Fixed-Rate Mortgage

Business

Columbia Financial to Acquire Northfield Bancorp in $597 Million Deal, Sets 2026 Timeline for Full Public Conversion

Columbia Financial (NASDAQ: CLBK) has announced a definitive agreement to merge with Northfield Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $597 million. The deal, slated to close in early Q3 2026, coincides with Columbia's planned "second-step" conversion to a fully public company, a move executives say will unlock value and create a leading regional bank in the New Jersey-New York metro area.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Trump's Housing Conundrum: Pledging to Keep Prices High While Promising Easier Access for Buyers

President Trump's latest push to improve housing affordability centers on lowering borrowing costs, not home values. But with a severe shortage of homes and prices near record highs, economists warn his proposals may simply reignite price surges rather than create lasting relief for aspiring homeowners.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

The $10 Million-Plus Home Market Defies Gravity as Broader Housing Slows

A new report reveals a stark divergence in the U.S. housing market: while high rates cool mainstream activity, ultra-luxury sales above $10 million surged to a record $38.6 billion in 2025, driven by new wealth creation and a flight to tangible assets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the 401(k): Mapping the Multi-Stream Income Landscape for the 2026 Retiree

As the traditional three-legged stool of retirement income evolves, future retirees must navigate a complex mix of Social Security, savings, and side gigs. We break down the key sources and strategies for building a resilient income portfolio.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Exclusive: Justice Dept. Removes Trump Ally Ed Martin from 'Weaponization' Post Amid Internal Tensions

Ed Martin, a controversial Trump appointee, has been ousted from his role leading the Justice Department's 'Weaponization Working Group' following internal clashes and scrutiny over his conduct, though he remains in a separate advisory position.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amazon Axes 2,200 Seattle-Area Corporate Jobs, Deepening Tech Sector Uncertainty

Amazon's latest round of layoffs will eliminate over 2,200 corporate positions in the Seattle region, part of a broader 16,000-person global workforce reduction. The cuts, effective from late April, add to a wave of job losses hitting Washington's tech sector.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Fed Holds Rates Steady Amid Economic Strength, Defying White House Pressure

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, signaling confidence in a solid economy while inflation remains above target. The decision sets up a continued clash with a President demanding deeper cuts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SoFi Stock Dips Below $25: A Buying Opportunity or a Sign of Caution?

As SoFi Technologies' stock price retreats from recent highs, investors are weighing the fintech's strong growth against its premium valuation in a volatile market.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Savings Strategy: How Notice Accounts Offer Higher Rates in Exchange for Patience

Notice savings accounts promise better returns than easy-access rivals, but your money is locked away for a set period. We examine today's best rates and whether the trade-off is worth it for your financial planning.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Savings Rate Hunt: Where to Find the Best Returns as Inflation Lingers

With interest rates in flux and inflation still outpacing many high street offers, finding a competitive home for your cash is crucial. We break down the top accounts across all categories to help your savings work harder.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

A New Direction for the Fed: How Kevin Warsh's Nomination Signals Relief for Main Street and the Trucking Industry

After years of aggressive rate hikes blamed for stifling manufacturing and squeezing truckers, the nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve suggests a pivotal policy shift. This analysis examines the toll of recent monetary policy on the freight sector and what a Warsh-led Fed might mean for its recovery.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Best Regular Savings Accounts: How to Navigate Today's Top Rates and Terms

Regular savings accounts offer attractive rates for disciplined savers, but come with strict rules on monthly deposits and withdrawals. Our guide breaks down the latest deals and what you need to know before committing your cash.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Grant Cardone Dismisses Credit Scores as a 'Debt Trap,' Advocates for Asset-Based Wealth Building

Real estate mogul Grant Cardone has ignited a fierce debate by labeling credit scores a system designed to perpetuate debt, arguing true wealth is built on assets that bypass traditional credit checks. The controversial claim has drawn both support from anti-debt figures and sharp criticism from those who see it as out-of-touch advice for the average earner.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Financial Guru Dave Ramsey Advises Caller to Prioritize Debt Over SpaceX IPO and Delayed Honeymoon

A Utah couple with a $180,000 income sought advice on using a $7,300 bonus. Dave Ramsey's firm counsel: shore up emergency savings, attack their HELOC debt, and postpone both a long-awaited honeymoon and speculative IPO investing until their financial foundation is secure.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Investment Outlook 2026: Four Sectors Facing Headwinds Amid Shifting Monetary Policy

As the Federal Reserve prepares for a potential policy shift in 2026, analysts flag real estate, financials, energy, and consumer discretionary as vulnerable sectors. Structural challenges and changing macroeconomic conditions could pressure performance despite broader market gains.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

SoFi's Lending Engine: A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity Just Getting Started

SoFi Technologies' record loan originations in Q4 2026 are just the beginning. With a foothold in personal, student, and home loans, the fintech giant is poised to capture a massive share of multi-trillion-dollar markets, driven by refinancing demand and cross-selling to its growing member base.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Wisconsin Labor Market Shows Resilience Despite January Layoffs Affecting 366 Workers

Seven Wisconsin employers filed WARN notices in January, yet the state's unemployment rate held steady at a low 3.1%. Economists point to a cooling but stable labor market, with significant workforce changes driven by retirements and sectoral shifts.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

LGI Homes Bets on Solar and Upgrades with New California Community Launch

Homebuilder LGI Homes is testing a higher-specification housing model with the launch of its Monte Vista community in Modesto, California. The new single-story homes come with significant included upgrades and integrated solar energy systems, signaling a strategic shift towards energy efficiency and long-term cost-conscious buyers.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

San Antonio's Housing Market Stalls as Sellers Retreat, Listings Plunge 20%

New home listings in the San Antonio metro area fell sharply in December, the steepest decline among major U.S. cities, as a growing imbalance between sellers and buyers prompts homeowners to stay put.

Feb 2, 2026

The Silent Strain: How Homeownership Can Quietly Drain Your Finances

For many Americans, the dream of homeownership is masking a harsh financial reality. Experts warn that being 'house poor'—where housing costs consume an unsustainable portion of income—is a growing, often unnoticed, threat to financial health and personal well-being.

Feb 2, 2026