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The most popular mortgage in America — the 30-year fixed mortgage rate — has hit an all-time low of 2.98% according to Freddie Mac, making this month the best time (statistically speaking) to refinance or apply for a new mortgage since Freddie Mac started tracking mortgage rates in 1971. Other mortgage terms have also been consistently dropping since March thanks to COVID-19’s effects on the real estate market, including fewer houses on sale, fewer buyers and the current state of the Treasury.

Despite millions of Americans facing unemployment and financial uncertainty, mortgage applications have actually increased by 54% compared to a year ago. Many current homeowners are taking advantage of low rates to refinance their current mortgage, and new homebuyers are taking the leap.

A homeowners policy can provide peace of mind because you know your home and belongings are covered if a disaster strikes, but not all policies provide the maximum protection you might need, especially for your valuable personal property. Most standard policies only pay a percentage of what it would cost to replace the things you rely on every day. That’s where replacement cost coverage saves the day. With a replacement cost coverage policy, you won’t have to worry about draining your savings when you face a major loss.

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There are a lot of books out there on personal finance topics, with more getting published each year. Many of them are quite good — for the most part, you won’t go wrong picking up a personal finance book from the bookstore or the library or Amazon (provided you avoid ones with outlandish claims, like quadrupling your wealth in a year or becoming a millionaire very quickly).

Over the years, though, a handful of personal finance books have really stood head and shoulders above the rest. These books do a spectacular job of addressing specific personal finance topics. These books remain in print and many often see regular revisions to keep some specifics updated, but the core information in each of these books is rock solid and timeless.

Flex loans are the get-rich-quick scheme of the lending industry. A flex loan can get you quick access to cash but proceed with caution — high APR rates can leave you further in the hole.  A flex loan works similarly to a credit card. Your lender will give you a credit limit and you can borrow as much as you need up to that amount. Flexible loans are often available without a credit check and to borrowers with poor credit.

Many lenders charge daily or weekly fees that can drive the effective APR for these loans well above 200% — making flex loans extremely expensive. Borrowers often get trapped, making minimum payments that barely cover the fees and interest. Since the loan has no set term, the payments could go on for many years.