Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February. The Middle East conflict put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport. Put simply, higher oil prices mean higher inflation — and higher inflation means higher interest rates. June’s consumer price index report showed that inflation slowed to 3.5% as energy prices declined — but the relief is likely to be temporary given the resurgence in the Middle East conflict. That’s compared with May’s reading of 4.2%, which was the highest pace of price growth in three years. On top of that, markets are reacting to a one-two punch of stubbornly high consumer prices and resilient labor data, with recent jobs reports remaining relatively stable.

Rates are also slightly higher after . Although the central bank held rates steady as widely expected, three policymakers voted for a quarter-point rate hike, compared with June’s unanimous vote to leave rates unchanged. With inflation above the Fed’s 2% target, it’s likely that the central bank will raise rates in the coming months.

“Importantly, regardless of Fed action, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall meaningfully until inflation cools and long-term yields move decisively lower.”

— Selma Hepp, chief economist for the real estate analytics provider Cotality

Most experts expect over the next few years, stuck above 6% for the 30-year fixed term. Although there’s always the chance that something unexpected could happen in the U.S. economy that could send rates tumbling lower, it’s unlikely that rates will fall below 3% or even 4% in the foreseeable future.

[Read: ]

Current Mortgage Purchase Rates

Here are today’s interest rates for conforming purchase mortgages by loan term:

— : 6.91%

— : 6.872%

— : 6.06%

— : 6.312%

— 7-year ARM: 7.01%

— : 6.211%

— 3-year ARM: 8.25%

And here are the current government-backed and nonconforming mortgage rates by loan type:

— : 6.526%

— : 6.057%

— : 5.99%

Current Mortgage Refinance Rates

Here are today’s mortgage refinance rates:

— 6.985%

— 20-year fixed refi: 6.974%

— 5.998%

— 10-year fixed refi: 6.125%

Mortgage refinance rates tend to follow the same trends as mortgage purchase rates, although interest rates on a mortgage refinance are often a few basis points higher than on purchase mortgages.

[Read: ]

Mortgage Rate Trends in 2026 So Far

collects weekly mortgage rate data, which can help provide context for mortgage borrowers on how and why mortgage rates change over time. Since the mortgage giant began collecting data in 1971, the median mortgage rate is 7.23%.

The 30-year fixed rate of 2.65% in January 2021, driving up demand for purchase and refinance mortgages. Since then, mortgage rates rose to nearly 8% in October 2023 before coming down to around 6.5% currently. Still, that’s nothing compared with the record high of 18.63% recorded in 1981.

You can use the interactive mortgage rates graph below to see how 30-year fixed interest rates have changed so far in 2026, .

[Calculate ]

Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator

Your mortgage interest rate is just one aspect of your monthly housing payment. You’ll need to carefully consider how your home’s purchase price will impact your budget so you don’t buy more house than you can comfortably afford.

The mortgage term — or the length of your loan — will also significantly influence your monthly payments. Most borrowers opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage, which can keep monthly payments affordable because they are spread over a long repayment term. But if you can afford the higher monthly payments of a 15-year mortgage, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments over time.

You’ll also need to consider property taxes, home insurance, homeowners association fees and , if applicable. You can use the calculator below to run the numbers for your financial situation.

How to Shop for a Mortgage

The mortgage rates we display on this page are national averages from lenders as provided to U.S. News by Zillow, not necessarily the exact rate you’ll receive. Mortgage rates fluctuate throughout the day, and some lenders may be able to offer more favorable pricing for your situation than others.

“As rates fluctuate, aspiring buyers should remember that by shopping around for the best mortgage rate and getting multiple quotes, they can potentially save thousands,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac, in a statement.

Here are a few tips to help you shop for the lowest mortgage rate possible for your financial situation:

— Get your finances in order. Collect the documents you’ll need to apply for a mortgage using . You should also check your credit score and get a copy of your credit report to see where you stand.

— Apply through three to five lenders. Be sure to consider different loan types (such as ) as well as different types of lenders (like online lenders versus credit unions). Keep your rate shopping to a two-week window to minimize the negative impact to your credit score.

— Compare loan estimates. This document will outline the loan’s costs, including origination charges, lender credits, discount points, as well as the loan’s interest rate and or APR. The APR includes the interest rate as well as any fees, making it a holistic way to compare the cost of multiple loan offers.

Check out this from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to get a better idea of what to expect when comparing loan offers.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Source

Medicare options can get confusing, but it’s worth taking the time to of the plans you use, including supplement plans.

Understanding Medigap Plan Options

Medicare supplement plans work hand-in-glove with original Medicare Part A and Part B to cover some or all of the , copays and coinsurance that consumers must pay.

“These are the gaps in original Medicare coverage, which is why a Medicare supplement is also called a Medigap plan,” says Matthew Claassen, CEO of the insurance agency Medigap Seminars in Jupiter, Florida.

There are 10 different Medicare supplement plans, and they each have a lettered name: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. are the most commonly used. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin have state-standardized supplement plans instead of the lettered plans.

The benefits of Medicare supplement plans are standardized by law. With the exception of the three states above, all plans of the same type have the same base benefits no matter where you live. For instance, Plan A at Company X in State R has the same benefits as Plan A at Company Z in State Q. “Supplement is probably the most popular option for newly enrolling beneficiaries today,” says Fran Soistman, CEO of eHealth Inc., a health insurance broker and online resource provider. “It provides robust coverage, differing from Plan F only in not offering coverage for your original Medicare Part B deductible.”

The will vary based on the company you use and the state where you live and can change every year. In 2023 (the most recent data available), the average cost for Plan G was $164 a month, with a range of $140 to $236 monthly, according to .

Comparison: Medigap Plan G vs. Medigap Plan N vs. Medicare Advantage in 2026

In lieu of Medicare supplement plans, consumers may opt for plans. Below, see how popular Medigap plans G and N compare to Medicare Advantage plans.

[READ: ]

How to Change Your Medicare Supplement Plan

Once you know what plan you want, changing Medicare supplement plans is easy:

1. Identify the new type of plan you want.

2. Fill out an application to change your plan. You’ll need to include your Medicare identification number, your Social Security number, the date that your original Medicare coverage went into effect and your name and address.

3. Submit your application.

Once you apply, you’ll likely hear back within a week or two on the Medigap plan provider’s decision to accept or decline your application.

[READ: ]

Why Might You Change Supplement Plans?

The main reason people change their Medicare supplement plan is to lower costs, says Marci Hodge, an insurance agent and president of Faithful Financial Health & Life, LLC, in Deland, Florida. A variety of insurance companies offer Medicare supplement plans, and you may find a plan that’s more affordable from a different company.

You may also decide to change plans if you would like more benefits or you feel you’re paying for benefits you don’t need.

One downside of changing supplement plans is that the new carrier will likely require you to answer health questions to see if you qualify. The process is called medical underwriting, and a carrier can choose not to offer you a plan because of certain health conditions. If you work with an experienced to help select a supplement plan, they can forewarn you of a potential denial before you apply.

[READ: ]

When Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?

There are generally three times when you can change your Medigap plan without facing medical underwriting:

— Open enrollment window: At the beginning of the month when you will turn 65, there’s a one-time six-month Medigap . During this time, you can select a Medicare supplement plan as long as you’re also signed up for Medicare parts A and B. If you don’t like the plan you’ve selected, you can switch to a new plan during this enrollment window, but you have to decide within 30 days of choosing the new plan if you want to keep it.

— State-specific birthday window: Some states offer what’s known as the “,” which allows you to switch Medigap plans annually. As of July 2026, 15 states have enacted some type of Medigap birthday rule: California, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. New Mexico will introduce the Medigap birthday rule in 2027.

— Guaranteed issue rights: Some states offer qualifying life event exceptions that allow you to change Medigap plans without health screenings.

Medicare.gov has anto help you determine if you can switch your Medigap policy if or when you qualify to switch from an Advantage plan to a supplement. This information can help you find out when exactly you can change plans.

Final Tips on Choosing Your Medicare Supplement Plan

— Start your research early. If possible, look into potential plans before you turn 65, Soistman advises. With some carriers, you can even submit an application 90 days before you turn 65.

— Be wary of TV ads and other solicitations regarding Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. The amount of marketing geared toward older adults to change their Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans is overwhelming, Hodge says. The plans that they advertise may not be right for your specific health needs or your budget.

