The best high-yield savings account rates on Dec. 3, 2025: Earn up to 5.00% APY

You’re looking at up to 5.00% APY on top high-yield savings accounts as of Dec. 3, 2025. To put that in perspective, that’s more than 10x higher than the FDIC-reported national average of 0.40%. For anyone trying to get real returns on their savings, the difference is substantial.

Whatever brought you here—whether it’s building an emergency fund saving for a major purchase like travel, putting away funds to invest in precious metals, or planning for retirement—keeping your money in a high-yield savings account is smart. You get solid returns without too much complexity or the risks associated with stock market investments and the like.

The three highest-APY accounts we’ve identified are as follows:

  • Earn up to 5.00% with Varo Money.
  • Earn up to 4.35% with Newtek Bank.
  • Earn up to 4.31% with Axos Bank.

Check Out Our Daily Rates Reports

  • Discover 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.
#qsWidgetContainer175, #qsWidgetContainer175 [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; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sizeone .header-section { border-bottom: 0 none; color: #666; font-weight: 600 !important; padding: 6px 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sponsored { font-family: inherit; letter-spacing: .5px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sponsored .add-text { color: inherit !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sponsored:not(.sponsored + .sponsored) { color: inherit; font-weight: 600; text-transform: uppercase; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .non_featured_list { background-color: transparent; border-top: 0 none; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-listing { border: 1px solid #F2F2F2 !important; box-shadow: 4px 4px 20px 0 #1111110D; margin-bottom: 40px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing { background-color: #fff; border: 1px solid #F2F2F2 !important; box-shadow: 4px 4px 20px 0 #1111110D; margin-top: 40px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing:first-child { margin-top: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .ad-copy-bottom-section { background-color: #F9F9F9; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing .listing-content-wrapper .sh-promo-ribbon { align-items: center; background: #007B9D !important; display: flex; font-family: inherit; font-weight: 600; height: auto; justify-content: center; margin: 0; padding: 4px 16px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing .listing-content-wrapper .sh-promo-ribbon span.sh-promo-text::before { display: none; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing .listing-content-wrapper .sh-promo-ribbon span.sh-promo-text::after { display: none; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .logo-column.flex-container, #qsWidgetContainer175 .ad-copy-column.flex-container { flex-grow: 1; flex-shrink: 1; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .disclosure-contnr .text { color: #666 !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .prop-name { font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: .5px; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 8px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .apy-label, #qsWidgetContainer175 .curDate, #qsWidgetContainer175 .prop-value { font-family: var(--graphik-compact), Graphik Compact, Arial Narrow, Helvetica neue Condensed, sans-serif !important; font-size: 16px !important; font-weight: 600 !important; line-height: 150%; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .curDate { font-size: 12px !important; font-weight: 500 !important; margin-top: 4px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing-title .prod-name:hover { color: #111; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .shmktpl-button { border-radius: 0; font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; height: auto; letter-spacing: .5px; line-height: 150%; padding: 12px 16px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .ad-copy-bottom-section { padding: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .prop-value-container { align-items: stretch; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .prop-conatiner { padding: 12px; position: relative; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .prop-conatiner:not(:first-child):before { background-color: #fff; content: ' '; height: calc(100% + 24px); position: absolute; left: -12px; top: -12px; width: 2px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-row-product-title { color: #666; font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; letter-spacing: .5px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .see-more-text { background-color: #F2F2F2; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .see-more-text + .row-2 { background-color: #F9F9F9 !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .description-title { font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 120%; text-transform: none; } #qsWidgetContainer175 svg.shArrow path { fill: #111 !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 #sh-star-icon { top: -2px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 #sh-star-icon svg path:first-child { fill: #007B9D !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 #see_more_carrier, #qsWidgetContainer175 .see_less_carrier { background-color: #F2F2F2; color: #111; } /** CD Styles */ #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-listing-container { padding: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges #sh-header-container { border-bottom: 1px solid #F2F2F2; margin-bottom: 0; padding: 6px 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 #sh-star-icon:before { background-color: #007B9D; content: ' '; display: block; height: 10px; left: 0; position: absolute; top: 1.5px; width: 10px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing-title { font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .shmktpl-sponsored, #qsWidgetContainer175 .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%; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-logo { flex-shrink: 1; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .shmktpl-sponsored { text-transform: uppercase; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-listing-content-wrapper { box-shadow: none; gap: 24px; margin-bottom: 0; padding: 24px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .disclosure-content ul li { font-family: var(--graphik-cond),Graphik Cond,Arial Narrow,Helvetica neue Condensed,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: .5px; line-height: 150%; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-fdic-insured .sh-icon svg path { fill: #666 !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-product-title.sh-date { margin-right: 0; padding-top: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-product-title.sh-bank-name { font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; margin-right: 0; margin-top: 4px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-container { align-items: flex-start; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .product-details-container > .sh-row-container { align-items: center !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-first-product .sh-title-container { height: auto; min-height: 0; padding: 12px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .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; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-fdic-insured .sh-text { color: #666 !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-first-product .sh-btn__text, #qsWidgetContainer175 .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; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-btn__text:hover { border-color: #666; color: #666; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .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) { #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-product-title.sh-bank-name { position: relative; top: initial; } } @media only screen and (max-width: 767px) { #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-first-product .sh-title-container { padding: 0; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .prop-conatiner:not(:first-child):before { height: 2px; left: 0; top: -12px; width: 100%; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-row2-container { flex-basis: 100% !important; padding-bottom: 8px !important; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .sh-first-product .sh-title-container .sh-row-container { height: auto; padding: 8px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .cdBankingDesignChanges .sh-row-product-title.sh-bank-name { font-size: 14px; font-weight: 400; margin-top: 8px; top: 182px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 img.logo-image { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 200px; } #qsWidgetContainer175 .listing-title { font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; } }

