometimes offers a bundled bonus of up to $900 for customers who open both a checking and a savings account.

    Offer details reviewed on Dec. 3, 2025.

    Learn more:Check out our full review of Chase Bank and our roundup of Chase CD rates

    Capital One 360 Checking: Up to $250 bonus

    Capital One: 360 Checking

    Max bonus amount$250
    Direct deposit requirement$1,000+
    Offer good throughOngoing

    View offer

    at MoneyLion

    Company insights
    • Year Founded: 1994
    • Company Headquarters: McLean, VA
    • CEO: Richard Fairbank
    Fortune Rankings
  • #82on the 2025 Fortune 500 list
  • #15on Fortune’s 2025 America’s Most Innovative Companies list
  • Honorable mentionon Fortune’s 2025 World’s Most Admired Companies list
  • #20on Fortune’s 2024 Financial Sector Leaders list.
  • #36on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
  • #23on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces for Parents list.
  • #4on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance.
  • #304on Fortune’s 2024 Global 500.
  • #36on Fortune’s 2024 100 Best Large Workplaces for Millenials.
  • #70on Fortune’s 2023 100 Best Large Workplaces for Women.
  • Why we like this bonus

    The Capital One 360 Checking offer is an ongoing deal that offers $250 to new customers. To earn the welcome bonus, set up at least two direct deposits of $500 or more to hit the account within 75 days of opening the account.

    With a cumulative requirement of at least $1,000 deposited, this isn’t the easiest bonus on our list. But we like that it’s continually available to new customers and that the timeline to qualify is more than two months long. 

    What you should know

    It can take up to 60 days for this bonus to hit your checking account. But, there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements with 360 Checking, so you can relocate your funds if necessary.

    Offer details reviewed on Dec. 3, 2025.

    Learn more:Check out our full review of Capital One 360 and our roundup of Capital One 360 CD rates.

    Key facts about checking account bonuses 

    1. Thebonuses are usually only available for a limited time.These offers are meant to be promotional, not ongoing, so most of the time, checking account bonus offers will have an expiration date.
    2. To earn a bonus, you have to meet certain  eligibility requirements.This can include receiving a certain number of direct deposits possibly for a certain amount each time,  making a minimum opening deposit, maintaining a minimum balance, or any combination of these plus other actions. Make sure you understand what’s required to earn any new account bonus offer.
    3. You’ll owe taxes on the bonus amount.A bonus on your bank account is considered interest, which means you’ll receive FORM 1099-INT from the bank that issued your bonus and you’ll have to report on your taxes for that year.
    4. The fine print matters.Make sure you understand not just the requirements for earning the bonus but if there are any exclusions that might disqualify you from earning it. For example, some bonuses are only available for new customers of a bank. So if you have a different account with an institution that you are considering opening a checking account with, you may not qualify for any bonus being offered.

    When is it a good idea to open a new account for a bonus?

    If you’re in the market for a new checking account, it can only sweeten the deal if the one that’s a fit for your needs offers an account opening bonus. Having more than one checking account can also be useful if you want to allocate funds for different purposes, such as one for living expenses and one for other expenses. 

    How to choose the best checking account

    The right checking account for you is not going to be the same as for someone else. Any bonus that comes with opening a new checking account is one of several factors to consider. Here’s what to look for when deciding on a new checking account.

    • Fees:Checking accounts often come with fees running the gamut from monthly fees to fees for additional checks to overdraft fees. There are checking accounts that don’t charge monthly fees but there may be some trade-offs. For example online-only banks typically offer accounts with no monthly fees but you lose the ability to bank in person. It’s worthwhile to compare these potential costs bfore opening a new account.
    • Access to your funds.Once you have your money in a new checking account, you want to be able to use it when you need to. Aside from paper checks, make sure you understand the ATM access that comes with your account. If you tend to make frequent cash withdrawals, an account with widespread ATM availability and low to no withdrawal fees or limits should be high on your list of must-haves.
    • Minimum balance requirements:Some banks require a minimum daily balance or a minimum monthly deposit amount to keep the account active, or waive monthly fees. Make sure that you can meet these requirements for any account you’re considering.
    • Overdraft protection:Think of overdraft protection as insurance, you may not think it’s important but it can save you a bundle if you need it. If your budget is closer to paycheck-to-paycheck then flush with cash, overdraft protection can prevent you from expensive mishaps like bouncing checks and pricey overdraft fees.
    • APY:Although many checking accounts earn little to no interest on your deposit, there are a handful of high-yield checking accounts available. If you already have a high-yield savings account, earning interest on your checking account may not be a priority, but if you’re torn between two similar accounts, earning interest on your money is never a bad idea.
    • Bonus offers:You shouldn’t open an account solely for a bonus offer, but it can sweeten the deal when choosing your next account.

    Checking account alternatives

    While getting a bonus on a new checking account is always a nice perk, a checking account isn’t ideal for every situation. For example, many checking accounts offer no or below average APYs, so if earning interest on your money is your primary goal in opening a new bank account, another type of account will suit you better. Here are some options to consider:

    Checking accounts vs. savings accounts

    While these are the two most common types of accounts the average depositor holds, there are significant differences between the two. Checking accounts allow for frequent withdrawals but generally come with very low interest rates. As of February 2025, the average APY on an interest-bearing checking account was 0.07% APY according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

    By contrast, savings accounts are best for depositing funds that you won’t need access to for a while. Many (but not all)  savings accounts place a limit on the number of withdrawals you can make from the account each month, but in return you’re likely to earn higher interest rates. The average APY on a savings account as of February 2025 was 0.41% APY, according to data from the FDIC.

    Checking accounts vs. money market accounts

    Money market accounts are similar to checking accounts as they often come with debit cards or checkbooks, allowing you to withdraw funds easily when needed. However, unlike checking accounts, money market accounts, like savings accounts, may set limits on the number of withdrawals you can make per month. Additionally, money market accounts may have minimum balance requirements in order to open the account or earn at the highest APY rate.

    A money market account may be the best fit for account holders who want to earn a higher APY and have some (but not necessarily unlimited) access to their funds. However, if you’re looking for an account that supports your everyday spending and plan to have a separate high-yield savings account for growing your money, a standard checking account might be a better option.

    Checking accounts vs. certificates of deposit (CDs)

    Certificates of deposit, or CDs, are another form of long-term deposit account. But unlike savings accounts, which are liquid and the funds can be added to or withdrawn at any time,, a CD “locks up” your funds for a defined period of time depending on the term length you choose. At the end of that time, the CD “matures” which means you get back your deposit plus the interest earned. A CD is not an option for financial transactions like automated savings or paying bills as it’s really a one-and-done approach. You open the account with a one-time deposit and those funds remain untouched until the CD reaches maturity. 