— Speak with a trusted insurance agent who works regularly with Medicare. They will know the options currently available and any associated pros and cons. There’s no extra cost for working with a licensed agent to select your Medicare supplement plan. Find an agent who offers multiple plan options from competing insurance companies, Soistman advises.

— Select a supplement plan that you would want to have when you’re sick or injured. That’s because once you are actually sick or injured, you won’t be able to change plans.

— Take advantage of resources that supplement plans may offer for preexisting conditions such as . These resources may include one-on-one support and programs that connect you to meal planning and wellness programs.

— Inquire about supplement plans in your state if you’re under age 65 but have Medicare due to long-term disability, or end-stage renal disease. Supplement plans could help with your costs, though Claassen cautions that not all states will offer supplement plans to those under age 65. The costs could vary widely as well. Still, it’s worth inquiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 08/04/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

These programs can also have additional requirements beyond the standard college application, including program-specific essays and required test scores at earlier deadlines. For example, The ‘s accelerated premedical-medical program requires standardized test scores, a one-page resume and program-specific responses, among other materials, by Oct. 13, 2026, for fall 2027 applicants.

Because requirements vary among programs, students shouldn’t wait until the fall of their senior year to begin preparing. Here are five important steps B.S.-M.D. applicants should take before arrive.

[Read: ]

1. Create a Preliminary B.S.-M.D. School List by Early Summer

Students don’t need to have a finalized list of colleges by June, but they should have a working list of possible B.S.-M.D. programs by early summer. This preliminary list should include likely programs, reach programs and possible additions that may depend on later test scores or senior year updates.

Many B.S.-M.D. programs don’t follow the same application timeline as the ‘s general undergraduate admissions process. One program might require early action, another might require regular decision and another might have a separate special program deadline.

For example, ‘s 4+4 B.S./B.A.-M.D. program in New York requires students to apply through one of its early action deadlines, either Nov. 15 or Dec. 15. ‘s seven-year B.A.-M.D. program in Washington, D.C., meanwhile, requires students to apply regular decision to the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, even though the B.A.-M.D. deadline is Nov. 15.

By August, students should know which programs are definite applications and which are still under consideration.

2. Complete Standardized Testing Before the First Program Deadline

Even though some colleges are test-optional, B.S.-M.D. applicants should review each program’s testing policy carefully. Some accelerated or combined medical programs still require scores, even when the broader university is test-optional.

For example, SAT or ACT scores are required for applicants to GW’s accelerated seven-year B.A.-M.D. program, even though the university is test-optional for most applicants. Penn State’s PMM program also requires standardized test scores and specifies minimum score requirements for consideration.

Students should aim to finish testing before the first B.S.-M.D. deadline on their list. For many applicants, this means completing testing by the summer before senior year or the earliest fall test date. Waiting too long can make it harder to ensure scores arrive before program deadlines.

Applicants should also check whether programs accept self-reported scores or require official score reports. Penn State allows students to self-report SAT or ACT scores in their MyPennState account, though official scores are encouraged. The , by contrast, requires official high school transcripts and standardized test scores, which must be submitted by a separate deadline.

[Read: ]

3. Make a Checklist of Required Materials for Each Program

Students should make a program-by-program checklist of all required materials and begin requesting them before counselors and teachers are overwhelmed with senior year deadlines.

Common materials may include:

— Official or unofficial high school transcript

— Letters of recommendation

— Resume/activities list

— SAT or ACT scores

— Supplemental written material

— Financial aid forms

Students shouldn’t assume that all programs accept the same materials. UMKC, for instance, requires three official reference forms through its School of Medicine supplemental application. Letters of recommendation aren’t accepted in place of those forms, according to the program’s website. On the other hand, aren’t used in the review process for Penn State’s PMM program.

Because of these differences, families should avoid using a generic checklist for every school. Each program should have its own row in a tracking document.

4. Begin the Personal Statement and “Why Medicine” Essay in Early Summer

B.S.-M.D. applicants should begin their Common App personal statement and core “Why Medicine” essay in early summer, ideally before the Common App opens Aug. 1.

Starting early gives students time to revise, before school-specific become available. The personal statement and the “Why Medicine” essays also usually take the longest to brainstorm and write, and often require multiple rounds of drafts and rewrites.

Once the school list is more finalized, students should create a master essay tracker with each program’s prompts, word limits and deadlines.

Students who finish their main essays early will have more time in August and September to tailor their supplemental essays rather than rushing every component at once, especially once senior year begins.

[READ: ]

5. Build a Deadline Calendar and Submission Plan

The final step is to turn the checklist into a calendar. Students should track the application deadline, as well as separate deadlines for test scores, transcripts, recommendation forms and supplemental materials.

This is especially important because submitting the Common App doesn’t always complete a B.S.-M.D. application. Some programs require students to log into a separate portal, complete a medical program supplemental or send additional materials by a different date.

For example, UMKC requires both the general application and the School of Medicine supplemental application by Nov. 1, while transcripts and test scores are due by Nov. 15. Penn State also warns applicants that waiting until the deadline to submit through the Common App may prevent the required self-reported transcript and academic record from being received on time, according to its website.

B.S.-M.D. admissions is varied and multifaceted, and small missed details can have major consequences. Students who begin early can use senior year fall to refine their essays, confirm materials and submit stronger applications instead of trying to understand requirements at the last minute.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Source

VantageScore is the newer of the two scoring models, and its usage has grown in the financial industry, including by credit card companies and websites that offer your credit score for free. Here’s a look at what VantageScore is and why you might encounter it as you keep tabs on your credit.

What Is VantageScore?

The VantageScore model was developed in 2006 by the three national — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — as an alternative to the more established FICO scores. FICO scores, which were created by the Fair Isaac Corp., started in 1989.

The VantageScore system was designed to provide a consistent credit scoring model that could be used by all three credit bureaus. It also aimed to expand the number of people who receive credit scores, like , recent immigrants and others who might not have used credit or use it sparingly, says Jeff Richardson, chief marketing officer at VantageScore.

Credit expert John Ulzheimer, who formerly worked for Equifax and FICO and has written for VantageScore’s newsletter, says it’s important to have a scoring system that is competitive with FICO.

[Read: ]

“The financial services environment operated with only one choice in tri-bureau credit scoring systems for decades,” Ulzheimer says. “That meant an overwhelming majority of decisions about our applications were influenced by one scoring company: FICO. Giving lenders a second, equally effective option allows them to test the efficacy of scoring models and upgrade (if warranted), and price credit products more accurately.”

Ulzheimer credits VantageScore for creating the free credit score market.

“Before FICO started allowing credit card issuers to give away their scores to their customers, VantageScore was the only noneducational credit score being given to consumers on a large-scale basis,” Ulzheimer says.

What Influences VantageScore

The basic scoring systems of VantageScore and FICO are fairly consistent, and the scores are primarily based on the credit history contained in consumers’ credit reports.

VantageScores weigh factors a bit differently than FICO scores. There are six factors that VantageScore 4.0 takes into account.

— Payment history: 41%

— Depth of credit: 20%

— Credit utilization: 20%

— Recent credit: 11%

— Balances: 6%

— Available credit: 2%

VantageScore 4.0 relies on trended credit data that covers more than a month of consumer activity. For example, if a consumer has high credit card balances around the holidays and pays them off every year, it’s important to not let the credit score be unduly influenced by that one month’s activity, Richardson says.

Instead, VantageScore 4.0 scores look at a longer time frame to see how the behavior is distinctive from someone who has high credit card balances all year. Also, if consumers pay double the amount owed on their monthly auto loan payment, for example, they can be rewarded for that behavior. This data allows VantageScore to be more predictive, allowing people new to credit an opportunity to achieve a credit score more reflective of their creditworthiness, Richardson says.

Although the factors that contribute to the FICO score are similar to VantageScore and both systems’ scores range from 300 to 850, “we weigh these behaviors differently,” Richardson says. “These are two very different models. It’s the same data, but we interpret it in different ways.”

What Is a Good VantageScore?

A good VantageScore is any rating above 661. VantageScore credit score ranges fall into the following categories:

— Superprime: 781 to 850

— Prime: 661 to 780

— Near prime: 601 to 660

— Subprime: 300 to 600

When your score is prime or superprime, you should be able to qualify for the credit you need. Near-prime borrowers have a decent shot of getting approved for a loan but may have to pay higher interest rates than borrowers with higher scores. Subprime consumers may not qualify for loans or lines of credit.

