USAA USAA is one of the top lenders for VA loans, but it offers limited mortgage options and membership is only open to military service members, veterans and their families. VA APR 3.463% J.D. Power 5/5 Fees VA funding fee 1.40%–3.6% SimpleScore 3.8 / 5.0 close SimpleScore USAA 3.8 If …
Read More »20 Generic Brands That Amazon Created
Photo by LightField Studios / Shutterstock.com Perhaps you’ve heard of AmazonBasics. It’s among Amazon’s oldest house brands, introduced 11 years ago next month. In a way, AmazonBasics is to Amazon what the Kirkland brand is to Costco. But chances are good that you’ve never heard of many Amazon brands. In …
Read More »Where Does Kamala Harris Stand on the Economy?
Last week, we took a close look at Joe Biden’s “Build Back Better” plan for the U.S. economy, including a new federal credit bureau aimed at closing the racial wealth gap in America. But what about Biden’s new running mate, Senator Kamala Harris of California? “I’m not trying to restructure …
Read More »21 Things You Should Always Buy at a Dollar Store
Sergey Ryzhov / Shutterstock.com Dollar stores lure us in with rock-bottom prices. Sometimes you get what you pay for, but often the things they sell are good products at a tremendous discount — a real bargain. Here’s what bargain-shopping experts say are some of the best buys at dollar stores. …
Read More »What the Derecho Storm Taught Me About Preparing for Disasters
On August 10, a derecho blew through a large band of the Midwest. Stretching across central Iowa, northern Illinois, and portions of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, this “derecho” was a megastorm, featuring 80+ miles per hour sustained winds and gusts up to and over 130 miles per hour. Unfortunately, my …
Read More »4 Kitchen Cabinet Brands Earn High Marks From Homeowners
Photo by fizkes / Shutterstock.com Dreaming of new kitchen cabinets? A brand sold at the nation’s largest home improvement store chain might be among your best options. The American Woodmark brand, sold exclusively at Home Depot, earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in J.D. Power’s latest annual Kitchen Cabinets Satisfaction …
Read More »How to Fight Back Against LGBTQ Mortgage Discrimination
Back in June, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the Civil Rights Act applies to sexual orientation. Moving forward, Americans don’t have to worry about losing their jobs for being who they are. However, the ruling didn’t address other areas of prejudice — including the discrimination LGBTQ homebuyers face in the …
Read More »7 Hobbies That Help You Live Longer
Asia Images Group / Shutterstock.com Hobbies are part of what makes life fun. And some of them come with a major bonus: They just might lengthen your life. Research shows that some hobbies have such a powerful influence on your well-being that they can add years — or even decades …
Read More »Free Tool Can Help Raise Your Credit Score
Photo by pathdoc / Shutterstock.com A free online tool from American Express pledges to help lift your credit score — and you don’t have to be a customer to use the technology. The Score Goals tool lets you enter the credit score you hope to achieve. Using your credit history, …
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