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    The best savings account rates from our partners for December 9, 2025

    Account Type Savings & MMAs
    • Savings & MMAs
    • MMAs Only
    • Savings Only
    ZIP Code Deposit Amount $FEATURED OFFERSAPYMIN. BALANCE FOR APYEST. EARNINGSLoading...
    • 3.75 %

      December 9, 2025

      $ 100$ 938

      Over 1 Year

      Savings AccountCIT BankMember FDICPromoted Offer Earn up to $300 cash bonus with minimum deposit. Terms apply.OPEN ACCOUNTOFFER DETAILS

      QUICK LOOK
      CIT Bank is an online institution that offers competitive annual percentage yields (APYs) on its Savings Connect savings account. It also offers a checking account, a money market account and CDs. CIT Bank offers a competitive yield with its Savings Connect account. It also offers an assortment of CDs to choose from. But some of these CDs, such as the one-year term, weren’t paying a competitive yield during Bankrate’s review.

      READ BANK REVIEW
    • 4.35 %

      December 2, 2025

      $ 0$ 1088

      Over 1 Year

      Savings AccountNewtek BankMember FDIC

      QUICK LOOK

    • 4.20 %

      December 9, 2025

      $ 0$ 1050

      Over 1 Year

      Savings AccountLendingClubMember FDICEarn our LevelUp rate with $250 in monthly deposits, plus no fees.OFFER DETAILS

      QUICK LOOK
      LendingClub Bank is an FDIC-insured online bank known as Radius Bank until it was acquired by LendingClub in February 2021. Consumers looking for an online bank that offers competitive yields, low fees and ample ATM access might consider LendingClub Bank a solid option.

      READ BANK REVIEW
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    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

    How do checking account bonuses work?

    Some financial institutions offer checking account bonuses to incentivize new customers to open an account, typically for a limited amount of time. Bonuses are generally cash deposited directly into your account after meeting a minimum balance requirement or direct deposit threshold.

    Do you pay taxes on bank account bonuses?

    Yes, bank bonuses count as taxable income. The IRS considers bonuses taxable interest and will likely send you a Form 1099-INT reporting interest payments and/or tax-exempt interest of $10 or more.

    Can I close a checking account after receiving a bonus?

    Many banks require you to keep your account open for a certain length of time after receiving a bonus. Closing your account before you reach that threshold could mean paying an account closure fee or forfeiting your bonus.

    Should I have both checking and savings accounts with the same bank?

    Having all of your financial accounts under one roof can be convenient and make it easier to manage your finances, but it isn’t necessary. It may benefit you to hold different accounts with different institutions to take advantage of the best rates and fees for each account type.

    Are checking accounts safe?

    As long as you open a checking account with a financial institution that is FDIC-insured or NCUA-insured, your deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account ownership category, in case of bank failure.

    Is it important that a checking account has a high APY?

    A high APY isn’t necessary; however, it can help you grow your checking account balance over time. If you hope to boost your balance through earnings on interest, opting for an account with a higher APY can help speed things along.

    SoFi disclaimers

    1:

    New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Eligible Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Eligible Direct Deposit. If you have satisfied the Eligible Direct Deposit requirements but have not receiveda cash bonus in your Checking account, please contact us at 855-456-7634 with the details of your Eligible Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/2026. Full terms at sofi.com/banking. SoFi Checking and Savings is offered through SoFi Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. SoFi members with Eligible Direct Deposit can earn 3.60% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults)and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Eligible Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the 3.60% APY for savings (including Vaults). Members without Eligible Direct Deposit will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.

    2:

    Annual percentage yield (APY) is variable and subject to change at any time. Rates are current as of 11/12/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Fees may reduce earnings.Additional rates and information can be found at https://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet

    3 0.70% Savings APY Boost

    Earn up to 4.30% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on SoFi Savings with a 0.70% APY Boost (added to the 3.60% APY as of 11/12/25) for up to 6 months. Enroll in SoFi Plus between 9/18/25 and 1/31/26. Rates variable, subject to change. Terms apply at sofi.com/sofi-plus SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

    Fortune Brainstorm AIreturns to San Francisco Dec. 8–9 to convene the smartest people we know—technologists, entrepreneurs, Fortune Global 500 executives, investors, policymakers, and the brilliant minds in between—to explore and interrogate the most pressing questions about AI at another pivotal moment. Register here.
    Baby Boomers On Social Security Have Just Days To Pay Attention To This
    Baby Boomers On Social Security Have Just Days To Pay Attention To This

    -->-->Key PointsIn just a few weeks, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release key inflation data.That data will come into play in the context of next year’s Social Security COLA.Current estimates are calling for a 2.7% COLA in 2026, but if inflation picks up, that number could increase.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%We’re reaching a point during the year when it’s (sadly) time to say goodbye to summer and gear up for fall. For older Americans, this is a very crucial time of the year.Not only is fall when Medicare’s open enrollment period takes place, but it’s also when the Social Security Administration announces a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, for 2026.Many baby boomers on Social Security are hoping that 2026’s COLA will be more generous than the 2.5% COLA they received at the start of the current year. And initial estimates are saying that may be the case.The nonpartisan Senior Citizens League is projecting that 2026’s Social Security COLA will amount to 2.7% based on the inflation readings that have been released to date.Meanwhile, in just a couple of weeks, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release another set of inflation data. And it could have a huge impact on next year’s Social Security COLA.How Social Security COLAs are calculatedThe purpose of Social Security COLAs is to make sure seniors don’t lose out on buying power due to inflation, which is a natural and expected part of the economy.Social Security COLAs are calculated on a specific index called the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). When there’s an increase in the CPI-W from one year to the next year, Social Security benefits are eligible for an increase.Specifically, Social Security COLAs are based on CPI-W readings during the months of July, August, and September.July’s reading has already been released. However, August’s reading is set to be released on September 11. That data should give experts a clue as to what Social Security COLA baby boomers can expect in the new year.There’s still the possibility of a larger COLA in 2026A 2.7% Social Security COLA in 2026 would be an improvement over 2025’s raise. And retirees collecting benefits should know that it’s possible that next year’s COLA will end up being higher than 2.7%.However, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Since COLAs are tied directly to inflation, a larger one simply means that costs have gone up more.Think about it this way. Let’s say your local movie theater runs a promotion where you get $2 off of tickets if you’re 65 and older. But let’s say that same theater also raises ticket prices by $2.50.At the end of the day, you’re not going to benefit, because even though you’re getting a generous promotion, it’s not enough to offset the higher cost of seeing a movie.Social Security COLAs have long failed to actually keep pace with inflation, even though that’s their purpose. So if there ends up being a larger COLA in 2026, it will come at the expense of an uptick in inflation. And chances are, that COLA also won’t be enough to help seniors keep up with their costs.An official COLA announcement should come out in mid-October. Until then, stay tuned for September’s inflation data so you can get some more clues as to what to expect in 2026.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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    Why I’m Confused About Backdoor Roth IRAs and Traditional IRA Benefits
    Why I’m Confused About Backdoor Roth IRAs and Traditional IRA Benefits