Pro tip: You can through several apps and websites.

[Read: ]

Improving Your VantageScore Credit Score

If you want an , there are several steps you can take:

— Pay your bills on time every month. Setting up automatic payments can help you accomplish this goal.

— Keep your account balances low. If you’re using more than 30% of your credit line, pay down the balance as soon as possible.

— Apply for different types of credit, including revolving (i.e., credit cards) and installment (i.e., mortgage or auto loan) debt as needed.

— Open new accounts sparingly and space out your credit applications.

Begin building credit as early as possible because it can take years to develop a strong profile. If you want to jump-start the building (or rebuilding) process, consider opening a or account. You can also ask someone you trust with good credit to add you as an on their account.

Who Uses VantageScore?

A variety of financial and nonfinancial institutions use VantageScores. “Over 3,700 institutions use VantageScore credit scores every day to assess consumer creditworthiness,” Richardson says. “Nine of the top 10 U.S. banks use VantageScore credit scores and digital tools to provide consumer credit products or generate greater insights into consumer behavior. In 2024 alone, VantageScore usage increased 55% to 42 billion scores.”

Nonfinancial institutions such as consumer websites, utility companies and government entities use VantageScores for credit screening checks before a rental or purchase, or to share directly with consumers. These websites also provide credit scores that help consumers track their credit status.

Organizations that use VantageScores for credit include:

— Credit card issuers

— Personal and installment loan companies

— Auto lenders

—

—

— Banks

— Tenant screening, telecommunications and utility companies

— Consumer websites

— Government entities

VantageScore and FICO Score Differences

There are several versions of VantageScore and FICO, and each uses a different scoring model.

VantageScore combines traditional credit file data with highly predictive alternative data like rental payment histories and utility and telecom data to create a credit score.

With FICO, the most used versions are FICO 8 and 9. FICO 9 considers rent payments. Also, FICO introduced new versions in 2020 such as UltraFICO Score, FICO Score 10 and FICO Score 10T, all of which take additional consumer data into account.

As of early 2026 as per the Federal Housing Finance Agency, or FHFA, lenders who sell mortgages to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac now use VantageScore 4.0 to determine borrower eligibility. This move was aimed at helping more qualified borrowers get a home loan.

Your credit history will be recognized more quickly with VantageScore because it will look at the first month of reported credit activity, Richardson says. FICO requires that an account be open for at least six months before issuing a score.

[Read: ]

How VantageScore 4.0 Differs From VantageScore 3.0

VantageScore 3.0 was released in 2013 and VantageScore 4.0 in 2017. One of the main differences between the two is that VantageScore 4.0 relies on trended credit data that covers more than a month of consumer activity.

The 4.0 version also uses machine-learning technology to better predict the behavior of people with limited credit history and removes potentially negative items from consideration in a consumer’s credit score, such as civil judgments and some medical collection information.

VantageScore 5.0 is in production with select customers, with broader distribution coming.

More from U.S. News

What Is an Excellent Credit Score in 2026?

originally appeared on

Update 08/04/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

However, an average shopper — or even an avid DIYer — may find a solid or credit card more useful than a Home Depot credit card. Read on to learn more about how the card works and other options you can consider.

How the Home Depot Credit Card Works

The Home Depot^庐 Consumer Credit Card carries no annual fee, and you can use it only in Home Depot and on Homedepot.com, making it a closed-loop credit card. It offers six months of deferred interest on purchases of $299 or more, with no interest charged if you pay off the purchase within six months; however, you will owe interest from the date of purchase if it’s not paid off by then. During special promotions, the card offers financing periods of up to 24 months.

Cardholders also have up to a year to return purchases, four times the limit on Home Depot’s regular return policy.

Besides the store card, Home Depot also offers a consumer loan card, the Project Loan card; and two commercial cards, the Pro Xtra Credit Card and Commercial Account card.

Through Jan. 27, 2027, anyone opening a new card will receive $25 off purchases between $25 and $299, $50 off purchases between $300 to $999 and $100 off purchases of $1,000 or more.

[Read: ]

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Home Depot Card?

What Other Cards Should You Consider?

You can earn 3% back at home improvement stores, like Home Depot, with this card. The Bank of America庐 Customized Cash Rewards credit card offers flexibility to cardholders by allowing them to choose their 3% cash back category and to change it monthly. Cardholders earn bonus rewards on this category as well as 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs on up to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter; other purchases receive 1% cash back.

This card offers 5% cash back on everyday purchases in quarterly rotating categories, which may include home improvement stores. You have to activate, and there is a quarterly maximum to earn 5%, usually $1,500. After that, you earn 1%, which is the cash back rate on all other purchases. At the end of your first year with the card, Discover will match all of the cash back you’ve earned.

[Read: ]

FAQs About the Home Depot Card

Update 08/04/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

However, before you find yourself en route to the , it’s critical to brush up on the specific coverage limitations and out-of-pocket costs you might face. Learning these rules in advance can save you financial stress later on so you can focus solely on your recovery.

At-a-Glance: Medicare Emergency Coverage and Costs

When Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Services?

Medicare will partially cover ground ambulance services for beneficiaries at times when other types of transportation pose health risks. This can include emergency situations when your health is suddenly in serious danger and you are unsafe to travel in another type of vehicle, as well as nonemergency situations when you have a that requires ambulance transportation.

Medicare-covered ambulance rides may be to or from medical facilities, including:

—

— Critical access hospitals

— Rural emergency hospitals

—

Whichever facility you need, the cost of the ride to the “nearest appropriate” location. If you are transported farther away, Medicare may pay for part of but not the full ride.

Medicare is also less likely to cover air ambulance transportation, such as transportation to a hospital in a helicopter or airplane, than it is to cover ground ambulance transportation. However, it may cover emergency air transport in certain circumstances, including:

— If you can’t be easily reached and picked up by a ground ambulance

— If obstacles like heavy traffic or long distances prevent you from being quickly transported to a medical facility via ground ambulance transportation

For coverage of nonemergency transportation, be prepared to have a written order from your doctor affirming that ambulance transportation is for your situation, such as:

— If you need transportation from the hospital to a

— If you are being discharged after a procedure but are no longer experiencing an emergency

— If you have and need transportation from your home to a dialysis center

[SEE: ]

Medicare Ambulance Costs: Deductibles and Coinsurance

If you have Medicare, the cost of an ambulance ride can vary based on your exact plan and how much of your you’ve already met.

Under original Medicare, ambulance rides fall under Medicare Part B, which pertains to coverage of outpatient treatments. has a yearly deductible that you need to meet before you can receive coverage for your ride. This deductible is evaluated each year and has increased over time.

After you meet the deductible, and assuming you meet the qualifying criteria to have your ambulance ride covered by Medicare, Medicare will cover 80% of the Medicare-approved cost of your ambulance ride. You will be left with the remaining 20% of the out-of-pocket fee.

While this is a pretty standard approach, Medicare notes that there are some exceptions to the rule. If you are transported by an ambulance company connected to a critical access hospital, for instance, payment amounts may vary.

[READ: ]

How Medigap plans reduce out-of-pocket ambulance costs

If you purchase a or other supplemental insurance plan, you could reduce your total fees for ambulance rides. Depending on the plan you purchase, your insurance could cover all or part of your copay and other out-of-pocket costs.

“Typically with supplemental plans, they will cover a certain amount (of the service) or there will be some sort of deductible that you have to satisfy,” says Nicole Toneatti, a Columbus, Ohio-based licensed insurance agent with HealthMarkets Insurance Agency.

But while exact coverage can vary by plan, it should be consistent across providers — meaning insurance companies such as UnitedHealthcare, Aetna and Humana. For example, “ functions the same way on all carriers,” Toneatti explains. “That is a government regulation. The government says: Hey, if you’re going to provide Plan G plans to folks, this is how it needs to be structured.”

Medicare Advantage and ambulance coverage and costs

If you have a , the cost of your ambulance ride may differ from someone on original Medicare ( and Part B). Your Medicare Advantage plan may have a deductible to satisfy before coverage sets in and/or require you to pay a fixed copay for ambulance coverage.

Can you get a free ambulance ride?

