Making Cents Sense

There are mornings when the stock market wakes up worried about earnings. Other mornings, it worries about oil. Sometimes investors become obsessed with whatever artificial intelligence company has discovered a new way to spend $80 billion building something nobody can adequately explain. And then there are mornings like this one, when the bond market walks into the room, kicks its shoes onto the table and reminds everyone that it still has the ability to ruin the party. That is essentially what I am watching on September 24, 2026. U.S. stock futures are falling again as Treasury yields push into territory we haven't seen in years. Early Thursday morning, Dow futures were down roughly 0.3%, S&P 500 futures were off about 0.5%, and Nasdaq-100 futures were falling around 0.7%. Those numbers were moving as the morning developed, but the message was fairly clear: investors were not exactly racing toward the opening bell with party hats. And I understand why. The benchmark 10-year T...

Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into something that’s got a lot of us clutching our wallets a little tighter—the recent spike in mortgage rates . For the first time this year, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has breezed past the 7% mark, reaching a nerve-wracking 7.10%. That’s a solid jump, up 22 basis points from just last week, according to the financial wizards over at Freddie Mac. Today’s Mortgage Scene: What’s Up With the Rates? Both the 30-year and the 15-year fixed mortgage rates have seen significant increases, with the 15-year rates now sitting at 6.39%, which is up by 23 basis points from the previous week. This spike is more than just a small bump in the road—it's a wake-up call for anyone looking to buy a home right now. The 411 on Fixed Mortgage Rates The 30-Year Fixed: A Love-Hate Relationship There’s a lot to like about locking in a 30-year fixed mortgage. First off, your payments are lower because you’re spreading the cost over three decades. Plus, they’re...

Hey there, folks! Let's dive into something a bit spicy today, and no, we're not talking about the latest hot sauce but something that can equally make you sweat – the ever-looming shadow of inflation and what it means for interest rates. Jamie Dimon , the big kahuna over at JPMorgan Chase, has tossed a bit of a thunderbolt our way with a warning that could have us seeing interest rates soaring to 8% or even higher. Yeah, you heard that right. So, let’s unpack this, shall we? What's the Deal with Inflation? For starters, let's break down what persistent inflation really means. Imagine you've got a favorite burger spot, right? Last year, you could grab a mouth-watering burger for a cool $5. Fast forward to today, and that same burger is now gonna set you back $6 or more. That's inflation for you – the general rise in prices over time, making your dollars feel a bit lighter in your pocket. Now, when inflation decides to overstay its welcome and gets a bit too com...

Ever heard the saying, “It’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey?” I thought that only applied to road trips and self-discovery quests, until I embarked on my financial journey. Let me take you on a rollercoaster of interest rates, inflation, and a sprinkle of “I didn’t see that coming!” 1. The 'Huh?' Moment: Discovering Interest Rates Just like many of you, I once stared blankly at my bank statement thinking, "Why is there a decimal and a percentage sign there?" That, dear friends, was my first encounter with interest rates. Imagine you loan a friend $100, and in return for the favor, they decide to buy you a coffee every month. That coffee is like the interest you earn from your bank for storing (or borrowing) your money. Over time, those coffees can add up, and if you're a caffeine addict like me, it’s a total win-win. 2. The Great Inflation Revelation One day, while proudly sipping my bank-sponsored coffee, I noticed my favorite bagel h...

Picture this: you're about to embark on a journey to save money, but you're not sure where to start. You know you need a savings account, but with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one? The good news is that finding the best savings account for you doesn't have to be a daunting task. In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know about choosing the best savings account, from understanding the different types of accounts to evaluating interest rates and fees. Whether you're saving for a rainy day, a big purchase, or your future retirement, the right savings account can help you reach your financial goals faster. So let's get started! Understanding the Different Types of Savings Accounts Before you can choose the best savings account for you, it's important to understand the different types of accounts available. Here are the most common types of savings accounts: 1. Traditional savings accounts: These are the most basic savings ac...