What actually changed this week, and why it matters
Our editorial team tracks benchmark rates and lending trends and writes up what moved, who it affects, and what to actually do about it — with the same sourcing standard as the rest of the site.
- July 4, 2026 Student loans
Federal student loan rates rose to 6.52% for 2026–27 — what it means
New federal student loan rates took effect July 1: 6.52% for undergraduates, up from 6.39%. The increase is small — and the case for borrowing federal first is unchanged.
- July 1, 2026 Rates
Mortgage rates just logged their third weekly drop — who should care
The 30-year fixed fell to 6.43% this week, its third straight weekly decline. See who the move actually helps and who it doesn't.
- June 24, 2026 Auto
Dealer financing is beating credit unions again — here's why
Captive auto lenders are undercutting credit unions on new-car rates for the first time in years, subsidized by manufacturers moving EV inventory. The catch is in the trade-in column.
- June 19, 2026 Student loans
SAVE is gone — the five repayment paths borrowers are choosing instead
With the SAVE repayment plan no longer available, borrowers face a choice among the remaining income-driven and standard plans. We compared all five for three income profiles.
- June 12, 2026 Credit cards
Average credit card APR just hit 21.52% — here's what that costs you
The average assessed credit card interest rate reached a new high this quarter. See what that means in real dollars on a typical balance, and the fastest ways off it.
- June 5, 2026 Home equity
HELOC vs cash-out refinance: the gap just got wider
With HELOCs averaging 7.90% and cash-out refinance rates near 6.78%, the two paths to your home equity now cost noticeably different amounts. Here's how to choose.
- May 29, 2026 Business
Small-business loan approvals are up — but the gap between bank and online is huge
Bank approval rates for small-business loans have ticked up this year, but the rate spread between banks and online lenders remains dramatic. Here's how to know which is worth the wait.