Tag: Emily Hayes

Robinhood Introduces its First Credit Card | Credit Cards
Money

Robinhood Introduces its First Credit Card | Credit Cards

Key Takeaways Robinhood Gold Card earns 3% cash back on every purchase, with no caps or bonus categories to remember. A Robinhood Gold subscription is required to be eligible for the card, which costs $5 per month (or $50 per year).  The card features travel perks, purchase protections, virtual card numbers and more. With free accounts and trades starting at just $1, Robinhood has become a popular platform for beginning investors. Expanding on this popularity, the Robinhood Gold Card launched in March 2024. This credit card earns unlimited 3% cash back on every purchase, and includes complimentary perks like travel and purchase protections. However, you must hold a Robinhood Gold account in order to apply. Learn more about the Robinhood Gold Card, including how to earn and redeem rewar...
Which Hotel Credit Cards Offer a Free Night? | Credit Cards
Money

Which Hotel Credit Cards Offer a Free Night? | Credit Cards

Key Takeaways Some free nights can be used at any property, while others are capped at certain levels. Many credit cards include free nights automatically, but others have annual spending requirements to earn the benefit. Depending on your annual spending, you may be able to earn a second or third free night on. Travelers can benefit greatly when they hold a co-branded credit card for their favorite hotel brand. Most hotel credit cards offer higher rewards on paid stays, elite status benefits and other perks. One of the best is the annual free night many hotel credit cards offer when you renew the card or meet certain spending requirements. Learn about the hotel credit cards that include free night benefits and how to activate them.Which Hotel Credit Cards Include a Free Night?World of...
What are Joint Personal Loans? | Personal Loans
Money

What are Joint Personal Loans? | Personal Loans

Key Takeaways A joint personal loan is different from having a guarantor or a co-signer, in that the joint borrower has access to loan funds.  You might have a better chance of being approved for a joint personal loan – and perhaps even score a lower interest rate – but there are also risks to consider.  The process of applying for a joint personal loan is similar to other loans.  Sharing a financial product with another person is not uncommon – just think of a joint bank account or mortgage. Personal loans are no different, and many banks allow you to take out one of these loans with another party, known as a joint personal loan.Taking out a joint personal loan is a bit different from having a co-signer or guarantor, and it comes with its own benefits and drawbacks. Read on to learn m...
How to Navigate Student Loan Repayment in 2024 | Student Loans and Advice
Money

How to Navigate Student Loan Repayment in 2024 | Student Loans and Advice

After three years of COVID-19 forbearance expired in October 2023, transitioning millions of Americans back into student loan repayment has been a logistical nightmare. More than 14 million borrowers had their loans transferred to a new servicer during the pandemic payment pause, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Over four million borrowers were tasked with making payments for the very first time, per data from the Department of Education. All told, only about 60% of borrowers made federal student loan payments by mid-November, the Department says."While most borrowers have already made their first payment, others will need more time," writes U.S. Undersecretary of Education James Kvaal, in a recent blog post. "Some are confused or overwhelmed about their options."In ...
Best Private Student Loans of December 2023
Money

Best Private Student Loans of December 2023

Private Student Loan Interest Rate Trends Student loan interest rates increased last month, according to a U.S. News analysis of minimum and maximum APRs reported by private lenders. Student loan rates have trended higher during the past year, with variable rates climbing by a higher margin than fixed rates. Here are the in-school student loan rates offered during the month of Nov 2023: Average fixed APR range: 4.41% - 14.49% (Compared to 4.46% - 14.89% the previous month). Average variable APR range: 5.00% - 14.62% (Compared to 4.98% - 14.60% the previous month). The APRs on the lower end of the range are generally reserved for applicants with a high credit score and low debt-to-income ratio, while those with poor credit or limited income will see hi...
Federal Direct Student Loans Review 2023
Money

Federal Direct Student Loans Review 2023

Find the Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan TermWhat Types of Federal Direct Student Loan Options Are Available?There are four types of federal direct student loans available: Direct subsidized loans. Available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Direct unsubsidized loans. Available to undergraduate, graduate and professional students. Eligibility is not based on financial need. Direct PLUS loans. Available to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to pay for costs that can't be covered by other financial aid. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check i...
Prodigy Finance Student Loans Review 2023
Money

Prodigy Finance Student Loans Review 2023

Find the Best Student Loan Refinance Lenders Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan Term Lender Learn More Fixed APR Variable APR Loan TermWhat Types of Student Loans Does Prodigy Finance Offer?Prodigy Finance specializes in offering loans for postgraduate students studying abroad. Loans are available in 150 countries for borrowers attending more than 850 schools focused on business, engineering, law, public policy and medicine. In the U.S., Prodigy Finance loans are not available to students in these states: Alabama. Connecticut. Delaware. Idaho. Indiana. Iowa. Michigan. Mississippi. Minnesota. Montana. Nevada. North Dakota. Rhode Island. Vermont. Washington. West Virginia. How Does Prodigy Finance Work? The entire...
Best Bad Credit Home Improvement Loans of 2023
Money

Best Bad Credit Home Improvement Loans of 2023

"Whenever you borrow money, the lender evaluates your finances to determine the likelihood that you'll pay back the loan. Your credit score, a numerical representation of your borrowing risk, is a major factor in lending decisions.Lenders typically require a FICO credit score of at least 620 to qualify for home loans, including home equity loans, but some loan programs can help you borrow with a lower score. A FICO score of 620 falls in the fair range, and a good score is 670 or better.Before the COVID-19 pandemic, ""It was possible to get a loan or mortgage with a credit score as low as 500. (Now) most, if not all, lenders have temporarily raised their credit score minimums up into the 600s,"" says Eric Jeanette, owner of mortgage loan marketplaces Dream Home Financing and FHA Lenders. "...
Is It Worth Upgrading From the Hilton Surpass to the Hilton Aspire? | Credit Cards
Money

Is It Worth Upgrading From the Hilton Surpass to the Hilton Aspire? | Credit Cards

Some of the links on this site contain offers from our partners. Hilton offers several co-branded credit cards for travelers looking for extra perks when staying at one of its hotels. These cards carry a range of earning power, benefits, elite status and annual fees. For many years, I used the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card but recently upgraded to the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card. Although Aspire has a much larger annual fee, the earning power and benefits make it worthwhile. Here's why you should consider upgrading if you like staying at Hilton properties.Why I Upgraded From the Hilton Surpass to the Hilton AspireWhen I choose a credit card, I'm looking to get the most value from the card – even if it means paying a higher annual fee. I want to earn more re...
5/1 ARM Lenders of December 2023
Money

5/1 ARM Lenders of December 2023

What Are Current Mortgage Rates? Mortgage rates declined across the board this week, with the 30-year fixed rate falling further to 7.07%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Less than two months ago, the rate on a 30-year mortgage was 7.9%. Additionally, the FHA loan rate dipped to 6.84%, making this government-backed mortgage a wise choice for prospective buyers. Mortgage interest rates are still forecasted to stay higher for longer into 2024. Here are the current mortgage rates, as of Dec. 13: 30-year fixed: 7.07% with 0.59 points (previous week: 7.17% with 0.6 points). 15-year fixed: 6.67% with 0.58 points (previous week: 6.8% with 0.77 points). 5/1 ARM: 6.47% with 0.76 points (previous week: 6.58% with 0.69 points). ...