The highest savings account rates on December 3, 2025

Fortunehas partnered with the financial industry consultants at Curinos to give you an accurate look at the highest savings account rates on the market. Varo Money takes the lead, with Newtek Bank and Axos Bank also offering very respectable yields. Read on to see our full list of HYSAs and find the one that’s right for your needs.

What the Fortune/Curinos partnership means for you

We work with Curinos, which has a track record of more than thirty years analyzing financial services data, to bring you current rates on savings accounts and CDs from a long list of financial institutions. This daily reporting gives us the foundation to create a selection that actually helps you pick the right account for your situation.

History of savings account rates

While the average savings account rate has increased from the lows seen from 2020 to 2022, it’s still far below the APYs available on the most generous high-yield savings accounts on our list.

Why should you choose a high-yield savings account?

A quick terminology note: There’s no official account type called a “high-yield savings account.” What we’re really talking about is banks and credit unions that happen to offer rates significantly higher than average. It’s just a label we use to make things clearer.

Most of the divide between traditional and high-yield accounts comes down to operations. Traditional banks run branch networks and offer everything under the sun—loans, checking, credit cards, you name it. High-yield providers are usually online-only, keep their offerings lean, and have no physical locations to maintain. That operational simplicity translates to better rates for you.

Pro tip

Learn more about different types of savings accounts.

If you’re willing to handle your banking online, switching to a high-yield account can meaningfully increase what you earn. Depending on your deposit and APY, you could be looking at hundreds—or more—in extra interest annually compared to a standard savings account.

How much interest can you earn with a higher APY?

Let’s assume a hypothetical where you’ve got five grand sitting in savings a full year, and the APY doesn’t budge. The interest you’d earn with a 5.00% APY is dramatically different from what you’d earn if the account’s APY was a mere 0.40%. See the estimates below:

Initial DepositEstimated Interest
0.40% APY$5,000$22
5.00% APY$5,000$256
0.40% APY
Initial Deposit$5,000
Estimated Interest$22
5.00% APY
Initial Deposit$5,000
Estimated Interest$256

It’s a surprisingly painless change that can have a real impact on your bottom line.

What should you look for in a high-yield savings account?

Focus on these things when you’re choosing a HYSA:

  • Competitive rates.Look for APYs that are actually going to move the needle on your earnings.
  • Low or no minimums.Plenty of high-yield accounts don’t require a hefty opening deposit, making them accessible if you’re building your savings from scratch.
  • Fee-free.Skip accounts that nickel-and-dime you with monthly maintenance charges—that money should stay in your account.
  • Access to your funds.Verify that you can transfer your money when you need it. Pay attention to withdrawal caps and foreign ATM fees.
  • Insurance.Check that your deposits are FDIC-protected at a bank or NCUA-protected at a credit union.

