How to invest in gold as bullion surges to record highs above $3,700

As a safe-haven investment, gold tends to perform well in low-interest-rate environments and during periods of political and financial uncertainty. Investors see gold as protective against “bad economic times,” according to research by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. “Gold checks all of those boxes,” Sameer Samana, head of global equities and real assets at the […]

How to maximize travel credit card benefits with high annual fees

American Express announces the new platinum business card. Courtesy: American Express As issuers push annual fees higher for some premium travel rewards credit cards, experts say it’s important for consumers to consider if such cards are worth the cost. On Thursday, American Express announced that consumer and business versions of its Platinum credit card will […]

Fed may make its first rate cut of 2025: How to benefit

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower its benchmark rate when it meets this week, despite the latest hotter-than-expected inflation data. The market is now pricing in a 96% chance of a 25 basis-point rate cut this month, according to the CME Fedwatch tool. “The betting is currently that the Fed will embark on rate cutting, […]

How to get the best mortgage rates as 30-year fixed nears 1-year low

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage notched its biggest one-day drop in more than a year on Friday.  Although mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since October, the average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage is still just around 6.29%, according to Mortgage News Daily — a big leap from the under […]

How to invest in gold amid the precious metal’s record run

Gold prices notched another fresh record this week as more investors piled into the metal amid economic uncertainty and rising bets for a Federal Reserve rate cut. So far this year, bullion has gained about 35% as of Friday’s close. Spot gold is now near $3,600 an ounce. “Without a doubt, gold has been trending higher, and it’s […]

How to prepare for a mortgage refinance, according to experts

Sdi Productions | E+ | Getty Images Mortgage rates have declined in recent months, and with the potential for a Federal Reserve rate cut this fall, it’s smart for homeowners with high interest rates to start preparing for the opportunity to refinance, experts say. Last week, mortgage rates slightly edged higher. According to the Mortgage […]

How to lower capital gains on home sales as Trump eyes ending the tax

Martin Barraud | Ojo Images | Getty Images As President Donald Trump weighs ending capital gains taxes on home sales to bolster the housing market, experts say it’s possible to lower your bill without legislative changes. When asked about the idea this week in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters, “we’re thinking about that.” Under […]

How beauty expenses affect your finances

Katie Gatti Tassin Courtesy: Katie Gatti Tassin There are many unique hurdles that women face when it comes to money, such as the wage gap and caregiving responsibilities. Yet, there’s another challenge in women’s financial lives that is less-discussed — beauty costs, which can be an “insidious force in women’s financial lives,” said Katie Gatti […]