Assignment of benefits agreement (AOB): Allows a homeowner to transfer their insurance claim rights to a contractor or repair company, giving that third party the authority to negotiate with the insurer and collect payment directly.…

Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate When Jessica Lee bought her townhome in Nashville, Tennessee, the builder offered 5% in closing costs if she’d borrow from their preferred lender. The 28-year-old financial analyst felt if she didn’t use the lender, she wouldn’t get the house. “If the builder is offering it, it’d…

Global banking giant HSBC Holdings Plc is considering significant job reductions in the years ahead, as CEO Georges Elhedery bets on artificial intelligence to downsize middle and back offices, Bloomberg reported. The greatest impact is anticipated to be seen among non-client-facing positions in global service centers, but the evaluation is…

Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate The Federal Reserve doesn’t set mortgage rates outright, but its decisions do play a role in the percentages lenders offer would-be homeowners. And even if the Fed keeps its benchmark rate unchanged, mortgage rates can still fluctuate. Here’s how the Fed’s monetary policy…

PM Images/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned institutions that commonly offer savings accounts with above-average rates, low minimum deposit requirements and low (or no) fees. While some credit unions restrict membership to those of a certain location or occupation, others make it easy for anyone to…