Depending on where you live in the United States, you may be able to secure a free ride to the ER from providers in your county. Toneatti says she often recommends clients do some research on their locality’s rules and regulations regarding hospital transportation. Whether you’re on Medicare or not, free and safe rides to the hospital could save you money and about your health.

Whenever she goes through an original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan client’s summary of benefits, Toneatti says she makes sure to let people know if she is aware that their county provides free transportation for emergency care, as this could impact their decisions for or against purchasing a supplemental plan.

If you don’t have an , Toneatti suggests doing a quick online search to see if this applies in your area as well.

“In some counties, if you are a resident of that county and you paid into the taxes of that county, ground transportation is not billed to county dwellers,” she explains.

[READ: ]

Does Medicare Cover Emergency Room (ER) Visits?

Medicare will typically cover ER visits for beneficiaries who are injured, have fallen suddenly ill or have an illness that is rapidly worsening.

As with ambulance services, ER visits are covered under Medicare Part B. Likewise, you’ll need to meet your yearly Part B deductible before Medicare steps in to help pay for your visit. Once it’s met, you pay a copay for your ER services and 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for your treatments.

Exactly how much money that 20% amounts to will range based on what you’re being treated for — and in the ER, treatments can vary widely.

When you look for something very specific like how much an ER visit would cost, you won’t find a set number, Toneatti confirms, “because, well, what’s the emergency for? A broken toe or broken arm — or are you having a ? What are we dealing with here?”

More advanced treatments for more severe emergencies can come with higher bills.

Medicare rules when an ER visit leads to inpatient admission

If your ER visit quickly progresses to a , your ER visit will be billed differently. That’s because inpatient visits fall under Medicare Part A. Under Part A, you will no longer pay a copay for your ER services.

“If the doctor admits you to the same hospital for the same condition that day — or within three days of your ER visit — the copayment is typically waived,” says Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth. “That doesn’t mean inpatient stays are free, of course. There are fees associated with inpatient stays under Medicare as well.”

Frequently Asked Questions

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 07/31/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information

Source

If you have a student loan question for an expert, send it to askastudentloanexpert@usnews.com.

Dear Expert,

I just received my letter telling me I have to a new repayment plan. But I’m wondering if I should just do nothing and let them put me on the standard plan instead.

Here’s my thinking.

I have $40K in federal student loans, and I make about $55K a year. If I go on the Repayment Assistance Plan, I believe my monthly payments would be between $200 and $300. With my loans averaging an interest rate of about 7%, my monthly payment on the standard 10-year plan would be a little over $450.

One more thing: My current job qualifies me for Public Service Loan Forgiveness after 10 years. So a straight 10-year comparison makes RAP seem like a no-brainer.

But I worry that PSLF would leave me feeling stuck in my career and might prevent me from taking higher-paying jobs and increasing my income. Even if I do get raises while still eligible for PSLF, my RAP payment would just rise with it.

A $450 payment would certainly stretch my budget, but that’s where I’m leaning. Am I crazy?

— Conflicted in Columbus

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Source

That’s the idea behind Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS), which are Treasury securities with principal and interest payments that are adjusted for .

[]

Many investors are drawn to these bonds in an era of rising inflation. Here’s a look at what TIPS are, and whether they’re a sound investment as inflation remains stubbornly sticky:

— What are TIPS?

— How are TIPS different from other Treasury investments?

— Pros and cons of investing in TIPS.

— TIPS in today’s market climate.

— Ways to further lower risk with TIPS.

What Are TIPS?

Here’s a short rundown of TIPS’ key characteristics:

— Principal protection. When you buy a TIPS bond, you are guaranteed to receive its full face value at maturity. This means that even if there is deflation, and the decreases, the principal value of your TIPS bond at maturity won’t be reduced. Note: If deflation occurs before the bond matures, the principal value can be adjusted downward, and coupon payments (calculated as a percentage of the adjusted principal) can drop. If you sell on the secondary market before maturity, your principal value can indeed reflect the reduction.

— Interest payments. The interest payments on TIPS bonds are adjusted for inflation. The interest rate, also known as the coupon rate, is fixed at issuance, but the interest payments adjust with changes in inflation. As the CPI rises, interest payments increase, giving investors a against inflation.

— Taxation. Although TIPS bonds protect against inflation, they’re still subject to federal income tax on interest payments and any capital gains. However, investors don’t incur state or local income taxes on interest earned from TIPS.

How Are TIPS Different From Other Treasury Investments?

Unlike traditional bonds, TIPS adjust both principal and interest payments based on changes in the CPI. The idea is that TIPS can help investors maintain purchasing power when prices are rising.

That’s not an aim of other Treasury investments.

“Think of regular Treasurys as reliable but a bit predictable,” says Sean Lovison, founder and lead planner at Purpose Built Financial Services in Moorestown, New Jersey.

“They pay a set rate; inflation be damned,” Lovison says. “Conversely, TIPS offer a twist: Their principal moves with inflation, ensuring your money doesn’t lose value when prices rise.”

TIPS vs. Series I Bonds

TIPS are often compared with

because they both offer inflation protection. Series I bonds are U.S. government savings bonds that offer a fixed rate, combined with a rate adjustment for inflation.

“But there are several differences between the two,” says Dennis De Kok, founder and senior wealth advisor at FCM Financial Planning in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He notes three key differences between Series I bonds and TIPS:

— TIPS can be resold on the secondary market, while I-bonds cannot.

— TIPS can be bought in three different maturities, but I-bonds are sold in 30-year terms only.

— Investors can buy an unlimited number of TIPS on the secondary market, but I-bonds have an annual limit of $10,000 total. The IRS program that allowed you to buy up to $5,000 in paper I-bonds with a federal income tax refund ended on Jan. 1, 2025.

Pros and Cons of Investing in TIPS

Like any other investment, TIPS have both pros and cons.

On the positive side, says Lovison, “TIPS are fantastic if you’re worried about rising costs eroding your investments. They provide peace of mind that your portfolio has a built-in shield against inflation.”

However, he says, there’s a trade-off.

“TIPS tend to underperform traditional Treasurys when inflation is low or declining,” Lovison says. “Plus, just like all bonds, TIPS’ price reacts to interest rate changes and tends to underperform equity over more extended periods. It’s insurance, not a get-rich-quick scheme.”

TIPS in Today’s Market Climate

TIPS have advantages over other when it comes to offering protection against inflation. However, bonds as a broad asset class underperform stocks in the long haul. Historically, stocks have been the best investment to stay ahead of inflation.

De Kok says TIPS can be a good option for investors who are concerned about inflation and want a safe place to salt away some cash. The best time to buy TIPS, he says, is when an investor expects inflation to increase, as this would increase the principal and interest payments over that period.

With inflation and Federal Reserve monetary policy top of mind for investors, TIPS have gotten a lot of attention lately. “While appropriate as an instrument to protect wealth, TIPS are not considered a primary vehicle to build wealth,” says Robert Johnson, chairman and CEO at Economic Index Associates in New York.

Lovison has the same caution for investors, adding that as interest rates rise, prices of bonds, including TIPS, have been under short-term pressure. “However, the specter of inflation remains, and … TIPS could prove a valuable hedge in volatile times,” Lovison adds.

Ways to Further Lower Risk With TIPS

There are some steps investors can take if they want to reduce portfolio risk using TIPS.

For example, investors might consider . That ensures that a bond investor will receive the full principal value adjusted for inflation, minimizing the loss of purchasing power.

“For maximum stability, consider building a TIPS ladder,” says Lovison. “Instead of putting everything into a single issue, stagger maturities over time. This smooths out interest rate sensitivity and ensures you always have some TIPS coming due soon.”

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 07/31/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

While building credit by paying rent can take some effort, it is simple to do with rent reporting services. Here’s how to get credit for all of those rent payments.

[Read: ]

Does Paying Rent Build Credit?

“Paying rent can if your payments are reported,” says Rod Griffin, senior director of consumer education and advocacy for the credit bureau Experian. “Unfortunately, that’s not the norm, as most landlord and rent management companies don’t report rent payments.”

Unless you or your landlord have signed up for a rent reporting service, the — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — will not put rent payments on your credit report. That means your credit score and credit report aren’t affected by your rent payments.

But, Griffin says, you can change that. You’ll need help from a rent reporting service to tell the credit bureaus about your payments.

