Personal Finance News Headlines - Yahoo! News

US rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.98 pct.

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:29:27 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) — Fixed U.S. mortgage rates rose for the sixth straight week, putting the average rate on the 30-year loan just shy of 4 percent.

Mortgage rates surge as Fed tapering fears mount: MBA

Wed, 29 May 2013 09:44:08 -0400

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Worries the Federal Reserve may begin to slow its stimulus efforts sent U.S. mortgage rates last week to their highest level in a year, drying up demand for home refinancings, data from an industry group showed on Wednesday. The Mortgage Bankers Association said interest rates on fixed 30-year mortgage rates surged 12 basis points to average 3.90 percent in the week ended May 24. It was the highest level since May of last year and the biggest jump in 14 months. The rise sent the seasonally adjusted index of mortgage application activity down 8. ...

US rate on 30-year mortgages rises to 3.59 pct.

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:49:50 -0400

WASHINGTON (AP) — Average rates on fixed mortgages rose for the third straight week, hitting their highest levels since mid-March. Still, mortgage rates remained close to historic lows, a trend that should help sustain the housing recovery.

Analysis: Supply crunch to take steam out of home sales

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 15:39:01 -0400

By Lucia Mutikani WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A shortage of properties could take some edge off home sales during the spring selling season, but the housing market recovery should remain intact. The stock of houses for sale has declined rapidly in recent months as both investors and ordinary Americans rush to take advantage of near record low mortgage rates. The surge in demand for houses, thanks to an improving labor market and the Federal Reserve's very accommodative monetary policy, is putting a firmer foundation under the economy as it deals with the headwinds from belt tightening in ...

US rate on 30-year mortgage steady at 3.53 pct

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 11:50:57 -0500

WASHINGTON (AP) — The average U.S. rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage was unchanged for a second week, remaining near historic lows. The average rate on the 15-year mortgage also stayed the same. Low mortgage rates are helping to strengthen the housing recovery.

US home sales rose to 5-year high in 2012

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:03:36 -0500

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. sales of previously occupied homes rose in 2012 to their highest level in five years, spurred higher by record-low mortgage rates and steady hiring.

US home sales surge to highest level in 3 years

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:08:25 -0500

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. sales of previously occupied homes jumped to their highest level in three years last month, bolstered by steady job gains and record-low mortgage rates. The report was the latest sign of a sustained recovery in the housing market.

US home sales jump to highest level in 3 years

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:10:21 -0500

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. sales of previously occupied homes jumped to their highest level in three years last month, bolstered by steady job gains and record-low mortgage rates.

US pending home sales jump to nearly a 6-year high

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 11:32:18 -0500

An index measuring the number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes in October jumped to nearly its highest level in almost six years. Steady job gains and record-low mortgage rates have made home buying more attractive.

Retirement Savings Plan Reality: Save More

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:30:01 -0500

There's a buzz building in California over a state move to create a retirement savings plan for private employees with no workplace 401k. It might seem that everyone has plenty of access to a retirement ...

News Summary: US 30-yr mortgage rate at record low

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:09:06 -0500

RATES AT RECORD LOW: Average U.S. mortgage rates fell to fresh record lows this week, a trend that is boosting home sales.

News Summary: US home sales rise 2.1 pct. in Oct.

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:43:27 -0500

SALES RISE: U.S. sales of previously occupied homes rose moderately in October, helped by improvement in the job market and record-low mortgage rates. Sales rose 2.1 percent in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.79 million according to the National Association of Realtors.

US home sales rise 2.1 percent in October

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:23:58 -0500

U.S. sales of previously occupied homes rose solidly in October, helped by improvement in the job market and record-low mortgage rates.

US mortgage rates for past 52 weeks at a glance

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:07:39 -0500

Average U.S. mortgage rates were little changed this week, staying near their record lows.

US rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.41 pct.

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 12:32:34 -0400

Average U.S. mortgage rates rose only slightly this week and continued to hover near record lows, a trend that has helped boost home sales and refinancing.

Rate on 30-year mortgage hits record low 3.40 pct.

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:26:45 -0400

Average U.S. rates on fixed mortgages fell again to new record lows. The decline suggests the Federal Reserve's stimulus efforts may be having an impact on mortgage rates.

Ahead of the Bell: Weekly mortgage rates

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 08:49:25 -0400

Loan buyer Freddie Mac reports Thursday on whether mortgage rates are continuing to hold near recent low rates.

Average on 30-year US mortgage stays at 3.55 pct.

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 13:12:35 -0400

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage held steady this week, staying slightly above the lowest level on record. Low mortgage rates have aided a modest housing recovery.

W.Va. teachers to attend 'Finance University'

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:20:50 -0400

West Virginia University's business school is teaming up with the state auditor's office and a nonprofit economic literacy group called the West Virginia Jump$start Coalition to present a conference for educators to learn personal finance — and how to teach it to their students.

