Nitrora Cerzone

KEY TAKEAWAYS The Federal Reserve cut interest rates last week and may lower them again this fall. That could mean lower returns on savings accounts. Connexus Credit Union, open nationwide and easy to join, is offering a rare trio of deals that can boost what you earn on your cash. These include 5% interest on a checking account, a $300 cash bonus, and a 4.60% certificate of deposit (CD)—one of the top CD rates currently available across the U.S. You can increase your total return by combining two or more of these offers, as long as you meet the account requirements. Why Now May Be the Best Time to Capture Today’s High Rates The  Federal Reserve  lowered interest rates last week for the  first time this year  and signaled it might lower them by another half point by December. That means  banks and credit unions  will likely reduce the rates they pay on savings, money market, and CD accounts in the coming months. To protect your earnings, you may want to cap...

  Key Takeaways Americans’ financial confidence has fallen 13% since 2020, driven by inflation, economic instability, and  rising living costs . Many Americans also aren’t prepared with a  written financial plan , but advisors note that mapping out your goals can turn uncertainty into focus. Even in uncertain times, behavioral shifts like values-based planning and focusing on what you can control can restore optimism and clarity. What You Can Do Despite years of declining confidence, financial advisors say there are meaningful ways to regain your footing, no matter your age or  income . It starts with a mindset shift, but it doesn’t stop there. Have a Plan Create a written plan—even a simple one. “The most powerful step is creating a written  financial plan ,” says Shetye. “When people see their goals mapped out with real numbers and scenarios, fear turns into focus and confusion turns into clarity.” Nearly half of Americans (47%) don’t have one, according to th...

KEY TAKEAWAYS: The  financial impact of moving back  in with your parents is nearly universal—only 10% of young people living at home experience negative financial consequences. For certain people in certain industries, living at home can be a professional setback.  If you’re able to set the right boundaries with your parents, living at home could be a smart financial decision for you. Housing has never been more expensive in the United States. As of September 2025, the  average rent for a one-bedroom apartment  is about $1,640 per month, up nearly 1% from last year. Home prices are also near historic highs, with the median existing-home sale price in the U.S. reaching $429,400 in the second quarter of 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors. 1 2 Those high prices put many young Americans in a financial bind. Many are choosing to  forgo the cost of housing  and live at home with their parents. In fact, according to Pew Research, 57% of ...