If you have a positive rental history, adding it to your record could help you establish or build credit, Griffin says, and improve your rating.

One caveat is that “Not all credit scores include rental tradeline information in their calculations,” cautions Freddie Huynh, former vice president of data optimization for Freedom Debt Relief.

Rent payments can be factored into your VantageScore and recent FICO scoring models, such as FICO 9 and 10. These are not commonly used scoring models. Still, adding rental history to your credit reports could help if you’re seeking credit from a financial institution that relies on one of them.

How to Report Your Rent to Credit Bureaus

The credit bureaus get your payment information from public records and creditors, such as banks, card issuers and debt collectors. You will need to work with a rent reporting service to inform the credit bureaus of your rent payments.

“A rent reporting service is a third party that reports your rental payment history to the credit bureaus,” Huynh says.

Rent reporting services must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a federal law that protects information collected by the credit bureaus and allows you to dispute incorrect information.

Most, but not all, rent reporting services charge a fee. You have two options:

Sign up for a rent reporting service independently. Note that the reporting service may still require your landlord to verify your lease or rent payments. You may pay any fee directly to the service. Enrollment fees vary and could be one time or each month, plus a setup charge.

Ask your landlord to sign up for a rent reporting service. The reporting service may offer an incentive to the landlord to sign up, such as automatic payment collection from tenants. You won’t pay the service directly, but your landlord may incur a cost and pass it on to you.

What Services Can Report Your Payments?

Because many rent reporting services are available today, it pays to compare the options and find the best one for you. Here is a selection available to you or your landlord:

Landlord Rent Reporting Services

Tenant Rent Reporting Services

Here are some options if your landlord doesn’t offer rent-reporting services.

[Read: ]

How to Choose a Rent Reporting Service

Before you choose a service, check whether your landlord is already working with one. “If so, there may be an easier path to having your rental history reported,” Huynh says.

If not, consider these questions to select the right rental reporting service:

— What does the service cost? Free rent reporting services for consumers are rare. Compare the cost and the value of features for each service.

— What do you get? Will the service provide you with a record of payments and credit reporting? Also, look at whether the service is seamless and easy to use, Griffin says.

— Is the service hard for your landlord to use? Many rent reporting services require your landlord to verify your rental agreement and payments. If your landlord isn’t willing to help, you will need a service that uses your bank account to verify your payments. In California, landlords of assisted housing developments must offer tenants the option to report rent payments to at least one credit bureau for a maximum fee of $10 per month.

— Which credit bureaus will receive your information? Ideally, a rent reporting service should report to all three credit bureaus. “Some reporting services report to all three bureaus, while others may only report to one or two,” Huynh says.

— How soon will your rent payments appear on your credit report? Credit report changes typically don’t happen overnight. Contact the service and ask when your payment history will appear on your credit report if speed is important for a major purchase.

— Can you easily cancel the service? Most rent reporting services use a subscription model and charge monthly or yearly fees. Find out how to cancel and what happens if you do: Is your rental history removed from your credit report if you are no longer paying for the service?

— Can you add a spouse or roommate? Some services allow you to include someone else who lives with you at no charge. That means your spouse wouldn’t have to pay separately for rent reporting.

— Are past payments reported? Some services include up to two years of rental history with your basic fee, while others charge an additional fee to go back.

— What’s the service’s reputation? Look for established services with good reviews, Griffin says. Check for complaints and major issues — try the and — signaling that you should use a different service.

Whichever rent reporting service you choose, it is a great tool that too few people use to establish and build credit, Griffin says. “As a consumer, you should take advantage of all the tools that are available to empower you and be in control of your credit history.”

More from U.S. News

I Tried Experian Boost, and It Was Totally Worth It

originally appeared on

Update 07/31/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

Nvidia Corp.’s (ticker: ) 2026 found that about 90% of over 800 financial professionals said their organizations are either actively using or assessing AI solutions or pilot projects, and 65% reported that their companies’ use of AI is already in progress. Their businesses are thriving because of it: 64% of respondents said AI has increased annual revenue by more than 5%, while 61% said it has reduced annual costs by more than 5%.

[]

This may not be a newsflash for you if you communicate regularly with a brokerage or advisor, or own a business yourself. But for investors, the more interesting shift is where AI is showing up. It’s not just in back-office automation. Asset managers are increasingly using it to help with research, fund management and portfolio construction.

AI is “raising the baseline by making information gathering, synthesis and analysis faster and more accessible across the industry,” says Vinit Agrawal, head of investment data insights and AI solutions for T. Rowe Price. “Activities such as reviewing earnings calls, comparing company disclosures and synthesizing large volumes of research can now be completed far more efficiently.”

But AI is not simply making faster. It may also be changing what separates top firms from the rest. “Investment edge does not come simply from processing more information,” Agrawal says. “It comes from transforming information into proprietary insight through judgment, experience, sector expertise and a willingness to challenge consensus.”

AI can process information at a scale and speed human analysts can’t match, but markets are shaped by judgment calls that don’t always fit neatly into historical data. Human judgment remains essential for interpreting nuance, evaluating management quality and making decisions when markets shift, Agrawal says. As he puts it, the future of investing is “not human versus machine,” but human judgment enhanced by AI.

Here are some of the top investment firms using AI for asset management today:

— BlackRock Inc. ()

— JPMorgan Chase & Co. ()

— T. Rowe Price Group Inc. ()

— Vanguard Group

— Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ()

— Man Group

BlackRock Inc. ()

With a record $15.3 trillion in managed assets as of the end of June, BlackRock is one of the globe’s most prominent corporate money managers, and it has not been shy about spending on AI to keep it that way. Exhibit A is the company’s proprietary technology hub Aladdin, which serves as the “brain” behind money management nervous system.

Aladdin uses AI to help investors and advisors move from insight to action more quickly by reducing manual work and expanding access to information, according to Nish Ajitsaria, Aladdin’s head of product management.

“As portfolios become increasingly complex and interconnected, we believe the combination of AI, governed data, robust analytics and institutional-grade controls can help investors see risks and opportunities more clearly, make more informed decisions and navigate markets with greater confidence,” Ajitsaria says.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ()

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is using AI across the investment process, but not in the “robots are running the portfolio” sense. Kristian West, head of investment platform for J.P. Morgan, says AI can enhance idea generation, research, risk analysis, portfolio construction, trading and client reporting, but the best outcomes come from combining AI with the judgment of investment professionals.

A major piece of that effort is Spectrum, J.P. Morgan’s proprietary investment platform. Spectrum uses AI and data science to turn structured and unstructured research into investment intelligence, while the company says SpectrumIQ combines data, human expertise and AI to support “stronger, faster and smarter” decisions. West says the firm’s generative AI tool, called Moneyball, also uses AI to analyze past decisions, identify patterns in investment outcomes and monitor for behavioral biases, while keeping final accountability with human investment professionals.

T. Rowe Price Group Inc. ()

T. Rowe Price started investing in data science and machine learning capabilities nearly 10 years ago. Today, it’s using AI as “intelligent augmentation,” or IA, to support better investment decisions without automating them.

“AI tools are being used to summarize research and earnings materials, analyze unstructured content, compare company disclosures and improve access to relevant information across large datasets,” Agrawal says. The goal is to “help investment professionals move more quickly from information gathering to analysis.”

The firm is also exploring agent-based AI tools, Agrawal says. “For example, one application analyzes the consensus, or ‘street view,’ across different asset classes and investment themes and compares it with our own research and perspectives to help identify areas where T. Rowe Price may have a differentiated view or potential investment edge.”

[Read: ]

Vanguard Group

Vanguard is using AI in a very Vanguard way: not to make investing look flashier, but to make research, advice and portfolio conversations more scalable. “Investors don’t have to trade transparency for innovation,” because the firm views AI as a tool that augments human expertise rather than replaces it, according to Mani Iyer, chief AI and technology officer at Vanguard.

The firm’s in-house quantitative equity managers use proprietary AI models they manage, while investment experts evaluate model outputs before they’re incorporated into portfolios, Iyer says. Vanguard’s Expert Insights capability uses generative AI to deliver personalized portfolio analysis for advisors. The tool includes article summaries for investors to help tailor Vanguard research by financial acumen and investing life stage. Iyer says the goal is better access to personalized guidance, with strong governance, clarity and human oversight.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ()

Goldman Sachs brings a systematic angle to the AI asset management story. And with more than 35 years of experience in systematic, data-driven investing, over 15 years using AI and more than 1 trillion data points as of March 31, the firm’s quantitative investment specialists know what they’re doing.

