Business and Finance
The Growing Dilemma: Renting vs. Buying a Home
“Renting or buying? A dilemma growing among prospective homeowners as they question the financial impact. Find out the emotional and financial value associated with homeownership in this Bank of America report.”
Buying a home has always been considered a significant investment, a cornerstone of financial stability and future security. However, a recent Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report reveals a growing number of prospective homebuyers who fear that renting could have detrimental effects on their financial future. With high interest rates and soaring home prices, the uncertainty surrounding the decision to rent or buy has only intensified. This article delves into the reasons behind this dilemma and explores the emotional and financial value associated with homeownership.
The Rising Uncertainty:
The report reveals that 57% of respondents are unsure whether it is the right time to buy a home, compared to 48% from the previous year. This trend is particularly prominent among first-time homebuyers, with 62% expressing uncertainty. Higher interest rates and escalating home prices have left renters questioning the feasibility of homeownership in the current market. Matt Vernon, Head of Consumer Lending at Bank of America, recognizes this growing concern but emphasizes that research consistently supports the belief that owning a home is the best long-term decision for most prospective homebuyers.
Population Flows and Supply Challenges:
Complicating the decision-making process are the continuing population flows across the United States. As stated in the Bank of America Institute’s On the Move publication, cities in the South have experienced substantial inflows of people, primarily driven by younger generations. Despite an increase in housing supply to accommodate these changes, the supply of rental properties in some areas falls short of meeting the demands of growing populations. Consequently, while 37% of respondents prefer renting for now, 81% of prospective buyers still plan to purchase a home in the near future.
Emotional Value of Homeownership:
The report highlights the emotional and financial benefits of homeownership, with a majority of homeowners and prospective homebuyers recognizing these advantages. Homeownership offers a sense of permanence, emotional stability, control over living space, and fulfillment, according to the survey. However, baby boomers appear to be an exception to this outlook, with 80% favoring renting over buying. They value the freedom from property maintenance, financial responsibilities, and enjoy the flexibility of choosing when and where to move.
Lack of Confidence and Lessons Learned:
Prospective homebuyers also express a lack of confidence in various aspects of the homebuying process, including understanding financing, interest rates, homebuying terminology, and grant programs. However, meeting with lending specialists can be beneficial in exploring assistance programs, such as Bank of America’s down payment and closing cost grants. Furthermore, the report reveals that 66% of current homeowners would have done something differently when buying their first home, such as saving more for a down payment or considering other neighborhoods.
The Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment:
The Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment is a $15 billion program aimed at assisting low- and moderate-income homebuyers. This initiative is designed to address the lack of confidence expressed by prospective buyers in understanding various aspects of the homebuying process. Through the commitment, Bank of America offers down payment and closing cost grants, as well as access to lending specialists who can provide guidance on financing options, interest rates, and grant programs. The program also takes into account the lessons learned by current homeowners, with the goal of empowering potential buyers to make informed decisions and achieve successful homeownership.
About Bank of America Institute
Bank of America Institute is dedicated to uncovering powerful insights that move business and society forward. Established in 2022, the Institute is a think tank that draws on data and analyses from across the bank and the world to provide timely and original perspectives on the economy, sustainability, and global transformation. The Institute leverages the depth and breadth of the bank’s proprietary data, from approximately 68 million consumer and small business clients, 56 million verified digital users, $4.2 trillion in total payments in 2022 and $1.4 trillion in consumer and wealth management deposits. From this robust data set, the Institute provides a unique perspective on the health of the economy. It also elevates thought leadership from throughout the bank that addresses long-term trends and shares these findings with the general public.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,800 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 57 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).
For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.
SOURCE Bank of America Corporation
Consumer Corner
Things to Look for When Considering an Auto Secured Loan
Many Americans continue to feel pressure from rising everyday expenses. Some are turning to credit cards and other expensive options like unsecured loans to cover surprise bills, manage a temporary gap in cash flow or even pay for basics like groceries and gas. For these people, an auto secured loan may offer another option for borrowers who own a vehicle and are looking for a more affordable way to access funds.
(Feature Impact) Many Americans continue to feel pressure from rising everyday expenses. Some are turning to credit cards and other expensive options like unsecured loans to cover surprise bills, manage a temporary gap in cash flow or even pay for basics like groceries and gas.
For these people, an auto secured loan may offer another option for borrowers who own a vehicle and are looking for a more affordable way to access funds.