Note that any interest you earn will be taxable.

ADVERTISEMENTAdvertiser DisclosurePrivacy policyPowered by

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
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • ...
  • 67

Frequently asked questions

Are savings account rates going to fall?

They could. Banks often adjust their rates based on what the Federal Reserve does. Given that the Fed began cutting rates in late 2025—a win for borrowers, a challenge for savers—it’s reasonable to expect that some savings account rates could head downward accordingly.

Can I lose money in a high-yield savings account?

As long as your account is FDIC- or NCUA-insured, you should be protected up to a $250,000 maximum per financial institution. Also, understand that your savings won’t fluctuate like stock prices, but inflation could erode what your money can buy if it outpaces your APY.

Is a high-yield savings account still worth it?

Yes, it is. Fed rate cuts aside, many high-yield savings accounts continue to offer APYs in the vicinity of 4.00%. These accounts are effectively the best straightforward option for growing your money safely while keeping it within reach. Though we’ll also note CDs are worth considering if you can afford to lock your money away for a set period of time.

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)

Read more
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.

Read more
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)

Read more
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.👇

Read more
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. 

Read more
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.

Read more
Rocket Mortgage review 2025
Rocket Mortgage review 2025

Rocket Mortgage is a popular mortgage lender thanks in large part to its generally excellent customer satisfaction and its variety of discount and assistance programs. However, it may not be right for buyers who need an exceptionally fast closing or who are seeking a specialty type of home loan, such as a USDA loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).Here’s a look at what Rocket Mortgage has to offer.Lender details checked Nov. 21, 2025 and subject to change.Rocket MortgageTrustpilot Rating4.6 out of 5Trustpilot Reviews38,411Loan origination volume as of July 31$29.1 billionView offerat Rocket MortgageCompany insightsYear Founded: 1985Company Headquarters: Detroit, MICEO: Jay BrayFortune Rankings#619on the 2025 Fortune 500 list#28on Fortune’s 2025 100 Best Companies to Work For list#29on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces for Parents list#62on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces for Women list#2on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces in Real Estate list#92on Fortune’s 2024 Best Large Workplaces for Millennials list#2on Fortune’s 2023 Best Large Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance listWho is Rocket Mortgage best for?With its nationwide popularity and strong customer reviews, Rocket Mortgage can be well worth considering for most homebuyers—particularly those who don’t mind a fully digital experience. Rocket Mortgage is an online lender with no physical locations.Rocket Mortgage also has options specifically meant for first-time homebuyers and lower-income borrowers, with several programs that can help customers in these situations to overcome common obstacles—such as a minimal down payment and limited credit history.Rocket may also be a good choice for those willing to limit their selection of real estate agents in exchange for a rate reduction or closing cost assistance. For example, when you use Redfin and Rocket Mortgage for your new home, you’ll get 1% off your mortgage rate for a year (up to $6,000 in savings).On the other hand, Rocket Mortgage is not a good choice for anyone needing a USDA loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) as it does not offer those. Also, its rates may be slightly above average in some cases, meaning those with great credit might be able to get a better deal elsewhere.Rocket Mortgage pros and consN/AProsStrong customer satisfaction ratingsConvenient online mortgage processDiscount programsTypically offers prequalification with soft credit inquiryConsNo USDA loans or HELOCsNo physical locationsRates may be higher than some competitors (though this will vary by customer)Rocket Mortgage home loan optionsRocket Mortgage has a wide selection of mortgage options to suit the needs of many financial situations. Here are some borrower profiles and related loan options you can get through Rocket Mortgage.Lender details checked Nov. 21, 2025.Affordable payments30-year mortgagesAmerican homebuyers overwhelmingly prefer 30-year mortgages over shorter terms. Though you end up paying more interest over the life of the loan, the longer repayment term can help keep your monthly mortgage payments lower. Rocket Mortgage offers 30-year, conventional loans that borrowers with good-to-excellent credit may find suit them well. Baseline criteria you’ll want to meet to apply for this type of loan include:A down payment of at least 3% A credit score of 620 or higher0 (usually)A debt-to-income ratio of less than 50%If you want to pay off your mortgage before the full 30-year term is up, Rocket