The team uses natural language processing and advanced technology within deep learning models to analyze text and audio that can use in their decision making. Newer models can even pick up the subtleties of human speech across different languages to help portfolio managers understand management sentiment during earnings calls.

“It works because it pays to be data-driven,” Osman Ali, global co-head of quantitative investment strategies for Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said in a recent company podcast. “It pays to be dispassionate in your investing, and it pays to be dynamic because as the world changes, as markets change, as data changes, we adapt and evolve these models to help us gain an informational edge in the markets that we operate in.”

Man Group

Man Group offers one of the clearest examples of AI being used for asset management. In February, the global alternative investment manager announced a partnership with Anthropic to help “put AI at the center of investing,” with a primary focus on using AI for alpha generation. The partnership uses Anthropic’s Claude alongside Man Group’s proprietary technology platform to facilitate the transition from raw datasets to investment decisions, including code execution and integrating insights for portfolio management teams.

The firm’s Man AHL division has used machine learning for more than a decade, and it’s now building proprietary generative AI tools such as AlphaGPT. The firm describes AlphaGPT as an agentic AI research workflow that can brainstorm investment hypotheses, turn those ideas into code and evaluate potential signals against the same standards used for human-generated research. While the tool still requires human oversight and strategic direction, Man Group believes it can help researchers process more data, test more ideas and identify potential alpha signals more efficiently.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 07/31/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

You can find loan options that don’t require proof of income, but they can be risky and costly. Here’s what you need to know about personal loans without income verification, as well as alternatives to these loans.

[Read: ]

What Is a No-Income Loan?

A no-income loan doesn’t require proof of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns or statements from your bank.

This type of loan is probably most closely associated with mortgages. Widespread use of NIV, or no income verification, helped cause the housing crisis during the Great Recession of the early 2000s.

Because of the risks associated with no-income verification loans, many lenders are reluctant to approve them. Even if you get a loan without verifiable income, you can end up with less-than-ideal terms.

Can I Get a Personal Loan Without a Job?

A personal loan can be difficult but not impossible to get without a job. Most lenders want to see that you are earning a regular income before approving a personal loan.

However, that does not necessarily have to be job-related income. You may be able to count these alternative sources:

— Dividends and interest

— Social Security

— Unemployment

— Alimony

— Child support

— Pension or annuity income

Still, you might struggle to get a personal loan without traditional employment. Approval can even be difficult for the self-employed, says Kendall Meade, certified financial planner at SoFi.

“For self-employed people, it can be hard to show their true income,” she says. “Some may take a low salary from their business. This can make it difficult to qualify for personal loans or large amounts, in some cases.”

Self-employed people who successfully land a personal loan often have to provide additional documentation, such as copies of bank statements, tax returns and other financial records, Meade says.

Unemployed borrowers also face an uphill climb when applying for a personal loan. “It can be hard to qualify for a personal loan while unemployed because your income may be very low or even zero,” Meade says.

Types of Personal Loans for Unemployed Borrowers

If you don’t have a job and need a personal loan, you may want to consider some of these options:

— These are , creating less risk for the lender. You may be able to borrow more at a lower rate because the loan is supported by an asset, but you also risk losing that asset if you fall behind on payments.

— Loans from family members or friends. You might be able to get a great deal, but you can damage relationships if you have trouble paying back the loan. Carefully weigh the pros and cons before borrowing.

— This is a type of loan attached to your credit card that allows you to get cash quickly. But cash advances can be expensive. These loans often come with higher rates than those associated with typical credit card borrowing.

— These are generally a bad idea and should be used only as a last resort.

[Read: ]

How to Qualify for a Personal Loan With No Income

Lenders may suggest some of these approaches to help you get approved for a personal loan with no proof of income:

This may reassure the lender if you don’t have enough income on your own. The cosigner is legally responsible for repaying the loan if you do not, which means that both parties are on the hook for the duration of the loan.

You may use an asset, such as a vehicle or money in a savings account, to back the loan in case you default. The lender can seize your collateral to recover its money if you don’t repay your personal loan as agreed.

Lean on an excellent credit score. may be enough for a lender to approve a personal loan even without verifiable income, according to Lantern by SoFi, a loan marketplace site.

Note alternative income on your loan application. Sources that may help are pension and Social Security income, investment and rental income, unemployment benefits, and side-gig income. You may also want to list disability, alimony and child support. Lenders can’t require you to provide that information, but it can help you qualify.

Even if you qualify for a personal loan with no income, keep in mind that you may not want what lenders have to offer. For example, no-income loans almost always come with:

— High interest rates and fees

— Low borrowing limits

— Short repayment windows

Pros and Cons of No-Income Loans

Pros

— Offer relatively fast access to cash

— Create a potential path to loan approval without income

Cons

— Carry high interest rates and fees

— Limit how much you can borrow

— Require quick repayment

— Need a cosigner with good credit or income for approval in some situations

[READ: ]

Alternatives to No-Income Loans

If you don’t qualify for a personal loan without proof of income or what you qualify for doesn’t seem like a good option, consider one of these alternatives:

— Home equity loan or line of credit. If you have sufficient home equity, decent credit and some cash flow, you may get a better deal with a home equity loan or HELOC than with a no-income personal loan.

— Loan or withdrawal from a retirement account. You can access some of the money in a Roth IRA without penalty, for example. “With a Roth IRA, you are able to withdraw any of your contributions — just the money you contributed, no earnings — at any time without penalties or taxes,” Meade says. You may be able to borrow against your 401(k) if your employer allows it, or take a taxable hardship withdrawal.

— If you have a card with available credit, you may want to use that instead of applying for a personal loan.

Note that these options also have drawbacks. For example, if you fail to pay a home equity loan or HELOC, you risk losing your home. And if you withdraw money from a workplace retirement account, even temporarily, you can hurt your ability to save.

“Your money will no longer be invested, and if you leave your job, you may have to pay it back at an accelerated rate,” Meade says.

Still, exhaust your options before turning to a personal loan, says Catherine Valega, certified financial planner and wealth consultant with Green Bee Advisory.

“Cut back on expenses, get a side hustle, move to a smaller rental before finding yourself in the place of needing a personal loan,” Valega says.

The negative aspects of this type of borrowing can become even more pronounced during a credit crunch brought on by an economic downturn, Valega says. Personal loans are often very expensive, she says, and this type of borrowing should be a last resort.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 07/30/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

There are currently three approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help protect people against the virus: Arexvy by GlaxoSmithKline, Abrysvo by Pfizer and mResvia by Moderna.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination for both seniors 75 and older and higher-risk populations, particularly those ages 50 to 74 with qualifying risk factors.

“Due to RSV, around 6,000 to 10,000 older adults die annually. Older persons also often have chronic conditions — such as (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and — which may worsen with severe RSV,” says Dr. Roopa Anmolsingh, a geriatrician at the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Geriatric Medicine in Ohio.

Given how serious the illness can be in certain populations, it’s important to make sure people are protected from getting RSV and have access to the vaccine through their insurance.

Here’s what you need to know about Medicare coverage of the RSV vaccine.

[READ: ]

Medicare Coverage

As a result of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Medicare and with prescription drug coverage must cover the RSV vaccine with no out-of-pocket costs.

Source:

Any vaccine administration fee at the time of service is reimbursable through Medicare. If, when you go to get the vaccine you are told otherwise, you should call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance.

Note: The recently announced that Part D subsidies would be ending in 2027. This change impacts your monthly premium, but it should not affect RSV vaccine coverage, which is mandated under the IRA.

If you have a plan, find out where you can receive the vaccine within the plan’s network before you make your appointment.

[]

Avoiding Transmission

Like many viruses, RSV is transmitted through the air and can survive on surfaces for several hours. In addition to vaccination, you can lower your risk of contracting the virus by avoiding contact with those who are sick, frequently and being aware of what you touch while you are out in public.

