Latest Personal finance News

Automakers hit 'significant storm,' as buyers reject lofty prices at time of huge capital outlays

Jul. 25, 2024 16:21 PM EDT

DETROIT (AP) — Investors are punishing automakers' stocks this week after second-quarter earnings reports exposed industrywide issues of slowing sales and high prices, just as the companies are having to spend huge sums to make new electric and gas vehicles. Each auto company has...

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage inches up to 6.78%, first uptick in three weeks

Jul. 25, 2024 12:10 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Mortgage rates inched higher this week, keeping the average rate on a 30-year mortgage essentially flat and near the 7% range it's been in most of this year. The rate rose to 6.78% from 6.77% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the...

US home sales fell in June to slowest pace since December amid rising mortgage rates, home prices

Jul. 23, 2024 12:46 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The nation's housing slump deepened in June as sales of previously occupied homes slowed to their slowest pace since December, hampered by elevated mortgage rates and record-high prices. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell 5.4% last month from May to a...

US agency says apps that let workers access paychecks before payday are providing loans

Jul. 18, 2024 11:40 AM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Thursday that apps that allow workers to access their paychecks in advance, often for a fee, are providing loans and therefore subject to the Truth in Lending Act, a 1968 law that requires lenders disclose all loan costs and fees. ...

Amazon Prime Day deals are almost here. Should you take advantage of them?

Jul. 16, 2024 15:05 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — It's summertime, and the bargains seem easy at a time when many consumer prices are high. July sales events have become a seasonal revenue driver for the retail industry since Amazon launched its first Prime Day back in 2015. While consumers may be enticed by the...

Groceries are expensive, but they don't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to save

Jul. 11, 2024 12:13 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — If you’ve noticed that you’re paying more than before for the same amount of groceries, you’re not the only one. Inflation is easing slightly, but grocery prices are still high — up 21% on average since inflation started to surge more than three years ago. ...

Costco raises annual membership fees for the 1st time since 2017, boosting them $5 to $10

Jul. 10, 2024 19:19 PM EDT

ISSAQUAH, Wash. (AP) — Costco bargain hunters are going to have to pay an additional $5 to $10 annually as the popular warehouse chain prepares to raise its membership fees for the first time in seven years. The Issaquah, Washington, company disclosed the forthcoming 8% increase in...

Average rate on a 30-year mortgage eased this week to 6.86%, lowest level since early April

Jun. 27, 2024 14:03 PM EDT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The average rate on a 30-year mortgage eased again this week, extending a welcome trend for prospective homebuyers facing record-high home prices. The rate fell to 6.86% from 6.87% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged...

Starting your first post-graduation job? Here’s how to organize your finances

Jun. 27, 2024 12:21 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — With graduation season over, many college grads are embarking on summer internships or their first full-time jobs. Navigating your finances when you start adult life can be challenging, from understanding your health insurance and benefits to managing a budget. ...

Massachusetts Senate approves bill to expand reliance on renewable energy

Jun. 25, 2024 21:52 PM EDT

BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill Tuesday aimed at expanding the adoption of renewable energy in a bid to help Massachusetts meet its climate goals, including reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Supporters say the proposal will help lower...