    One of the most important decisions anyone has to make in achieving their financial goals is how to invest their money. This might sound like something you can decide in just a few minutes, but let this be a reminder that any decision now can have long-standing consequences, so you have to decide carefully what your first or next move is going to be. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%-->-->Key PointsThis Redditor is trying to understand the importance of the backdoor Roth account.They don’t quite understand how two things about Traditional IRAs and backdoor Roth accounts can be true.There is nothing that this Redditor can really do until they have a higher MAGI.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->For one Redditor posting in r/personalfinance, there is a big question about how to navigate the backdoor Roth and IRA space, especially for someone with a slightly higher income. This backdoor Roth topic is an area where Reddit specializes in responses, so there is no question that this individual is going to get a few different answers. Why Should You Do a Backdoor Roth? In this Redditor’s case, they are understandably confused, which is fair, because the notion of a backdoor Roth might only be familiar to those who have really done their research. As a result, this individual understands that the purpose of this backdoor method is to get around the $0 Roth IRA contribution limit for high earners. This allows you to convert a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA, but they are taking this one step further and believe that it’s better to use the traditional IRA if you earn more. All of this is coming to a head because the Redditor believes that these two ideas cannot live together and are somewhat contradictory. In other words, if you make so much that you cannot contribute to a Roth IRA, why would you turn a traditional IRA into a Roth IRA if the traditional route tends to earn more? Ultimately, this Redditor knows that their MAGI isn’t yet high enough to contribute to a Roth, but they are thinking about the future, and good on them for doing so. Clearing the Air On ContributionsUnsurprisingly, a number of Redditors are jumping in here to make sure the original poster knows exactly what to do and how to understand everything that is taking place. One Redditor in the comments makes it straightforward by saying that there is only a small income window where a tax rate might be high enough to prefer a traditional over a Roth IRA plan. In this case, you need to be somewhere in the 22% tax bracket and under the $77,000 income limit. If you are someone who is in this income and tax window, the Redditor’s original thoughts might hold, but for everyone else, it’s not so simple. Alternatively, if you are someone who has an employee-sponsored retirement plan like a 401(k), you can’t deduct contributions to a Traditional IRA if your MAGI is high enough to meet the threshold limits. This is why someone would consider doing a backdoor Roth IRA, because it allows them to get around these tricky limitations. For this Redditor, the immediate advice is that they file jointly (husband and wife), contribute to a non-deductible Traditional IRA, and then convert it to a Roth IRA. They will only owe taxes on any investment gains during the time the money was in a Traditional IRA and not owe taxes on the original contribution amount. Other Important AdviceUltimately, what the Redditor needs to do if they want to keep this very clean is either follow the advice immediately above, or stay on their current path and work to max out their Traditional IRA as eligible, and take advantage of the tax benefits. After this, they should focus on watching their Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) and see when they will exceed the income limits for a Roth contribution. Of course, the best advice is really to work with a financial advisor, as these kinds of questions are something a fiduciary can help with. They can advise you on the benefits and downsides of a backdoor Roth IRA regarding tax-free growth in retirement. Finally, it’s super important to remember to keep all of your records of IRA contributions and any conversions for tax purposes. The last thing you want is to find yourself in a sticky position down the road because you went wrong somewhere and end up owing the government more. Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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    Dave Ramsey Said to Claim Social Security at 62- Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Follow His Advice
    Dave Ramsey Said to Claim Social Security at 62- Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Follow His Advice

    -->-->Key PointsAge 62 is the earliest age to claim Social Security.Financial guru Dave Ramsey thinks it could make sense to file for benefits then.The problem is that filing at 62 reduces your benefits, and many retirees can’t afford that.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%Once you’re old enough to claim Social Security, you’ll have to make a tough decision. The earliest age to sign up for benefits is 62. But if you don’t wait until full retirement age (FRA) to take benefits, they’ll be reduced on a permanent basis.FRA is 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. If your FRA is 67 but you claim Social Security at 62, you’re looking at reducing your monthly benefits by 30% — for life.You’d think financial guru Dave Ramsey would be against claiming Social Security at 62. Ramsey is a huge proponent of helping people attain financial security and steer clear of debt. He’s the type of person you’d think would encourage peoplenotto reduce a major income stream.Instead, Ramsey actually thinks claiming Social Security at 62 makes sense. But here’s why you may not want to do it.Why Ramsey supports claiming Social Security at 62Ramsey’s logic on Social Security is easy to understand. As he says, “In most cases, it actually makes more sense to take your retirement benefits sooner instead of waiting later. Why? Because your retirement payments die when you die.”Ramsey’s logic is that you might as well make the most of Social Security while you can. If you wait until age 67 to take benefits in order to avoid a reduction but end up passing away at 71, you’ll lose out financially compared to having claimed benefits at 62.Still, there’s a real danger in following Ramsey’s advice. It’s important to understand that claiming Social Security at 62 is a very risky move under certain circumstances.Why you may not want to listen to RamseyIf you have a nice amount of savings for retirement and you expect to use your Social Security as extra income, then you may want to do what Ramsey suggests and take benefits at 62. However, if you don’t have much, or any, retirement savings, then claiming Social Security at 62 is a move you might seriously regret.The Federal Reserve puts median retirement savings among Americans 65 to 74 at just $200,000 as of 2022. That might seem like a lot of money, but it actually isn’t given that it could need to last for 10 years, 20 years, or longer.In fact, many financial experts recommend a 4% withdrawal rate for retirement savings. If you use that rate, a $200,000 nest egg amounts to $8,000 in annual income.If that’s your situation, and your only non-Social Security income is $8,000 a year, then you probably can’t afford to reduce your monthly benefits for life by claiming them early. In that scenario, you might need all of the income from Social Security you can get.Also, Ramsey’s logic in claiming benefits early is that you don’t know how long you’ll live, and that if you pass away at a fairly young age, you could lose out on Social Security by waiting to file beyond age 62. However, the flipside is that you could end up living a lot longer than expected. In that case, reducing your monthly benefits for life could be problematic if your nest egg eventually runs out.This isn’t to say that claiming Social Security at 62 is never a good idea. Before you follow Ramsey’s advice, though, think about your personal situation. You may also want to consult a financial advisor to see what they recommend based on your savings, income needs, health, and retirement goals.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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    Should I buy a $75,000 Tundra with my $100,000 salary and $60,000 in savings?
    Should I buy a $75,000 Tundra with my $100,000 salary and $60,000 in savings?