[Read: ]

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 07/30/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February. The Middle East conflict put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport. Put simply, higher oil prices mean higher inflation — and higher inflation means higher interest rates. June’s consumer price index report showed that inflation slowed to 3.5% as energy prices declined — but the relief is likely to be temporary given the resurgence in the Middle East conflict. That’s compared with May’s reading of 4.2%, which was the highest pace of price growth in three years. On top of that, markets are reacting to a one-two punch of stubbornly high consumer prices and resilient labor data, with recent jobs reports remaining relatively stable.

Rates are slightly higher after , which concluded yesterday. Although the central bank held rates steady as widely expected, three policymakers voted for a quarter-point rate hike, compared with June’s unanimous vote to leave rates unchanged. With inflation above the Fed’s 2% target, it’s likely that the central bank will raise rates in the coming months.

“Importantly, regardless of Fed action, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall meaningfully until inflation cools and long-term yields move decisively lower.”

— Selma Hepp, chief economist for the real estate analytics provider Cotality

Most experts expect over the next few years, stuck above 6% for the 30-year fixed term. Although there’s always the chance that something unexpected could happen in the U.S. economy that could send rates tumbling lower, it’s unlikely that rates will fall below 3% or even 4% in the foreseeable future.

[Read: ]

Current Mortgage Purchase Rates

Here are today’s interest rates for conforming purchase mortgages by loan term:

— : 6.863%

— : 6.799%

— : 6.018%

— : 6.312%

— 7-year ARM: 6.961%

— : 6.12%

— 3-year ARM: 8.25%

And here are the current government-backed and nonconforming mortgage rates by loan type:

— : 6.543%

— : 5.99%

— : 5.99%

Current Mortgage Refinance Rates

Here are today’s mortgage refinance rates:

— 6.977%

— 20-year fixed refi: 6.933%

— 5.971%

— 10-year fixed refi: 6.183%

Mortgage refinance rates tend to follow the same trends as mortgage purchase rates, although interest rates on a mortgage refinance are often a few basis points higher than on purchase mortgages.

[Read: ]

Mortgage Rate Trends in 2026 So Far

collects weekly mortgage rate data, which can help provide context for mortgage borrowers on how and why mortgage rates change over time. Since the mortgage giant began collecting data in 1971, the median mortgage rate is 7.23%.

The 30-year fixed rate of 2.65% in January 2021, driving up demand for purchase and refinance mortgages. Since then, mortgage rates rose to nearly 8% in October 2023 before coming down to around 6.5% currently. Still, that’s nothing compared with the record high of 18.63% recorded in 1981.

[Calculate ]

Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator

Your mortgage interest rate is just one aspect of your monthly housing payment. You’ll need to carefully consider how your home’s purchase price will impact your budget so you don’t buy more house than you can comfortably afford.

The mortgage term — or the length of your loan — will also significantly influence your monthly payments. Most borrowers opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage, which can keep monthly payments affordable because they are spread over a long repayment term. But if you can afford the higher monthly payments of a 15-year mortgage, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments over time.

You’ll also need to consider property taxes, home insurance, homeowners association fees and , if applicable. You can use the calculator below to run the numbers for your financial situation.

How to Shop for a Mortgage

The mortgage rates we display on this page are national averages from lenders as provided to U.S. News by Zillow, not necessarily the exact rate you’ll receive. Mortgage rates fluctuate throughout the day, and some lenders may be able to offer more favorable pricing for your situation than others.

“As rates fluctuate, aspiring buyers should remember that by shopping around for the best mortgage rate and getting multiple quotes, they can potentially save thousands,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac, in a statement.

Here are a few tips to help you shop for the lowest mortgage rate possible for your financial situation:

— Get your finances in order. Collect the documents you’ll need to apply for a mortgage using . You should also check your credit score and get a copy of your credit report to see where you stand.

— Apply through three to five lenders. Be sure to consider different loan types (such as ) as well as different types of lenders (like online lenders versus credit unions). Keep your rate shopping to a two-week window to minimize the negative impact to your credit score.

— Compare loan estimates. This document will outline the loan’s costs, including origination charges, lender credits, discount points, as well as the loan’s interest rate and or APR. The APR includes the interest rate as well as any fees, making it a holistic way to compare the cost of multiple loan offers.

Check out this from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to get a better idea of what to expect when comparing loan offers.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Source

[Personal Loan Calculator: ]

How Are Student Loan Payments Determined?

Student loan payments are based on your loan amount, and repayment term. The more money you borrow to pay for college, the higher your payments will be once you graduate. Lower interest rates result in lower monthly payments, and vice versa. Choosing a shorter repayment period can help you pay off your loans faster, but your monthly payments will be higher.

But the process of taking out and repaying student loans is far more nuanced than those three factors. A graduate degree can leave you with higher student loan payments, but it may help increase your lifetime earning potential. And with , it can be challenging to plan for monthly payments, even if you choose an in-state public university. Here are a few critical education decisions that can impact your student loan payments.

The Cost of the College You Attend

Public universities are typically cheaper than private colleges, particularly if you can qualify for in-state tuition. This means the average student loan payment among those who graduate from a public school is much lower than for those who attended a private college.

While the data shows that private college graduates carry more student loan debt, it’s important to consider all options for your unique circumstances. For example, a private school that offers a generous scholarship package may end up being cheaper than a public college at full tuition, resulting in lower future payments. Still, it’s a personal decision to determine whether the higher cost of one university is worth the investment.

The Type of Degree You Obtain

Obtaining a graduate degree can help advance your career and potentially increase your income over time; in many fields of study, such as or , a professional degree is a requirement. Naturally, the cost of going to college for an additional two to eight years will greatly increase the amount of student loan debt you accrue, leading to higher monthly payments once you’re in the workforce.

For some professions, it may eventually pay off to take out six figures’ worth of student debt, but you’ll need to be prepared for much higher student loan payments if you plan to go back to school for a graduate or professional degree.

One important consideration if you’re thinking about earning an advanced degree is the new federal student loan borrowing limit. The set a borrowing limit of $257,500 for all federal student loans.

[Read: ]

The Type of Student Loans You Borrow

There are two general types of student loans: . Most borrowers will benefit from the low interest rates and flexible repayment options offered by federal student loans. Depending on your financial need, you may also qualify for a subsidized federal loan, in which the government pays the interest on your loans while you’re in school.

Some students, particularly those who are obtaining costly professional degrees, may choose to borrow private student loans when federal aid doesn’t fully cover the cost of college. About 15% of students who earned an bachelor’s degree in 2019-20 received nonfederal loans, which includes private student loans, according to the .

It’s difficult to estimate an average private student loan payment since the borrowing terms can vary widely from one applicant to the next. Still, let’s use this example: If you need to borrow an additional $10,000 of private student loans to pay for college, the monthly payments (assuming a 10-year loan length and an 8% interest rate) would be $121. That’s in addition to your federal student loan payments.

Also, you may be required to make payments on your private student loans while you’re still in school. And after you graduate or otherwise leave school, you could end up with both federal and private student loan payments.

The Repayment Plan You Choose

Federal student loan borrowers can choose from a number of repayment plans. Here’s a rundown of your current options:

— Standard repayment plan. Payments are fixed (and stay the same) for a period of 10 years. All borrowers with loans issued before July 1, 2026 are eligible for this plan.

— Tiered standard plan. Payments are fixed for a repayment period of 10, 15, 20 or 25 years, depending on the principal loan balance. All borrowers are eligible for this plan.

— Income-driven repayment, or IDR, plans. Payments are limited to a set percentage of your discretionary income of your adjusted gross income, and any outstanding loan balance is forgiven after making payments over a predetermined period, generally between 20 and 30 years. There are several types of IDR plans, and each has its own eligibility requirements.

Private student loans aren’t eligible for federal repayment plans, and the repayment options vary from one private lender to the next. Private student loans are typically repaid at over a period of five to 20 years. Some lenders may require you to make interest-only or fixed payments while you’re still in school, while others may offer in-school deferment.

The Interest Rate and Fees You Pay

are set based on the year of origination. For example, if you took out a federal direct loan for undergraduate studies during the 2026-27 academic year, the current interest rate on that loan is 6.52% — although this rate has been as low as 2.75% in 2020-21 and as high as 6.8% in 2006-08.

Your interest rate also depends on the type of federal loan you need to borrow. Graduate students and pay a higher interest rate than undergraduates.

Federal student loan borrowers must also pay an origination fee that’s a set percentage of the loan amount and is added to the principal balance. The current federal student loan fee is 1.057% for most loans, except for PLUS loans, which come with a loan fee of 4.228%.

