Financial Library

After keeping interest rates low throughout the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve announced its third rate hike this year, raising rates by three-quarters of a percentage point on June 15. That follows increases in May and March, which together totaled another three-quarters of a point, and the Fed has signaled plans for additional increases before the year's end.

Buying a home is a major commitment. It’s a bit like, well, getting married: you’ve got to be ready and you have to find the “right one.” Like a marriage, homeownership is a dynamic experience that requires a tremendous amount of care and attention.

If you are looking for a job, you probably have a long list of what needs to be done: Search job boards and the wanted ads. Update your resume and references. Buy interview clothes. Review your credit report? The last task is an often overlooked step in the job search process. However, for many employers, credit reports play an important role in hiring decisions, and having a strong credit report can increase your chances of landing a job.