Mortgage doesn’t charge an early payment penalty.HomeReady and Home PossibleHomeReady and Home Possible loans, programs through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, respectively, are designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers. They are 30-year conventional fixed mortgages that make home buying more accessible with features such as:Low down payment requirements (3% rather than the typical 5%)The potential to receive a credit toward your down payment or reduced closing costsRelaxed restrictions for down payment sourcesLower private mortgage insurance (required with down payments under 20%) costsYou’ll need a credit score of 620 and above and what Rocket refers to as a “manageable” debt-to-income ratio to qualify.Interest savings15-year mortgagesIn contrast with a 30-year mortgage, a 15-year mortgage will come with considerably higher monthly payments for the same home—but if you can swing it, you’ll likely save tens of thousands (possibly even hundreds of thousands) of dollars in interest over the life of your loan.Rocket Mortgage’s 15-year fixed home loans require:A down payment of at least 3%A credit profile above 620A debt-to-income ratio of less than 50%Adjustable-rate mortgagesMost borrowers prefer fixed-rate mortgages, where the interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. By contrast, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may offer a low initial fixed rate during a specified period of time—but after that period the loan is subject to a rate that can change based on the market and other factors. Rocket Mortgage offers the following 30-year ARM structures: 5/1:A five-year fixed interest rate, followed by annual adjustment periods5/6:A five-year fixed interest rate, followed by adjustment periods every six months7/1:A seven-year fixed interest rate, followed by annual adjustment periods7/6:A seven-year fixed interest rate, followed by adjustment periods every six months10/1:A 10-year fixed interest rate, followed by annual adjustment periods10/6:A 10-year fixed interest rate, followed by adjustment periods every six monthsAgain, you’ll need a credit score of 620 and a debt-to-income ratio below 50% to qualify.Borrow cash from your equityHome equity loansRocket Mortgage offers home equity loans, which allow you to tap into your existing home equity without doing a cash-out refinance. Rocket Mortgage offers borrowers from $45,000 to $350,000. You’ll apply for a term length of 10 or 20 years.You can use the money for nearly any purpose, from debt consolidation to home renovations to large purchases. Just note that you won’t qualify if:You don’t have sufficient equity to take out at least $45,000Your credit score is below 680Your debt-to-income ratio is above 45%Before taking out a Rocket Mortgage home equity loan, consider that you’ll now be making two monthly payments: your mortgage and your new loan. You’ll also pay closing costs.Bridge loanA bridge loan allows you to put equity from your current home toward a down payment of another home. This can be helpful for those who want to buy a house before their current one sells.Bridge loans may offer a less stressful selling process, as you can get settled in your new home and wait for a great offer on your old one to come along. It also prevents you from tacking a sale contingency onto your listing.Rocket Mortgage offers a six-month loan of up to $500,000 (depending on your equity). You’ll pay interest each month, and you can pay off the loan when your house sells.Less-than-perfect creditFHA loansA Federal Housing Administration (FHA) helps those with lower credit scores to buy a home. If your credit score is above 580 and your debt-to-income ratio is less than 57%, you may qualify for a 15- or 30-year mortgage. You’ll pay at least a 3.5% down payment. And in addition to closing costs, you’ll pay an initial mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75% (and an ongoing monthly MIP).If you think you might struggle to qualify for a conventional mortgage, this could be what you need to become a homeowner.Larger-than-normal home loanJumbo loansA jumbo loan is one that exceeds conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).Rocket Mortgage offers jumbo conventional, FHA, and VA loans for up to $3 million. You’ll have to make a minimum down payment starting at just over 10% and will need a credit score of at least 680. You’ll also need a debt-to-income ratio of less than 45%.Military-specificVA loansVA loans, issued by private lenders and backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, are exclusively for eligible U.S. military members and veterans, including surviving spouses. You can open a fixed-rate loan with a 15, 20, 25, or 30-year term. You can also open a 5-year ARM or a jumbo loan.No down payment is required for a VA loan, and you won’t be charged for private mortgage insurance (PMI). Plus, you don’t necessarily need a great credit score to qualify; a 580 or above credit score may be sufficient.Rocket Mortgage also recommends a debt-to-income ratio of less than 50%.RefinancingRocket Mortgage offers refinance loans to help you replace your current mortgage. You can refinance a conventional loan, FHA loan, VA loan, or jumbo loan. Rocket Mortgage also offers both 30-year- and 15-year