The Fed meets again next week, and its next rate decision could impact your savings. High-yield savings accounts typically offer higher returns than traditional accounts. Now could be a good time to compare rates and make your money work harder. bit.ly/4sfgyG9

Having strong finances doesn’t guarantee you’re getting the best mortgage deal. New Bankrate research found some financially strong borrowers are among the most likely to overpay. Shopping around could make a big difference. bit.ly/4rNrDh7

Mortgage rates averaged 7.03% in September. But not every borrower paid 7%. Borrowers using Bankrate’s competitive lender auction have averaged 6.32% so far this month. See the latest from Bankrate: bwnews.pr/4yolM4z

Homeowners who don’t lock in the lowest available rate overpay by an average of $3,343 a year. Real estate agents shared the 4 questions they wish more buyers asked before choosing a mortgage lender: bit.ly/4rzAvHd

Sticking with the same bank could be costing you. Higher APYs, fewer fees, better digital tools and even welcome bonuses could make switching worth a look. Here are 5 signs it may be time to shop around. bit.ly/4yE5R1E

Your real estate agent may have a go-to lender, but you can still shop around. We asked nine real estate agents what they want homebuyers to know about getting a mortgage, from comparing lenders to knowing what comfortably fits your budget. bit.ly/3V8GTJf

Your savings should be earning more than pennies. High-yield accounts often pay far more than traditional savings — and that gap adds up over time. You don’t have to switch banks. Just move your savings to make your money work harder. bit.ly/3UJcgdp

Baby boomers are sitting on a record $19.84 trillion in housing wealth. But how can they actually use it? From HELOCs and home equity loans to downsizing, there are several ways to tap that equity, each with different costs and risks. bit.ly/3nIXjVC

Homebuyers are leaving thousands on the table when they get a mortgage. New Bankrate research ranks America’s 10 largest metros by how much borrowers overpay each year. See where your city lands. bit.ly/4xrzmna

Your bank knows you—but that doesn’t mean it has the best mortgage deal. Before saying yes, compare at least three offers and look beyond the interest rate to APR, closing costs and fees. Here’s how to weigh your options: bit.ly/4glzMnX

Older homeowners overpaid an average $2,358 on their mortgage refinance last year, about $52,108 over 30 years. We talked to 14 loan officers and industry insiders and reviewed nearly 800 CFPB complaints to find out why. bit.ly/4pYtG0X

3 homeowners, 6 refinances: here's what actually made it worth it. One cut her rate by .75 points and saved $500 a month. Another kept a sub-2% rate without refinancing at all. Their full playbook: bit.ly/4hcSWyq

Putting less than 20% down on a home? You're probably paying PMI, insurance that protects your lender, not you. On a $500K home, that's up to $456 extra a month. Here's how to shrink it or skip it: bit.ly/4yTlyDe

Mortgage rates never dipped back to 3%. These homeowners refinanced anyway, some to lower their payment, one just to keep up with rising costs. Here's the exact math that convinced each of them it was still worth it: bit.ly/4pHgWMl

A no-closing-cost refinance skips the upfront fee, but you still pay it back through a bigger loan balance or a higher rate. Here's how it works and how to know if it's worth it for you. bit.ly/4b7gelv

A $6,000 repair bill left this first-time homeowner feeling house poor. Her fix: a 2020 refinance that lowered her rate and shortened her loan term without raising her payment. bit.ly/4wGS7lN

Not shopping around for your mortgage rate could cost you more than $78,000 over the life of the loan. We call it the "hidden homeownership tax" — recently featured in @WSJ. Compare today's rates: bit.ly/4vkvIcT

Three families gave up 3% mortgage rates for ones above 6%. None of them regret it. New jobs, new schools, a military PCS. Life doesn't wait for the market. Here's why the trade-off was worth it: bit.ly/4vUkCN2

Mortgage rates have been stuck at 6–8% since 2022. Still, 56% of recent buyers are betting on a refi to make their payment work. Here's what could go wrong: bit.ly/4aGi9NH

New Bankrate data: mortgage rate gaps across 350+ metros. Victoria, TX has the widest spread in the U.S. LA buyers overpay by $149K+ over the life of a loan. See where your metro ranks: bit.ly/4pgNH2I