While federal student loan rates are the same across all borrowers during the same time period, private student loan interest rates vary from one borrower to another. Private student loan lenders determine your interest rate and eligibility based on your credit history, including credit score and debt-to-income ratio. Private student loan fixed rates average between 3.60% and 15.12%, according to a June 2026 U.S. News analysis of private lenders.

– Tip: If you can’t qualify for a competitive rate on a private student loan, consider taking steps to improve your credit score or enlisting the help of a such as a trusted relative.

[READ ]

How to Plan for Your Student Loan Payments

If you’re deciding where to go to college or whether you should further your education with a graduate degree, you’ll want to know how much you’ll pay toward your student loan debt each month after graduation. Here’s how you can estimate your future student loan payments.

Determine How Much You’ll Need to Borrow

Estimating the cost of college is an important yet challenging step to determining your student loan payments. You can see a college’s full cost of attendance by filling out the , or FAFSA. Completing this form is required by schools to determine whether you’re eligible for federal student loans, as well as grants and work-study programs, which can cut down on how much you need to borrow.

Additionally, colleges are required to publish a that details a comprehensive cost estimate, including commonly overlooked expenses such as transportation and school supplies.

Estimate the Interest Rate You’ll Pay

For the 2026-27 academic year, the interest rate on federal direct loans for undergraduate students is 6.52%. The current rate for graduate or professional students is 8.07%, and it’s 9.07% for .

If you need to borrow private student loans to bridge the college financing gap, it can be more difficult to estimate your interest rate since private student loan rates vary depending on the borrower. However, many private lenders let you get prequalified to check your estimated rate with a , which won’t impact your credit score.

Use a Student Loan Payment Calculator

The Department of Education offers a that allows you to calculate your monthly payments based on your projected loan amount, degree type and repayment plan. You can enter a university’s name and location to estimate how much the program might cost. The tool can also determine which repayment plan is best for you, and if you qualify for programs such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness, or PSLF.

For private student loans, you can use the to estimate your monthly payments by inputting the loan amount, repayment length and interest rate.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Update 07/30/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

Source

“Community colleges are often overlooked by international students because most people outside of the U.S. do not understand what a community college is and what the advantage would be to study at a community college,” says Rob Robbins, director of international student services at in Utah.

Community colleges primarily offer two-year associate degrees and certificate programs. There are more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.

“We meet you where you are, and we get you ready for the next step of your life,” says Amit Singh, president of , a community college in Washington. “We don’t select winners, we create winners.”

The number of international students studying at community colleges in the U.S. increased 8% between the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, according to the 2025 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange by the Institute of International Education. Although numbers remain lower than earlier this century amid a broader in U.S. international student enrollment, some community colleges welcome hundreds and even thousands of international students each year.

Community college offers international and domestic students many of the same advantages, including a more affordable path into higher education and the ability to build a strong academic foundation before transferring to a four-year institution.

Here are some facts about community college to keep in mind as you consider your options.

[Read: ]

An Affordable Pathway to a U.S. Degree

Community colleges can provide a significantly more affordable route to a U.S. degree than many four-year colleges and universities, experts say.

Although typically pay out-of-state tuition at community colleges, tuition generally is still significantly lower than at four-year institutions. This can save students money while also making it easier for them to obtain , since getting a student visa requires the student and their family to prove they can cover the cost of education.

International students “often benefit from lower tuition rates while still receiving a high-quality education and access to transfer opportunities,” says Jen Sydow-Madoski, program manager in the Center for Global Engagement at Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona.

Students at the system’s 10 locations, for example, “can complete associate degrees and transfer pathways at a fraction of the cost of many universities,” she says.

Academic Support

Community colleges often offer smaller class sizes than four-year colleges and universities. At the same time, for community college professors, teaching is the priority.

“Community colleges are designed with faculty that are 100% committed to students,” says Marielena DeSanctis, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. “They’re not bifurcating their time between teaching and learning and research opportunities.”

Adjustment to U.S. Higher Education

Nearly all community colleges allow all qualifying students to attend, don’t specify a minimum high school GPA or don’t require international students to take an . Plus, community college can be a good introduction to the American higher education system.

Community colleges can help students “build confidence, strengthen their English-language skills and develop meaningful connections before transferring to a university or entering the workforce,” Sydow-Madoski says.

International students generally need to prove English proficiency in order to get an F-1 student visa. Most community colleges offer structured English-language support to international students, such as classes and on-campus tutoring.

Studying at a community college can also help students be more prepared and successful and ease some of the culture shock.

“We like to say that our (international) office is their home away from home,” Robbins says. “We like to have students in our space so we can get to know them and get to know what they are experiencing to help them have a more .”

Many international students work in the school’s office “and often our students will confide in their peers over college staff who also want to help,” he adds.

Transfer Opportunities to Four-Year Colleges

Depending on your community college, you may be able to earn a full bachelor’s degree without , if you desire.

“We have a growing number of students that are staying at the community college to complete their baccalaureate degree, and an international student might not realize that that’s the case,” DeSanctis says.

[Read: ]

A common misconception among international students is that they must complete their education at the institution where they first enroll. Transfer agreements are designed to help students move seamlessly from a community college to a four-year university.

“You come to us and you build your resume,” Singh says. “You make your background much, much stronger, and then you can jump to any big school you want.”

Because of misunderstandings about community colleges, international students overlook the opportunity to begin their education at one before transferring to a four-year institution, he adds. “We have had some of our students get accepted and transfer to schools.”

Transfer pathways “are one of the most important factors international students should evaluate before selecting a college,” Sydow-Madoski says.

When researching community colleges, she says, students should find out whether a school “has established transfer agreements, understand how credits transfer and determine whether their intended major aligns with transfer requirements at prospective universities.”

For example, although Maricopa Community Colleges offers some bachelor’s degrees, the system works closely with more than 55 university partners to create transfer pathways for students who want to earn a bachelor’s degree elsewhere.

“Students who begin and work closely with advisers can often save both time and money while minimizing the risk of losing credits during the transfer process,” Sydow-Madoski says.

Some Potential Drawbacks

While community colleges can be a good option, international students should understand potential challenges, experts say. These may include no on-campus housing options, a less-traditional campus life compared to four-year universities, fewer program offerings and the need to plan carefully to transfer.

Adjusting to a new environment can be difficult, especially at times when domestic students go home for holidays and other breaks. A school’s can play a big role during these potentially isolating moments.

In fact, DeSanctis says, “the number one question they should be asking is what does the international student services office look like?” That office can help students navigate academic expectations, rules and the nuances of maintaining visa eligibility.

Although some community colleges provide housing, most don’t, meaning all of their students commute, which “can require international students to be more intentional about getting involved in campus activities, clubs, leadership opportunities and community events,” Sydow-Madoski says.

Obtaining a student visa can also pose challenges. Globally, visa rejection rates hit 35% in 2025. The U.S. federal government has from numerous countries and made to the F-1 student visa under President Donald J. Trump.

Plan early to secure your visa, and keep your school in the loop as the process progresses, Singh advises.

[Read: ]

Other Considerations

Look beyond cost and consider the overall student experience, experts say.

“Factors such as academic quality, transfer success rates, student support services, , location, , internship opportunities and career preparation resources can have a significant impact on a student’s success,” Sydow-Madoski says.

Consider factors such as where in the U.S. you may want to live, the academic programs a school offers and the level of support an institution appears to provide international students. You can check schools’ websites and contact them directly to get a sense of the support available.

If campus life is important to you, consider a community college with . If other students you know have attended U.S. community colleges, ask them about their experiences while being mindful of your own goals and needs.

“I really encourage students to think about, ‘What do I want five years from now, and then what’s the institution that’s best going to serve those needs?'” DeSanctis says.

Experts also advise looking for schools with an international student webpage, which can indicate how much the institution welcomes and supports students from different countries. Contacting current international students at prospective schools via online forums, such as community colleges on the College Confidential platform and on social media, could also provide helpful information.

“Community colleges are hidden gems that are a real opportunity,” Robbins says, “and often a second chance for some students that provide a caring and understanding approach to helping students develop and learn the skills they need to succeed in the .”

Trying to fund your education? Get tips, news and more in the U.S. News center.

More from U.S. News

originally appeared on

Source