The beginning of the year is an opportune time to look at all aspects of your finances. Part of that is getting better organized for 2006. |
The best accounts continue to be those offered by Internet institutions. Better still was the fact that half of the best Internet accounts were truly free -- no monthly service fee and no per-item fees regardless of the balance maintained. |
The cost of refinancing is quite [a bit] lower than it was five or 10 years ago. Anyone who has taken out a mortgage in the past few years should look into refinancing. |
The environment has improved dramatically thanks to the Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Cash investments look pretty good right now. |
The extended low-rate holiday that consumers have enjoyed is a thing of the past. |
The fact is an ARM that you took a year ago could easily adjust to 6.5 percent or 7 percent percent at the next adjustment. Contrast that with the ability to lock in 6 percent for the next five years. |
The fees aren't going to go away, but you're not hostage to them, either. |
The market is going to slow from the frenetic pace of the past few years. But with fixed mortgage rates remaining below 7 percent, and expected to (remain there) for the balance of 2006, the purchase market will still be very healthy relative to historical levels. |
The prime rate moves in concert with the Fed's interest rate moves, ... The average rate for a home equity line of credit has increased from 4.7 percent in June 2004 to 5.9 percent as of last week. |
The prime rate moves in concert with the Fed's interest rate moves. The average rate for a home equity line of credit has increased from 4.7 percent in June 2004 to 5.9 percent as of last week. |
The process is much more convenient if you stick with your current lender. |
The prospect of future rate hikes will push yields on CDs even higher, making them even more attractive. |
The range of scores is more intuitive to the consumer. Lenders will have a choice about which scoring methodology to use. Whether they accept the new system will depend on pricing, and how widespread the new scores are accepted. |
The things you need to do remain the same. You have to pay your bills on time and keep your debt level under control, regardless of who's keeping score. |
There are some very attractive savings offers for consumers right now. Average rates on [certificates of deposit] are the highest they have been in almost five years. |