US fixed mortgage rates fall to new record lows

Thu, 05 Jul 2012 11:33:30 -0400

Fixed U.S. mortgage rates fell again to new record lows, providing prospective buyers with more incentive to brave a modestly recovering housing market.

US rate on 30-year mortgage rises to 3.71 pct.

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 11:03:02 -0400

Average rates on fixed mortgages rose this week, the first increase in seven weeks. But mortgage rates remain near historic lows, boosting prospects for home sales this year.

US rate on 30-year mortgage hits record 3.83 pct.

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:23:32 -0400

Average U.S. rates for 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgages fell to fresh record lows this week. Cheap mortgage rates have made home-buying and refinancing more affordable than ever for those who can qualify.

Why the Slowest Investors Win the Race

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:10:05 -0400

When It Comes to Your 401K, Slower Is Better

Low prices boost SF home sales to 5-year Jan. high

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:49:36 -0500

Home sales in the San Francisco Bay area reached a five-year high for January, as prices and mortgage rates plunged, a real estate tracking firm reported Thursday.

Rate on 30-year mortgage drops to record 3.89 pct.

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:42:56 -0500

Fixed mortgage rates fell once again to a record low, offering a great opportunity for those who can afford to buy or refinance homes. But few are able to take advantage of the historic rates.

Credit score focus of new celeb-backed debit card

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:31:39 -0500

Personal finance media personality Suze Orman is thinking big. She's the first out of the gate in the fast-growing prepaid debit card market with a card that aims to help its users build a credit score. It's a gamble that could pay off, if it can help create a way measure the creditworthiness of millions who function outside the traditional financial system.

First Person: What My College Degree Means to Me

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:24:00 -0500

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Fixed mortgage rates end year above record lows

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:49:59 -0500

Fixed mortgage rates rose slightly this week off their record lows. The year ends much like it began, with few people able to take advantage of the best rates in history.

Fixed mortgage rates rise above record lows

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 10:15:11 -0500

Fixed mortgage rates rose slightly this week off their record lows. The year ends much like it began, with few people able to take advantage of the best rates in history.

New Website Takes Social Approach To Personal Finance

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:58:58 -0500

see photosLuis Louro/istockphotoClick for full photo gallery: The 10 Biggest Individual Tax Expenditures The Internet is a great source of information on personal finance, but often this information lacks the personal touch. The new website MyMoneyCircles.com aims to provide that personalized element by taking an interactive, social media-style approach. Though it [...]

It's Not Too Late: Year-End Tax Moves

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 10:06:22 -0500

Image by 401K via Flickr Once you’ve reached the last month of the tax year, your options are limited to minimize your income taxes. But there are a few things that could still be done, so don’t give up hope. For example, you could double up your real estate taxes by prepaying [...]

End-of-the-Year Checklist for Divorcing Women

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:48:23 -0500

Image by 401K via Flickr Most women wait until after the holidays to move forward with their divorces --and that’s completely understandable. Many don’t want to disrupt family traditions for their children. Some welcome the distraction offered by the hustle and bustle of the season. And, of course, others want to [...]

First Person: I Repaid My Student Loans While Still in College

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:46:00 -0500

Home market being held back by wary first-timers

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:02:35 -0500

This should be a great time to buy a first home. Prices have sunk to 2002 levels. Sellers are waiting anxiously as homes languish on the market. Mortgage rates are their lowest ever.

U.S. Housing Market Still On Life Support

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:39:29 -0500

With each passing year, the former Oracle of the Fed, Alan Greenspan, is reminded that there really was a housing bubble and lowering interest rates to record lows just matters worse. Nearly four years after the housing market peak in 2007, record low mortgage rates are no match for falling [...]

U.S. Housing Market Still On Life Support; Prices At 2003 Levels

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:39:29 -0500

With each passing year, the former Oracle of the Fed, Alan Greenspan, is reminded that there really was a housing bubble and lowering interest rates to record lows just made matters worse. Nearly four years after the housing market peak in 2007, record low mortgage rates are no match for [...]

Rate on 30-year fixed mortgage falls to 3.98 pct.

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 10:44:50 -0500

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage hovered above its record low for a fourth straight week. But cheap mortgage rates have done little to boost home sales or refinancing.

Rate on 30-year mortgage ticks up to 4 percent

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:47:05 -0500

The average rate on the 30-year mortgage hovered above the record low for a third straight week. But cheap mortgage rates have done little to boost home sales or refinancing.

Rate on 30-year mortgage ticks up to 4 pct.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:41:15 -0500

The average rate on the 30-year mortgage stayed hovered above the record low for a third straight week. But cheap mortgage rates have done little to boost home sales or refinancing.

Celebrity, Inc.

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:27:14 -0500

As part of her MoneyZen series, women and money expert Manisha Thakor highlights every day personal finance lessons that can be extracted from Jo Piazza's new book Celebrity, Inc.