refinances, including fixed-rate loans and ARMs.When refinancing, you can choose between a standard refinance or a cash-out refinance, which is when you borrow more than your current loan balance and take the rest out in cash. A standard refinance can be a good option if you simply want to lower your interest rate or monthly payment. But if you want cash for debt consolidation, home renovations, or some other purpose, then a cash-out refinance could be what you need.Does Rocket Mortgage offer discounts or assistance?One feature of Rocket Mortgage that really stands out from the competition is the number of different discount and assistance programs it offers. Whether you’re a low-income borrower or perhaps have only a small nest egg saved toward your down payment, Rocket Mortgage may have a program that can help make homeownership a reality for you.ONE+ by Rocket MortgageRocket Mortgage’s ONE+ program empowers qualifying low-income borrowers to get a 30-year conventional loan with less money down. If you fall under the income threshold and meet the other loan requirements, you’ll be required to put just 1% down on your loan. Rocket Mortgage will cover an additional 2% (or $2,000) of your down payment. Rocket’s contribution is capped at $7,000.To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:Your loan must be no more than $350,000You must have an income that falls at or below 80% of your Area Median Income (AMI)You must be purchasing a single-family home as your primary residenceHave a credit score of at least 620Have a debt-to-income ratio of less than 50%Of course, you’ll still pay closing costs for your loan.BorrowSmart by RocketThose with qualifying income who live in eligible states may qualify for the Freddie Mac BorrowSmart program through Rocket Mortgage. It offers a credit of up to $10,000 to help you with the down payment required for refinancing.HomeReady and Home Possible mortgagesIf you qualify for a HomeReady loan from Fannie Mae or a Home Possible loan from Freddie Mac, you may be able to buy a home with a lower down payment and more affordable PMI requirements than you first expected. Qualifying buyers may also be able to get a loan-level price adjustment (LLPA) credit of 1% of the loan amount up to $2,500 from Rocket. Rocket RentRewardsRentRewards is a program that helps you to transition from renter to owner. It offers 10% of your yearly rent (up to $5,000) as a credit on your closing costs. Let Rocket know how much you pay for rent, and you may be able to get the credit when purchasing a primary residence.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.How to apply for a home loan with Rocket MortgageIf you’re considering a mortgage from Rocket Mortgage, start by viewing its rates online and comparing them to those of other lenders on the market. Rocket Mortgage shares example rates on its website.You can also get a personalized rate based on your location, home price, and credit profile. Getting an estimated rate doesn’t affect your credit and is more accurate than looking at the rates listed on the lender’s website. You’ll have to enter some personal information, though.Once you’re actually ready to apply for your loan, here’s how to get started:Open the application.Click “Apply Now” in the upper right-hand corner of the Rocket Mortgage website.Complete the prequalification form.Rocket Mortgage will ask you a few questions about your financial situation, and then you’ll speak to a loan officer to find out how much you may be able to get approved for. This step should only require a soft credit inquiry, which won’t affect your credit score.Apply for your loan.If you’re happy with your prequalification from Rocket Mortgage, you can move on to the official application. This will require more in-depth information about your finances, as well as a hard inquiry on your credit report, which will affect your credit score.Provide additional information:During your application and underwriting process, a loan officer at Rocket Mortgage may request additional information to help make a decision about and close on your loan. Make sure to respond to these requests in a timely manner — this will help you close on your loan as quickly as possible.Is Rocket Mortgage reputable?In 2024, Rocket Mortgage was the second-highest-producing mortgage originator behind United Wholesale Mortgages, according to HousingWire.Rocket Mortgage also comes highly recommended by third-party companies. The lender scored first place first in J.D. Power’s 2025 U.S. Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study. It also landed in the top six in the 2024 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study. These rankings suggest that borrowers who choose Rocket Mortgage are pleased with their service.Rocket Mortgage has impressive reviews from past and current borrowers. It has 4.6/5 stars on Trustpilot. Out of more than 38,000 reviews, 82% of them have five-star ratings, and only 5% have one-star or two-star ratings.Alternatives to Rocket MortgageDespite its popularity, Rocket Mortgage won’t be right for everyone (nor is any lender, for that matter). It’s always important to shop around rate quotes to find the best deal. Here are a couple of other lenders to consider as alternatives to Rocket Mortgage.Rate Mortgage vs. Rocket MortgageLike Rocket Mortgage, Rate Mortgage is one of the top lenders in the country. It has many of the same loan types as Rocket Mortgage, with the added bonus of USDA loans, non-qualified mortgages, and HELOCs, which Rocket Mortgage doesn’t offer.Rate offers a convenient online mortgage process. It also offers a couple of other loan perks, including its same-day mortgage, which offers the chance for same-day approval and closing in as little as 10 days for select borrowers.It’s worth considering Rate if you want a fast approval process and closing or you want a loan option that Rocket Mortgage doesn’t offer.CrossCountry Mortgage vs. Rocket MortgageCrossCountry Mortgage ranked fourth in HousingWire’s top 25 mortgage lenders of 2024, just a few spots behind Rocket Mortgage. It offers a solid selection of loan types, including some that Rocket Mortgage doesn’t offer, including HELOCs, reverse mortgages, USDA loans, and non-qualified mortgages.CrossCountry Mortgage can also be a great option for first-time homebuyers to consider. It has several down payment assistance programs specifically aimed at helping first-time buyers with what is for many the single biggest challenge to purchasing a home. You could potentially get up to $5,250 in down payment assistance and closing costs without having to pay it back.Like Rate, CrossCountry Mortgage may also be a good option if you want a fast closing process. Its FastTrack Credit Approval program allows qualified customers to close on a home in as few as 10 days.Is Rocket Mortgage right for you?There’s no single mortgage lender that’s right for everyone, but Rocket Mortgage can be a good option for most borrowers, as made clear by its excellent customer satisfaction ratings and top ranking in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Mortgage Servicer Satisfaction Study..When you’re choosing a mortgage lender, whether it’s Rocket Mortgage or a different institution, it’s important to think about the type of loan you need—then you can seek out reputable lenders that offer that mortgage type. Make sure to shop around for rate quotes to find out if Rocket Mortgage can offer you the best rate.Rocket Mortgage may be an especially good option for borrowers who qualify for one of the many discount and assistance programs or those for whom customer satisfaction is a top priority.How we evaluated this mortgage lenderWhen evaluating Rocket Mortgage, we looked at features that are important to borrowers, including its variety of loan types, customer satisfaction, availability, and more. We looked closely at how accessible Rocket Mortgages loans are. For example, does it have loan offers for people of all credit and income levels, and does it offer any programs to make it easier for people to qualify for mortgages?Finally, we evaluated Rocket Mortgage’s borrower experience, from initially searching for interest rates to getting a personalized rate quote to ultimately applying for and closing on a loan.Frequently asked questionsWhat fees does Rocket Mortgage charge?Rocket Mortgage doesn’t disclose its exact loan fees, but it states that average closing costs range from 3% to 6% of the loan amount. Keep in mind that some of these are lender fees, while others are third-party fees.What credit score do I need to get a loan from Rocket Mortgage?You may be able to qualify for a FHA or VA loan from Rocket Mortgage with a credit score as low as 580, assuming you meet the other eligibility criteria. However, if you’re applying for a conventional loan, you’ll need a credit score of at least 620.Will applying for a mortgage with Rocket Mortgage hurt my credit score?Applying for a mortgage with Rocket Mortgage (or any lender) can temporarily lower your credit score. Applying for a mortgage results in a new hard inquiry on your credit report, which affects your credit score. However, if you’re shopping with multiple lenders, you can apply for multiple mortgages within a 45-day period, and they’ll all appear as one hard inquiry on your credit report, minimizing the impact on your credit score.How quickly can I get a home loan from Rocket Mortgage?The amount of time it takes to get a loan from Rocket Mortgage depends on several factors, including the complexity of your loan and financial situation and how responsive you are to the lender’s requests for additional information or documents. According to Rocket Mortgage’s website, the underwriting process typically takes between 30 and 45 days from start to finish.What types of support does Rocket Mortgage offer customers?Rocket Mortgage offers several different types of customer support, including telephone and online chat. Existing customers can speak to a representative at 800-603-1955 between 8:30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Eastern Time from Monday to Friday or between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturdays.Borrowers shopping for loans can reach customer service at 888-452-8179 between 7 a.m. and 12 a.m. Eastern Time Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Sundays.The chat feature is available on the Rocket Mortgage website, and while you start off talking to the AI assistant, you can be transferred to a customer service representative, often quickly.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.

