Debt in any form is scary enough, but a menacing financial monster is being spawned lately: phantom debt. The rapid rise of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) practices is spurring this one. While phantom debt isn't a new concept, economists are redefining the term in the age of BNPL. Here we'll explore the implications...

When getting a car loan, the average credit score you need can vary, though it's easier to secure a loan if you have good credit, which falls around the 670 mark on the FICO credit score range. The average credit score for borrowers financing a vehicle has been rising over the past several years, and...

Interest rate cuts at the federal level in late 2025 are projected to ease costs for borrowers this year. However, the average price of new vehicles reached new heights in December 2025, and used vehicle prices are on the rise, too. Additionally, more than a quarter (29.3%) of trade-ins toward new-vehicle...

Federal interest rate cuts in late 2025, aimed at bolstering the economy, have eased costs for some auto loan borrowers in 2026. Lenders remain cautious as economic uncertainty and regulatory changes continue, which is why it’s important to understand and compare your lender options. There are typically...

Down payments are essential when you're purchasing a vehicle with an auto loan. They show a dealer and lender that you are willing to invest your own money from the start of the car loan process, and help a lender determine your creditworthiness. Average down payments for new-car purchases have fluctuated...

Lending institutions understand that financial setbacks can happen. If you think you’re about to miss a payment on your auto loan, it’s best to contact your lender right away. There may be options, including deferment, that help you pause payments and avoid default. This is especially true now, given...

Rising costs of living, such as higher gas and grocery prices, along with economic uncertainty and the dismantling of federal government programs, are putting added pressure on Americans already facing financial insecurity. As a result, Americans are accruing more debt and turning to risky financial...

If you need to buy a car and have bad credit, securing an auto loan might seem like a far-fetched idea. While the best approach for getting a loan is to work on building up your credit and saving enough for a substantial down payment, there are times when life and finances don’t exactly align, and...

Medical expenses can spiral out of control, even with insurance. Surprise bills can quickly add up, and if you fall behind on payments, unpaid balances could end up in collections, potentially damaging your credit score. Here’s what to know about medical debt, its impact on your credit, and your ability...

You typically can't finance a rebuilt or salvage title car because lenders often require any vehicle you're taking out an auto loan for to have a clean title...