Dougal Waters/Getty Images Key takeaways First-time car buyer programs offer flexible qualification requirements and other incentives to make it easier for those with little or no credit history to finance their first car purchase. These programs typically have eligibility criteria such as being at least 18 years old, providing proof…

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) as a payment option is available seemingly everywhere. From department stores to airline tickets, you can make payments on small and large purchases with the convenient payment model. But as simple as it seems, buy now, pay later can be a slippery slope if you…

Mortgage rates fell again this week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Wednesday. Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, released Wednesday, showed the average rate on the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage decreased to 6.18% from last week’s reading of 6.21%. The average rate on a 30-year loan was 6.85% a year…

Key takeaways Many major banks and credit unions offer 24/7 live customer service via phone or online chat, including Ally Bank, Discover Bank, Marcus by Goldman Sachs, U.S. Bank, TD Bank and KeyBank.) Most traditional banks limit customer service to business hours, but online banks typically offer extended support. 24/7…