Read more
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)

Read more
Home equity loan vs. home equity line of credit (HELOC)
Home equity loan vs. home equity line of credit (HELOC)

When you find yourself in need of a large sum of money—whether for an emergency medical expense, a home improvement project, or any other big life expense—you probably start researching the best loan option for your unique situation. In particular, if you’re a homeowner, you might consider tapping into your home equity with either a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). But which is the better choice?Borrowing against your home equity can be a cost-effective way to get the funds you need, with the potential for favorable interest rates and flexible repayment terms. It can also come with a serious risk, as you’re putting your house up as collateral, meaning you could lose it if you default on repayment.We’ll walk you through these two ways of tapping your equity, with one being a form of installment credit and the other being a revolving line of credit somewhat similar to a credit card.What is a home equity loan?Think of a home equity loan as something like a secured personal loan. It’s a way to borrow from the value you’ve built in your home as you pay down your mortgage. The money you receive from a home equity loan is backed by your property—so if you don’t pay off your loan, the lender may sell your house to recoup the balance you owe.When you take out a home equity loan, you’ll receive a lump sum deposited into your bank account. You can use it for nearly anything, similar to a personal loan. You’ll be set up on a payment plan of equal monthly installments until your loan (plus interest) is repaid. You may get up to 30 years to repay your loan.There are key differences between a differences between a personal loan and a home equity loan, however. Home equity loans allow you to borrow potentially more than a typical personal loan, which is often capped at $100,000. Depending on the amount of equity you’ve built, a home equity loan might offer hundreds of thousands of dollars in borrowing power. The interest rate can often be lower than many other types of loans, too.That said, a home equity loan can be costly to open. Some lenders charge for things like origination fees, credit report fees, title search fees, and more.Pros and cons of a home equity loanN/AProsAPR is fixed for the duration of your loanPredictable monthly paymentsTypically slightly lower APR than a HELOCConsYou’ll pay interest on the full borrowed amount (whether you use it immediately or not)You may lose your home if you fail to pay off your loanLowers your home equity until repaidWhat is a HELOC? A home equity line of credit is similar to a traditional home equity loan in that you’re borrowing from your property’s equity. You can likely enjoy competitive APR and a potentially higher borrowing amount when compared to a standard personal loan—but default on your loan, and you could lose your home.The big difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC is the way you can spend your money. Instead of an upfront lump sum deposited into your account, your funds are delivered in the form of a revolving credit line (similar to a credit card, in that you borrow as needed rather than all at once). You’ll only be charged interest on the portion of your credit line that you actually use.A HELOC is comprised of a “draw” period and a “repayment” period. The draw period begins when you take out your loan and can last up to 10 years. During this time, you can borrow and repay essentially as you please. When this period closes, the repayment period begins. You can no longer use your credit line, and you’re required to repay it back—either all at once or through a monthly installment plan. Similar to a home equity loan, the repayment period can last decades.It’s also worth noting that you may be able to refinance your HELOC to regain access to your line of credit.Expect similar closing costs whether opening a HELOC or a home equity loan, from appraisal fees to origination fees.Pros and cons of a HELOCN/AProsRevolving credit structure lets you reuse this financing method multiple timesYou’ll only pay interest on the funds you useInitial interest-only payments keep upfront costs lowConsYou may lose your home if you fail to pay off your loanInterest rates are typically variableLowers your home equity until repaidRequirements to borrow from your home equityTo qualify for either a home equity loan or a HELOC, you’ll have to:Be a homeownerHave considerable equity your homeEquity is the value of your property minus the amount you owe on your mortgage. Lenders commonly require you to keep between 15% and 20% equity in your home. In other words, you can generally borrow anything above that number.For example, if your home is worth $350,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you’ve