A federal court has formally suspended a legal challenge over stalled student loan forgiveness, ruling that staying the proceedings was necessary due to the ongoing government shutdown. The move could have major financial repercussions for many borrowers who qualify for loan forgiveness now but may incur significant tax consequences if…

Of all the differences between owning a home and renting one, the opportunity homeowners have to build equity may be the most significant. Through a combination of market appreciation and years of making mortgage payments, homeowners often accumulate a substantial amount of equity in their homes. You can also borrow…

If you need to pay off debt, remodel your residence, or cover another large expense, consider tapping into your home equity. Two popular tools for doing so are a cash-out refinance and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Read more: How to choose between a second mortgage vs. refinance…

Open enrollment arrives every fall with its usual fanfare of choice: dozens of healthcare plans, glossy brochures and promises of access. But scratch the surface and you’ll see that most “options” are just variations of the same puzzle. Insurers continue to toggle the same three levers — premiums, deductibles and…

As a homeowner, you may wonder how to tap into your house’s equity to pay off high-interest debt, finish home renovations, or cover another large expense. Fortunately, you have several options to leverage your property’s value. Two popular home equity products include a cash-out refinance and a home equity loan.…

SStep into nearly any online store today and you’ll see the same gimmicks: a red siren blaring about how “only 1 left in stock!” or an irritating white all-caps label saying that there are “JUST TWO LEFT.” These techniques are not arbitrary; they’re deliberate psychological nudges that make consumers spend…

Gold () futures opened at a record $4,130.90 per ounce on Tuesday, up 0.5% from Monday’s close of $4,108.60. The price of gold also rose in early trading to a record $4,190.90. The trade conflict between the U.S. and China ramped up Tuesday when Beijing prohibited business dealings with five…

Looking for ways to improve your credit scores quickly? Whether you’re hoping to qualify for a new loan, apply for a credit card, or find a new apartment, it’s normal to want to gain points fast. During times like these, people with less-than-perfect credit often find themselves wondering, “Can I…

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) is a virtual currency that’s used as an investment and a form of payment for goods and services. It’s known for its volatility, so it’s important to understand how bitcoin works. Here’s what you need to know so you can make informed, risk-aware decisions about buying and using…

America’s largest companies are among the toughest negotiators in global commerce. They pressure suppliers, scour contracts for waste and squeeze costs wherever they can. Yet in prescription drugs, these same companies participate in a system that makes them — along with brokers, pharmacy benefit managers and drugmakers — effectively happier…