    Just because you make a six-figure annual income doesn’t mean you should blow it. Indeed, we’ve heard countless stories about high-earning folks who still manage to live paycheck to paycheck. Lifestyle creep, big splurges (perhaps to deal with being burnt out at the office), and a lack of budgeting are all factors to blame for high-earning individuals who can’t quite seem to get ahead financially.nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%Indeed, on the social-media community (think Reddit), the group refers to themselves as HENRYs, which is a clever acronym for “high earner, not rich yet.” Undoubtedly, the group isn’t exclusive to six-figure earners who spend as much, if not more, money than what’s coming in. However, it’s not too uncommon to hear stories of big spenders who don’t feel rich despite making far more than the average American. Indeed, if you earn more, only to spend more, you’re not going to save enough to invest and build real wealth.-->-->Key PointsIf a new vehicle purchase will put one in debt, it’s time to rethink things.Those keen on vehicle ownership should look to the used car market so that one’s nest egg crushed.Millions of Americans keep making 5 basic mistakes with insurance and keep overpaying every year, sometimes by thousands of dollars. But, it’s easy to avoid if you know how. -->-->This individual makes a good income. But does that justify splurging on a new truck?In this piece, we’ll look at an all-too-common case involving an individual who’s making good money ($100,000 per year income), but is looking to blow their $60,000 savings (and a bit more) on a Toyota Tundra truck. Indeed, such new trucks do not come cheap. And while the individual’s vehicle recently died, I wouldn’t treat such a nasty occurrence as an opportunity to splurge.While the Toyota Tundra is a reliable performer that’s probably well worth the price of admission, depending on who you ask, I’d argue that it makes little financial sense to go further into debt (they’ve got around $3,000 in outstanding debt, which isn’t anything to be too concerned about, given their income).Indeed, there are better ways to go about replacing one’s old car. And buying a new truck, especially a fancy one, I think, is not the way to go. In this piece, we’ll look at options that could allow this individual to replace their vehicle without having to blow a huge hole where their savings would have been.At the end of the day, a $75,000 expense may not seem all too bad, given their high salary. However, given the tough labor market (layoffs have been happening left and right), I’d argue that it’s not a good idea to make a move that’d wipe out one’s emergency fund (that amounts to at least six months’ worth of living expenses). Sure, it’ll feel good to drive that new truck off the lot. But then, the bills will start mounting. It’s not just the sticker price of the vehicle, but insurance costs, fuel, parking and all the sort. These are phantom costs that can really sink an otherwise sound budget.In the case of this individual, though, the budget is anything but sound.Forget the new truck. Buy a used carTrucks are handy to have around, but they tend to be a heck of a lot pricier and harder on gas. If one is keen on a truck, a used truck could be a way to spend less than the $60,000 in savings. I think the sweet spot would be to spend less than $50,000. That’d leave over $10,000 in savings. Indeed, that’s still not enough of an emergency fund, but it’s better than going deeper into debt.If one is fine with a compact car, which tend to be worlds cheaper than a truck, I’d go down that route. Indeed, for around $25,000 in the used car market, one would have enough savings left over such that things wouldn’t get too horrid if a layoff were to strike unexpectedly. Given the pace of AI automation, I’d argue that having a fatter emergency fund (think a year) would be even more prudent.Is vehicle ownership even necessary?If possible, perhaps foregoing vehicle ownership altogether could help individual get back on track with their retirement savings. Indeed, ride-hailing may not be for everyone, but it’s a cheap way to go, especially for those who can’t afford a five-figure expense right off the bat.With the advent of self-driving vehicles, I’d argue the price of ride-hailing is bound to move lower over the next five to eight years. Indeed, perhaps a nice middle ground would be to postpone one’s used vehicle purchase until the savings are lofty enough such that a purchase wouldn’t leave one without an emergency fund. I’d say wait until the savings are at least $100,000 before getting back on the market. Sure, the car may have just died, but given where the financial situation is, I’d still argue it’s not a good time.Most Americans Overpay Without Realizing ItCar insurance is one of those monthly bills most Americans pay without a second thought. But the truth is, millions of drivers are overpaying simply because the haven’t bothered to get updated rates.But there are dozens of easy ways to lower your rates. If you’re a safe driver, have moved in the last few years, if you’re a safe driver, or forgot to check about bundling you’re leaving free money on the table.I was able to save $530 on my insurance, simply by applying to new providers with updated information. And it only took a few minutes!👇 Use the form at the bottom of this article to see if another provider can lower your bill without sacrificing coverage.👇

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    I Have 8 Credit Cards – Am I Keeping Too Many or Should I Close Some?
    I Have 8 Credit Cards – Am I Keeping Too Many or Should I Close Some?