got $150,000 in equity—or 43% ($150,000 in equity / $350,0000 total value). If you’re required to keep 20% equity in your home, you could borrow up to 23% of your equity.Beyond this stipulation, lenders also look for a good credit profile, proof of income and employment, and reasonable debt-to-income ratio, preferably below 40%.How to decide between a home equity loan and a HELOCSo, you’ve decided that borrowing from your home equity is the best strategy to fund your large upcoming purchases. If you’re still unsure which is best, ask yourself the following questions.What do you need the money for?If you need money for a single large purchase, a home equity loan may be the way to go. Its repayment terms are straightforward and its APR is predictable. A HELOC may be better if you don’t need all the money immediately but you plan to use it incrementally, as you’ll only be charged interest for the money you’re currently using (instead of the entire loan amount).Will you use the funds for ongoing spending?If you plan to access your equity multiple times, a HELOC is the clear winner. Again, you can use it similar to a credit card—but without the eye-watering APR. It’s also handy to keep simply as an emergency fund.Do you want a fixed APR?While it’s possible to receive fixed interest rates for a portion of your HELOC, this loan type is typically subject to variable APR. Depending on market conditions and Fed decisions, that can be a good thing or a bad thing.Either way, your interest with a HELOC is generally less predictable than with a home equity loan with interest rates that are locked in upon account opening.How much equity do you have?If you don’t have much equity, a home equity loan may not be the optimal choice. A more strategic option may be opening a HELOC, as it allows you to borrow from the same credit line as often as you pay it back. This allows you to effectively borrow more than your equity—just not all at once.For example, you may want to finance your $50,000 home renovation with equity. If you’ve only got $10,000 in equity, a home equity loan won’t cover your needs. But with a HELOC, you can buy your materials and/or pay for labor $10,000 at a time. When you pay down your balance, you’ll be able to borrow from your equity again.Other ways to finance a purchaseA home equity loan and a HELOC are just two options to finance your large purchases. Other popular choices include:Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) services.Some purchases qualify for BNPL options which split an expense into multiple interest-free transactions.Credit cards.These are ideal for everyday purchases you can pay off in full promptly but generally a bad option for funding large expenses that will take months to pay off. The APR is often high—though some credit cards come with an initial interest-free window which can give you a year or even nearly two to pay off your balance without paying interest.Borrow money from friends or family.If you’ve got the implicit trust of those close to you, borrowing money can be the easiest and cheapest way to fund a large purchase. But, make sure to outline clear terms for the repayment and stick to the agreement, otherwise you risk damaging these relationships.The takeawayA home equity loan and a home equity line of credit are similar in many ways, from associated costs to borrowing amounts to repercussions of failing to pay back your loan. The key difference is in how you access the funds.A home equity loan deposits a large sum into your bank account and enrolls you in equal monthly installments until your loan is repaid. A HELOC gives you a revolving credit line from which you can borrow and repay over and over again.Frequently asked questionsIs a home equity loan a second mortgage?Yes, a home equity loan is a second mortgage. Taking out a home equity loan means you’ll now have a monthly mortgage payment and a monthly loan payment.Which is better for a large one-time expense: HELOC or home equity loan?A home equity loan is generally better for a large one-time expense, as its interest rates are fixed and its repayment terms are predictable.Can my monthly payment change with a home equity loan?Your monthly payment cannot change a home equity loan. When you open your account, you’ll be enrolled in fixed equal monthly installments until your loan is paid off.How much equity do I need to qualify for a HELOC?To qualify for a HELOC or home equity loan, you typically need more than 15% to 20% equity in your home. This is because most lenders require that you keep at least that much equity in your property at all times.Do I need an appraisal for a home equity loan or HELOC?Yes, you generally need an appraisal for a home equity loan or HELOC so the lender knows how much money to extend to you.

Read more
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.👇

Read more