Unlike an unsecured personal loan, an auto secured loan uses a vehicle as collateral. This can help borrowers qualify for higher loan amounts at better interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms.
Not all loans are created equal, however. If you’re considering an auto secured loan, here are six features that responsible lender Oportun suggests borrowers prioritize when evaluating their options.
1. Transparent, Easy-to-Understand Terms
A responsible lender will clearly explain the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR), monthly payment amount, repayment schedule, fees and total cost over time.
Borrowers should also understand what happens if a payment is missed and what options may be available if financial circumstances change. Clear information helps consumers make confident, informed decisions.
2. Affordable and Predictable Payments
The best loan is one that fits comfortably within your budget. Look for fixed monthly payments, reasonable repayment terms and the ability to pay off the loan early without penalties. Be cautious of products that rely on repeated refinancing or loan rollovers that can increase costs over time.
3. Lower-Cost Alternatives to Payday
When unexpected expenses arise, some consumers turn to high-cost forms of credit, such as payday loans, because they are often marketed as fast and easy to secure.
A responsible auto secured loan may offer a more affordable alternative with lower rates and repayment terms designed to help borrowers successfully repay what they borrow rather than become trapped in a cycle of debt. Be sure to shop rates across loan types and lenders.
4. Flexibility and Strong Customer Support
Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Borrowers should look for lenders that offer convenient account management tools, flexible payment options and access to knowledgeable customer support representatives. The ability to get help when it’s needed can make a meaningful difference over the life of your loan.
5. Credit Building Opportunities
A loan can do more than just solve an immediate financial need. Many responsible lenders report payment activity to the major credit bureaus, allowing borrowers to build or strengthen their credit history through consistent, on-time payments. Over time, a stronger credit profile can open the door to additional financial opportunities.
6. Responsible Collateral Practices
Before taking out an auto secured loan, it’s important to understand how a lender approaches collateral. Responsible lenders use a vehicle to help expand access to credit. They do not offer credit as a shortcut to taking ownership of your vehicle. Look for lenders that offer hardship assistance and work with borrowers facing financial setbacks before pursuing collection actions. Repossession should always be a last resort.
Choosing the Right Lending Partner
If you’re considering an auto secured loan, make sure the lender you choose supports these six practices. Responsible lenders design their products to help people both access funds for short-term needs and improve their long-term financial health.
For example, Oportun offers clearly priced auto secured personal loans designed to help members access affordable credit and repay them on time so they can build a stronger financial future. Since its founding, the lender has provided more than $22 billion in responsible and affordable credit, helped more than 1.3 million people establish a credit history and saved its members more than $2.5 billion in interest and fees.
By focusing on lenders that prioritize transparency, affordability, flexibility and successful repayment outcomes, borrowers can find an auto secured loan that meets their current and future financial needs. Discover more information by visiting Oportun.com.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Oportun
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Travel
How to Get More Out of Your Travel Budget
Every great vacation starts long before you pack a suitcase – from choosing where to go to mapping out the perfect itinerary – ensuring you get the most out of your travel budget.
How to Get More Out of Your Travel Budget
(Feature Impact) Every great vacation starts long before you pack a suitcase – from choosing where to go to mapping out the perfect itinerary.
A recent survey conducted online by Talker Research on behalf of World of Hyatt found 70% of U.S. respondents ages 18-65 feel pressure to make every vacation feel “worth the money.” For many, travel rewards have become part of making that happen with 74% saying using travel rewards makes travel spending feel more worthwhile. That sentiment is even stronger among younger travelers, including 84% of Gen Z and 77% of Millennials.
It’s no surprise travelers are putting more thought into the planning process. Nearly 4 in 10 respondents said they spend three or more hours researching and choosing a destination, showing that getting the most out of a travel budget has become just as important as choosing the destination itself.
Make Everyday Spending More Rewarding
One of the easiest ways to stretch your travel budget is choosing a credit card that rewards the purchases you’re already making. More than half of travelers (53%) who travel at least once a year and use credit cards said they’d travel more often if accommodations were partially covered by rewards or points, while 36% said they’d take trips they otherwise wouldn’t.
With the World of Hyatt Credit Card from Chase, cardmembers earn two Bonus Points per $1 spent on dining, local transit and airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, plus one Bonus Point per $1 on all other purchases. When it’s time to travel, cardmembers earn up to 9X total points on qualifying purchases at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts (four Bonus Points per $1 spent with the card and up to five Base Points per eligible $1 spent as a World of Hyatt member). By turning everyday spending into travel rewards, the credit card can help bring those getaways within reach.