    It won’t come as any surprise that more and more Americans these days are carrying credit, as the use of cash has dropped below 20% of purchases. For this reason, it also won’t come as a surprise to learn that the average American has at least four credit cards in their wallet at any given time. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%-->-->Key PointsThere is a real question in America about how many credit cards are too many.Redditors are unsurprisingly likely to have more credit cards than the average American, as they know how to utilize sign-up bonuses effectively.The hope is that this Redditor learns that you don’t need to close unused credit cards, just put them in a drawer.It’s hard to believe, but today there are credit cards offering up to 5% cash back, large statement credits, $0 annual fees, travel rewards, and more. See for yourself. If you apply for a card today you could secure some of the best rewards out there. Get started today.-->-->Should you be someone like this Redditor who posted in r/CreditCards, having more than four credit cards might seem excessive. In their case, they have eight credit cards filling out their wallet, which may feel like a lot, but without at least some of the cards having balances, it’s also a sign of strong financial discipline. Still, it begs the question of how many cards are too many? How Many Cards Are Too Many? In the case of this Redditor, with eight cards, four of them without any balance and not currently in the rotation, it does feel like a lot of cards either way. On the one hand, the Redditor is considering cutting down on the cards they have to simplify their wallet, but they are wondering how many other credit cards other Redditors have. The challenge here is that those who visit r/CreditCards are not the typical credit card user. Thankfully, one Redditor did a count in another thread earlier in the year and determined that the average Redditor has at least 10 cards in their possession at any given time. For most people, this is a ridiculous number. Still, for Redditors who like to gamify their earnings by opening cards and taking advantage of bonus offers, it’s probably okay as long as they aren’t all carrying a balance. Average Number of CardsConsidering Experian reports that Americans had an average of 3.9 credit cards at the end of 2023, it’s safe to assume this number hasn’t changed significantly in a year. Experian is also well-positioned to know how many credit cards Americans have, as one of the three major credit bureaus. However, credit bureaus also indicate that it’s acceptable to have five or more accounts that can impact your credit, including both credit cards and loans, so having more than four is likely okay, but 10 is just too much. Too Many Cards Can Be RiskyUltimately, there is no question that too many credit cards can be risky. First and foremost, if you have too many cards, you likely have a higher credit utilization ratio, which negatively affects your credit score.The best scenario is to use 30% or less of your total credit limits to have a good score, while those who lose 10% or less have the highest scores, think 750 or above. What this means is that paying off your balances monthly is the most critical thing you can do. Another downside with opening up too many cards is a limited credit history, as credit scoring formulas don’t really worry about having too many cards as much as they do about when the cards were opened. In other words, if you are only opening accounts to take advantage of bonuses, opening too many in a year can and will negatively affect your credit score. This is called a “Thin Credit File,” and it makes your FICO score all the harder to quantify, which can be a real disadvantage with a mortgage or car loans. The Best Advice For NowIf someone I know asked me how many credit cards they should have or what the recommended number is, I would say it doesn’t really matter the total number of cards. This means that the Redditor really doesn’t have to cancel any cards that are sitting unused; they just need to be unused with a zero balance. Once they are zeroed out, just stick them in a drawer and forget about them. I would recommend someone, not as a financial advisor, which I am not, but as someone who regularly checks their own credit score to make sure that nothing is affecting it, like ID theft. Regularly checking means that you can catch something before it’s too late and has a detrimental and lasting impact on your credit. I’d also remind someone that closing cards can have a negative impact on credit scores, at least in the short term, as the total amount of credit available is smaller, which means a credit utilization score can grow smaller as well. Today’s Top Rated Credit Cards Are Hard to Believe (sponsor)It’s hard to believe, but today there are credit cards offering up to 5% cash back, $0 annual fees, travel rewards, and more. See for yourself.I couldn’t believe it at first. Frankly, with rewards this good I don’t expect them to be available forever. But if you apply for a card today you could secure some of the best rewards out there. Get started and find your best card today. 

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    I have the freedom to stay retired but a dream job is pulling me back
    I have the freedom to stay retired but a dream job is pulling me back

    It’s hard to accept the reality in the FIRE world that there have to be trade-offs from time to time between financial and work fulfillment. For most people in this space, they can’t wait to get out of the workforce and never stop to worry about whether or not they love their job. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%-->-->Key PointsThis Redditor is already in a great financial position, but has recently been presented with a dream work opportunity.The good news is that this Redditor doesn’t have to take any job as they already have double their initial FIRE goal.There are going to be two separate “what if” questions if they either take this job or decide to retire and spend quality time with family.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->For a Redditor posting in r/fatFIRE, they have the good luck of already being in a great financial position, but are stuck between leaving the workforce now or accepting a dream job. It’s admittedly a terrible position to be in, but also one of great privilege, and it does lead to questions about regret. Choosing The Dream Job or Family In the case of this 40-something Redditor, they rightfully acknowledge they have the good fortune of already doubling their FIRE number. Unfortunately, we don’t get specifics on the math, but it’s great news for this Redditor to not only have hit their financial goals, but to have doubled the number they thought they needed to stop working forever. Under normal circumstances, this would have been fantastic news for someone who should be planning to walk away from the workforce for good. Instead, they are trying to look at this from two perspectives, and each perspective has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, the Redditor can walk away and live out a fantastic life, going to every kid’s activity, traveling, and doing everything a retiree dreams of doing. The challenge is that this Redditor has also been presented with a rewarding “dream job” that would take away from the family time and flexibility that they know they will value greatly. The concern is that they don’t know what to do, as there is a “what if” question that, if they don’t take the job, five years from now, they will regret not taking it. The alternative is not taking the job and adding a few more weeks of vacation and a whole kids’ baseball practice schedule to their calendar. This indecision has led the Redditor to ask in the fatFIRE community how anyone else might have handled this situation and where they ended up. What To Do NextUltimately, there is no easy answer here as the Redditor can’t have it both ways, as they either need to take the job and roll the dice or live for their children and retirement life. This really comes down to a question of what they want more in life: family or professional fulfillment? It’s a difficult truth to accept, but these are sometimes mutually exclusive in that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Thankfully, the Redditor acknowledges that if they had to choose, “gun to head,” it would be the family. This is the right choice, of course, but this isn’t a situation where a metaphorical gun is to someone’s head. A lot of Redditors chime in that going back to work means missing too much, while a few other Redditors indicate that the kids are young enough not to remember what activities their parents did or did not attend. At the end of the day, there is only one person who can answer the question of what is most important to this Redditor. Money Isn’t EverythingKnowing that this Redditor is already sitting on double the amount of money they originally believed they needed to retire, it begs the question of what is missing in their life. Any decision around this dream job can’t be about money, as money isn’t a factor in the family’s life right now. Instead, it seems like something else is missing in this Redditor’s life that their current consulting work isn’t providing them. Yes, they could give this job a shot and walk away, but this, too, might end up in a similar situation where there is a lot of regret. If the Redditor had teenagers who are independent and capable of doing things on their own, this would be an entirely different argument. However, given that the children are young and that life could end tomorrow, this Redditor should take advantage of his already outstanding financial success and focus on being a good father and husband for now. Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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    Current ARM mortgage rates report for Nov. 27, 2025
    Current ARM mortgage rates report for Nov. 27, 2025