For those looking to earn toward future vacations faster, now through Aug. 20, 2026, new World of Hyatt Credit Card cardmembers can earn up to 75,000 Bonus Points – enough to redeem for up to five free nights at Category 1-5 Hyatt hotels or resorts when redemption levels are at or below 15,000 points per night.
- 45,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
- Up to 30,000 Bonus Points by earning two Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first six months on purchases that normally earn one Bonus Point (up to $15,000)
Free hotel nights also top many travelers’ wish lists with nearly half of survey respondents (45%) saying they’re the most valuable travel reward. To help make stays more attainable, the credit card also includes an annual Category 1-4 Free Night Award after each cardmember anniversary with the opportunity to earn a second after spending $15,000 in a calendar year. Complimentary Discoverist status adds even more value with perks like room upgrades and 2 p.m. late checkout (as available), helping make every stay even more enjoyable.
Find Your Next Escape
Put your rewards to work at unforgettable destinations, such as:
- Get away this fall
Experience fall at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, where scenic waterfront trails, championship golf and seasonal outdoor adventures offer a relaxing change of pace.
- Celebrate the season in the city
Plan a festive Chicago getaway at Chicago Athletic Association with easy access to Millennium Park’s ice-skating rink, the Christkindlmarket, holiday lights and the city’s vibrant dining scene.
- Spend the new year at the beach
Escape to Wild Dunes Resort, where oceanfront accommodations, sandy beaches, championship golf and resort amenities create the perfect coastal Carolina getaway.
Start Planning Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re planning a bucket-list vacation or a weekend escape, thoughtful planning and making everyday spending work harder can help unlock your next getaway.
Learn more about maximizing your travel rewards at chase.com/gethyattcard.
Content courtesy of Chase and World of Hyatt.
Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 U.S. adults aged 18 – 65 who travel at least once per year and use credit cards. The survey was commissioned by Hyatt and administered online by Talker Research between June 29-July 6, 2026.+
SOURCE:
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Lifestyle
Get Your Kids Ready to Go Back-to-School with Affordable Health Coverage
Once school starts, life moves fast. There is homework, practices, permission slips, and early mornings. Before the calendar fills up, take a moment to make sure your child has affordable health coverage for the year ahead.
Get Your Kids Ready to Go Back-to-School with Affordable Health Coverage
(Feature Impact) Once school starts, life moves fast. There is homework, practices, permission slips, and early mornings. Before the calendar fills up, take a moment to make sure your child has health coverage for the year ahead.
Free or low-cost health coverage is available through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid in your state for eligible individuals. With health coverage, your kids and teens can get the care they need to stay healthy and do well in school.
Think your family might not qualify? You might be surprised. Many families may qualify for coverage without realizing it! Eligibility varies by state and is based on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 from a family of four earning up to $80,000 per year may be eligible. In some states, eligible children can still qualify if family income is even higher.
Getting your child covered helps you get them the health care they may need. When a child is sick, the right medicines help them get back to school. If a child has a tough time focusing, there are supports to help. If your child does not see as well as other children, these programs cover glasses. Healthy kids are confident kids, who are ready to participate in every opportunity inside and outside the classroom!
Why Health Coverage Belongs on Your Kids’ Back-to-School List
Having health coverage can help families, like yours, to send your kids and teens off to school ready to learn. Depending on the program and a child’s individual needs, Medicaid and CHIP can provide eligible kids up to age 18 (Medicaid) or 19 (CHIP) with a range of services to support their health all year long, such as:
- Annual checkups and school physicals to prepare children to learn, play, and participate.
- Preventive care to identify health needs early and keep children healthy throughout the year.
- Dental care to help prevent tooth aches, cavities, and missed school days.
- Vision and hearing services to support learning and classroom participation.
- Mental health care to support emotional well-being and school success.
- Prescription medications and treatment to help manage symptoms and stay on track.
- Specialized services for children with disabilities to support growth and learning.
How to Apply
You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP in many ways:
- By phone
- By mail
- In-person through your state’s Medicaid or CHIP office
- Or find your state’s information online at InsureKidsNow.gov/coverage.
Act now to get your child covered before they need health care. Enrollment for these programs is open year-round, meaning families do not have to wait for a specific time of year to get covered.
Once enrolled, coverage must be renewed every twelve months, so it is important to keep your address, email, and phone number up to date with your state Medicaid or CHIP office to avoid missing important renewal information. Visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) for more information.
Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This communication was printed, published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
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