    Homeowners with some tolerance for uncertainty might find that an adjustable-rate mortgage is worth considering as a way to get a low introductory rate before the adjustments kick in. This loan type can be a particularly good choice if you’re aiming to rent out for flip the property, or when you know you intend to move before the loan’s fixed-rate period ends.Keep reading and we’ll explain how ARMs work, consider when an ARM is worth considering as an alternative to a fixed-rate mortgage, and look at ARM rates from a few top lenders.You can see the previous business day’s ARM rates report here.Check Out Our Daily Rates ReportsDiscover the highest high-yield savings rates, up to 5% for December 8, 2025.Discover the highest CD rates, up to 4.18% for December 8, 2025.Discover the current mortgage rates for December 8, 2025.Discover current refi mortgage rates report for December 8, 2025.Discover current ARM mortgage rates report for December 8, 2025.Discover the current price of gold for December 8, 2025.Discover the current price of silver for December 8, 2025.ARM mortgage rates at top lendersFortune reviewed the most recent data available as of Nov. 26. These are sample rates provided by the institutions. Each one is based off specific assumptions about a hypothetical borrower’s credit profile and location. Estimates may include an assumption of mortgage discount points. If you choose to apply, know that the rate you receive may vary from the sample rates shown here.Bank of America 7/6 ARMU.S. Bank 7/6 ARMZillow Home Loans 7/6 ARMInterest Rate5.500%5.750%6.000%APR6.322%6.397%6.543%Interest RateBank of America 7/6 ARM5.500%U.S. Bank 7/6 ARM5.750%Zillow Home Loans 7/6 ARM6.000%APRBank of America 7/6 ARM6.322%U.S. Bank 7/6 ARM6.397%Zillow Home Loans 7/6 ARM6.543%A 7/6 ARM is one with a fixed rate for seven years, then adjustment periods every six months.Fixed-rate vs. adjustable-rate mortgagesFixed-rate mortgages dominate U.S. households, comprising about 92% of all home loans. Unlike adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), which allow interest rates to change after an initial period, fixed-rate loans offer consistency throughout their term—which likely explains their popularity.That said, ARMs can be advantageous under specific circumstances. Around 8% of borrowers choose them for their unique benefits.When you might consider an adjustable-rate mortgageThree groups of homebuyers can commonly benefit from considering ARMs:Homeowners who intend to move soon:If you’re confident you’ll be moving in a few years, perhaps because this is a starter home, an ARM may let you enjoy a low introductory rate without worrying about future adjustments.Real estate investors:Landlords buying a property to rent out or house flippers intending to sell a property quickly may use ARMs with the intent of adjusting the monthly rent if interest rates increase or selling before the adjustment period kicks in.Buyers in high-interest environments:During times of elevated interest rates, ARMs can sometimes offer lower rates during the introductory period, and the potential for relief later if market conditions improve.Pro tipSaving up for a down payment? Make sure you have a high-yield savings account.How adjustable-rate mortgages workARMs begin with an introductory fixed rate that often lasts three, five, seven, or 10 years before the loan transitions into its adjustment periods. How much your rate changes during an adjustment period can depend on a variety of factors, including:Benchmarks like SOFR:An ARM’s rate is typically tied to a benchmark, commonly SOFR. This particular benchmark reflects the cost for banks to borrow money overnight. The U.S. Treasury publishes an updated each morning. Margins:Fixed margins are added by lenders on top of the benchmark to determine your ARM rate. These can often range between 2% to 3.5%.Caps:Adjustment caps limit how much rates can increase at specific intervals or over time. You may hear about initial adjustment caps, subsequent caps, and lifetime caps.Common ARM formats include 5/1 (an introductory rate that lasts for five years followed by annual adjustments) and 10/6 (a 10-year intro period followed by adjustments every six months) structures. Other structures on the market include 3/1 ARMs, 7/1 ARMs and 10/1 ARMs. Learn more:Why the Secured Overnight Financing Rate might matter for your mortgage.Refinancing from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgageLife happens. Plans change. If it turns out you’re going to be in your starter home longer than expected, and you initially took out an ARM, you might opt to refinance to a fixed-rate loan.First, know you’re not alone. A large chunk of Millennial and Gen Z homeowners can’t afford to upgrade and are continuing on in their starter homesTo refinance from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage, the process is more or less the same as refinancing from one fixed-rate loan to another. You’ll shop around with various lenders, provide the application documents necessary to show your credit profile and income meet the lender’s requirements, and you’ll use the new loan to pay your old one off in full. Pros and cons of adjustable-rate mortgagesWork with a trusted loan officer to ensure you’re selecting the best mortgage type for your needs. To get you started, here are some basic factors to consider in evaluating if an ARM is right for you.N/AProsPossibly lower initial rate compared with fixed-rate loans.Potentially easier qualification standards for some borrowers. Chance to save if market conditions improve and rates go down.ConsPayments could spike after adjustments begin.Comparing offers is more complex than with common fixed-rate loans.Homeowners face more unpredictability than with a fixed-rate loan.Fortune Brainstorm AIreturns to San Francisco Dec. 8–9 to convene the smartest people we know—technologists, entrepreneurs, Fortune Global 500 executives, investors, policymakers, and the brilliant minds in between—to explore and interrogate the most pressing questions about AI at another pivotal moment. Register here.

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    If Financial Advisors Are So Good, Why Don’t They Just Invest for Themselves?
    If Financial Advisors Are So Good, Why Don’t They Just Invest for Themselves?

    -->-->Key PointsA Reddit poster wants to understand the valuefinancial advisors bring.They also question whyfinancial advisors don’t just invest their own money and get rick if they’re so good at it.Working with a financial advisor could benefit you, but it’s important to find the right one.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%For some reason, people tend to be skeptical about financial advisors. They might say it doesn’t make sense to pay for a financial advisor when you could put your money to work on your own.In this Reddit post, we have someone echoing that sentiment, but they also pose an interesting question: If financial advisors are so good at building portfolios, why don’t they just invest their own money and get rich from it? Why bother trying to help other people build wealth?It’s a valid question. However, it’s important to understand the value financial advisors bring to the table, and what their goals and intentions are.It’s not just a matter of getting rich quicklyMost financial advisors don’t pursue that line of work to make a lot of money quickly. There are, frankly, easier ways to do that. Rather, they get into the business to help people.To be a good financial advisor, you have to be a good listener and relationship builder. You also have to know a lot about not just investing, but other components of financial planning, like insurance and healthcare.A big reason financial advisors don’t just invest their own cash and call it a day is that they want to play a role in helping people meet financial goals, and they enjoy the interaction.Also, let’s face it — to be able to make a lot of money investing, you need to have a decent amount of money to start out with. Even a very savvy investor isn’t going to be able to live on their portfolio income after a year or two if they’re only starting out with $5,000 or $10,000.Granted, over time, it’spossiblethat a financial advisor might accumulate a few hundred thousand dollars, invest it, and stop working with clients. Usually, though, that doesn’t happen.Plus, it’s not as if every financial advisor is an investing wiz. Rather, financial advisors take a holistic approach to managing people’s money. Sometimes, the strategies they suggest aren’t all that innovative and complex. However, they still enable people to meet their goals.It’s important to find the right person for the jobIf you’ve been on the fence about hiring a financial advisor, you should try sitting down with a few different ones and hearing what they have to say. Of course, if you’re going to trust someone to manage your money, you need to find the right person for the job.To that end, try to find a financial advisor who:Listens to your goals and concernsExplains their approach to money management thoroughly, and doesn’t just throw financial terms at you that you don’t understandDoesn’t make you feel judged in any wayDiscusses their fees openly so there are no surprisesActs as a fiduciary, which means your best interests have to be put firstCommunicates well and has an easy platform where you can track your progressWith the right financial advisor in your corner, you could bring yourself closer to meeting the goals you’ve set. It’s worth giving one a try, and you may be surprised with the results.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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    Current price of silver as of Monday, November 24, 2025
    Current price of silver as of Monday, November 24, 2025

    At 8:15 a.m. Eastern Time on Nov. 24, 2025, silver was valued at $50.26 per ounce. That’s a $0.72 uptick from the same time on Friday and more than a $19 gain over the past year.Silver price per ounce% ChangePrice of silver yesterday$49.54+1.45%Price of silver 1 month ago$48.91+2.76%Price of silver 1 year ago$30.30+65.87%Price of silver yesterdaySilver price per ounce$49.54% Change+1.45%Price of silver 1 month agoSilver price per ounce$48.91% Change+2.76%Price of silver 1 year agoSilver price per ounce$30.30% Change+65.87%Check Out Our Daily Rates ReportsDiscover the highest high-yield savings rates, up to 5% for December 8, 2025.Discover the highest CD rates, up to 4.18% for December 8, 2025.Discover the current mortgage rates for December 8, 2025.Discover current refi mortgage rates report for December 8, 2025.Discover current ARM mortgage rates report for December 8, 2025.Discover the current price of gold for December 8, 2025.Historical silver performance Silver is not a get-rich-quick investment. It tends to far underperform traditional stocks over the long term. Since 1921, silver has declined around 96% against the S&P 500. In other words, if you had invested the same amount of money in both stocks and silver at the same time, your silver would now be worth 96% less than your stocks. Instead, silver is considered a comparatively safe and reliable asset that can help you to preserve the value of your money. You’ll sometimes hear it described as a “store of value.” It tends to retain its value during periods of inflation—so converting your money into silver is something like a cryogenic chamber to store your funds when inflation is weighing on your mind.Silver tends to be more volatile than gold. While gold is largely used as a store of value, silver is also widely used in industry (think electronics, medical devices, etc.). This means the value of silver is more directly susceptible to industry demands.What does “spot silver” mean? Put simply, the “spot silver” price is the current rate at which one could in theory instantly sell or buy silver. But, it’s crucial to note individual buyers will often have to pay above spot when buying silver, as there are other costs affecting the final price—think markups, shipping fees, and insurance.  The spot price of silver is a benchmark that investors use to monitor real-time demand and trends. If the spot price is higher, the demand is greater. What is “price spread” in silver trading? Silver’s “price spread” is the disparity between its buying and selling price. There are two terms you should know: Ask price (what you’ll pay to purchase silver). Bid price (what you’ll earn when selling your silver). As you’d expect, the bid price is lower than the ask price. The narrower the bid-ask spread, the higher the demand for silver. #qsWidgetContainer179, #qsWidgetContainer179 [data-widget-id] { background-color: transparent; font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; letter-spacing: .5px; padding: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sizeone .header-section { border-bottom: 0 none; color: #666; font-weight: 600 !important; padding: 6px 0; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sponsored { font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: .5px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sponsored .add-text { color: inherit !important; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sponsored:not(.sponsored + .sponsored) { color: inherit; font-weight: 600; text-transform: uppercase; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .non_featured_list { background-color: transparent; border-top: 0 none; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-listing { border: 1px solid #F2F2F2 !important; box-shadow: 4px 4px 20px 0 #1111110D; margin-bottom: 40px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .listing { background-color: #fff; 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} #qsWidgetContainer179 #see_more_carrier, #qsWidgetContainer179 .see_less_carrier { background-color: #F2F2F2; color: #111; } /** CD Styles */ #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-listing-container { padding: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges #sh-header-container { border-bottom: 1px solid #F2F2F2; margin-bottom: 0; padding: 6px 0; } #qsWidgetContainer179 #sh-star-icon:before { background-color: #007B9D; content: ' '; display: block; height: 10px; left: 0; position: absolute; top: 1.5px; width: 10px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .listing-title { font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif !important; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .shmktpl-sponsored, #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .shmktpl-disclosure-button { color: #666 !important; font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-weight: 600; line-height: 150%; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-logo { flex-shrink: 1; 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} #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-first-product .sh-title-container { height: auto; min-height: 0; padding: 12px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-title { font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; text-align: left; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-fdic-insured .sh-text { color: #666 !important; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-first-product .sh-btn__text, #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-btn__text { border-radius: 0; border-color: #111; color: #111; font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-weight: 600; line-height: 150%; height: auto; letter-spacing: .5px; padding: 12px 16px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-btn__text:hover { border-color: #666; color: #666; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-row-sub-container span.sh-row-value { font-family: var(--graphik-compact), Graphik Compact, Arial Narrow, Helvetica neue Condensed, sans-serif !important; font-size: 16px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; letter-spacing: .5px !important; } @media only screen and (width: 768px) { #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-product-title.sh-bank-name { position: relative; top: initial; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) { #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-first-product .sh-title-container { padding: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .prop-conatiner:not(:first-child):before { height: 2px; left: 0; top: -12px; width: 100%; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-row2-container { flex-basis: 100% !important; padding-bottom: 8px !important; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .sh-first-product .sh-title-container .sh-row-container { height: auto; padding: 8px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-product-title.sh-bank-name { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin-top: 8px; top: 182px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 img.logo-image { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 200px; } #qsWidgetContainer179 .listing-title { font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; } }How to invest in silver Investing in silver can take many different forms. You can choose to collect physical silver, or you can (more commonly) invest in silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs).The latter allows you to buy shares in a fund that holds silver—meaning you won’t have to store and insure it yourself. Popular silver investment options include: Silver bullion.Sold as bars or rounds, you can purchase these by weight and purity. Silver coins.While coins and rounds may look similar, coins are government-minted currency. There are many silver coin options that tend to price higher than standard bullion, including American Silver Eagle and Silver Maple Leaf coins due to factors such as rarity and government backing. Silver jewelry.Silver crafted into jewelry prices above silver bullion of equal purity. Silver mining stocks.Purchasing stock in a company that mines silver allows you to bet on silver without owning any metals yourself. Silver investments, such as silver bullion and coins, follow the “three nines fine” rule to be traded on exchange platforms. If it’s less than 99.9% pure, it’s typically considered a collectible or industrial-grade.  The best silver IRA companies can walk you through the specifics.Is it a good time to invest in silver? Silver is doing well in 2025, rising nearly 25% year-to-date. It’s currently priced higher than any time in the previous decade. Still, the answer as to whether now is a good time to invest in silver is subjective. For example, if you’re worried about increased inflation, adding precious metals to your portfolio can be a smart choice. Or, if you’re looking toward an impending surge in silver demand (perhaps from increasing popularity in green initiatives that require silver, such as solar equipment) that could drive up value, buying silver might make sense. Current precious metals prices as of 8:15 a.m. ET on Nov. 24, 2025Precious metal Price per ounceGold$4,084.53Silver$50.26Platinum$1,538.10Palladium$1,374.86GoldPrice per ounce$4,084.53SilverPrice per ounce$50.26PlatinumPrice per ounce$1,538.10PalladiumPrice per ounce$1,374.86Gold, platinum, and palladium are also investor favorites. Platinum and palladium typically act similarly to silver in volatility. They’ve got a smaller global market compared to gold, meaning even seemingly trifling market changes can result in big price fluctuations. Gold, meanwhile, tends to be less volatile overall than these metals.Pro tipWant to stick with gold over other precious metals? See our recommendations for the best gold IRA companies.  The takeaway With the U.S. economy experiencing unique uncertainty of late, precious metals may be an investment on your radar. Silver has outpaced gold in 2025 in terms of growth, and some experts suspect a boom in the coming years that could result in silver pricing at an all-time high over again. Silver is a very accessible investment, especially compared to the price of gold. Even if you’re reluctant to hold physical coins or bars, you can choose to buy silver ETFs or silver mining stocks to ride the expert-predicted silver wave. Frequently asked questionsWhat percentage of my portfolio should I allocate to silver?Experts recommend between 10% and 15% of your portfolio to be in silver—with no more than 20% in total invested in precious metals. Can silver be held in an IRA?Yes, you use your IRA to invest in IRA-approved silver products, such as coins and bars. The silver must be 99.9% pure and stored with an IRS-approved custodian. This means constitutional or junk silver, referring to coins minted in the U.S. prior to 1965 and containing a substantial silver content (often around 90%), are not eligible to include in a silver IRA. That said, silver that doesn’t meet this purity threshold can still be a smart investment in jewelry or coins with numismatic value—you just can’t use funds from your IRA to buy it.What’s driving silver prices in 2025? Silver has been increasing in value due to a combination of scarcity and both industrial and investor demand.Fortune Brainstorm AIreturns to San Francisco Dec. 8–9 to convene the smartest people we know—technologists, entrepreneurs, Fortune Global 500 executives, investors, policymakers, and the brilliant minds in between—to explore and interrogate the most pressing questions about AI at another pivotal moment. Register here.

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    I Regret Financing My New Car – What Are My Options for Managing Payments?
    I Regret Financing My New Car – What Are My Options for Managing Payments?

    -->Key PointsA Redditor going to college was convinced to take out a large car loan.He’s regretting taking the loan, and wants to know what options he has.Selling the car, refinancing the debt, or finding a job to pay for the loan are going to be his best and only choices.Millions of Americans keep making 5 basic mistakes with insurance and keep overpaying every year, sometimes by thousands of dollars. But, it’s easy to avoid if you know how. -->-->Many people who buy cars finance their new vehicles. In fact, Experian reports that the average monthly payment on a used car is $521 while the average monthly payment on a new car is a shocking $745. Borrowers are also financing their cars for a long time, with Experian indicating that the average loan term for a new car was 68.63 months and the average loan term for a used vehicle was 67.2 months. nextstayCCSettingsOffArabicChineseEnglishFrenchGermanHindiPortugueseSpanishFont ColorwhiteFont Opacity100%Font Size100%Font FamilyArialText ShadownoneBackground ColorblackBackground Opacity50%Window ColorblackWindow Opacity0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%200%175%150%125%100%75%50%ArialGeorgiaGaramondCourier NewTahomaTimes New RomanTrebuchet MSVerdanaNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDrop ShadowWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%WhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyan100%75%50%25%0%That’s a long time to commit to paying a lot of money, and those who finance could be left with regrets.In fact, this happened recently to one Reddit user. The poster explained he followed some advice that he now regrets, and he’s wondering if he has options to deal with the situation he’s found himself in.  Here’s how a Redditor got stuck with a car he can’t affordThe original poster (OP) explained that he lives in rural Alberta and will soon be starting college. His mother and others convinced him to finance a 2024 Kia Forte, despite the fact that he wanted to buy something cheaper that he could afford to pay cash for. The car had a price tag of $25,000, but the dealer convinced him to add another $10,000 to cover a “protective coating” on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.With a $10,000 down payment, the OP is now looking at making biweekly payments of $231 for the next five years. Since he recently moved out to live on his own and he’s going to school full-time, he is very worried he’ll be unable to keep up with the payments.He explained that he “feels stupid,” and said that he is just 18 years old and worried about the impact this car will have on his financial future.What can the OP do to deal with the difficult situation?Unfortunately, the poster is in a really tough spot here, and he followed really terrible advice. He was spot-on when he thought he should buy an affordable car with cash, and he should never have listened to his mother about getting the loan.Sadly, now he has very few good options. The OP should first look at his paperwork to see exactly what he paid for regarding the protective coating. If any part of that money went to cover a warranty that he can cancel, he should do so immediately to try to recover at least some of the wasted funds. He should also talk to the dealer and ask for a partial refund on the coating, which he says is now peeling.Unfortunately, that’s not going to solve the bigger problem, which is that he’s committed to monthly payments he can’t afford.Since it was his mother’s idea to buy the car, he can see if she’ll help — but unless she’s making a reliable commitment to cover the paymentandhe trusts her to follow through, he’ll have to find a way to afford to pay the bills himself so he doesn’t ruin his credit and end up with the car getting repossessed.This may mean getting a part-time job, living on a very strict budget, and perhaps even continuing to live at home a little longer so he can afford the payments with the income he earns. If his interest rate is high, refinancing the car loan to a lower one could help him as well, especially if his mom is willing to cosign to help him get a better rate, since the car loan was her idea in the first place. Alternatively, the OPcouldpotentially try to sell the car to get out from under the payments. He will almost assuredly lose money on this deal, but since he put $10,000 down on the car, hemayhave enough equity in it that he could sell it for enough to repay the loan. If he can do that, this may be the best solution, so he’s not stuck with five years of interest charges and payments that are going to cause a constant struggle. He probably won’t have anything left over for another car, though, so will have to save up to buy one or take public transportation.Going forward, the OP also needs to make absolutely sure he is not listening to his mother, who appears to be giving very bad financial advice. He needs to commit to living within his means and, if necessary, get advice from an experienced financial advisor who will not tell a broke college kid with no job prospects to commit to a huge debt. Most Americans Overpay Without Realizing ItCar insurance is one of those monthly bills most Americans pay without a second thought. But the truth is, millions of drivers are overpaying simply because the haven’t bothered to get updated rates.But there are dozens of easy ways to lower your rates. If you’re a safe driver, have moved in the last few years, if you’re a safe driver, or forgot to check about bundling you’re leaving free money on the table.I was able to save $530 on my insurance, simply by applying to new providers with updated information. And it only took a few minutes!👇 Use the form at the bottom of this article to see if another provider can lower your bill without sacrificing coverage.👇

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