New this week: The Boss, Billie Eilish, Borat & 'Bad Hair'
(Columbia Records via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. Edgier than the (also great) Gwyneth Paltrow version, Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the role of the matchmaker extraordinaire this time. — Billie Eilish was on the road for just three days before she had to cancel her worldwide tour due to the coronavirus pandemic in March. But thankfully on Saturday the Grammy-winning star will host her first global livestream concert. “Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event” uses music, comedy, short documentaries and celebrity appearances to explore the Latino experience.
Mortgage rates are at a 3-year lowhere are 3 questions to ask before you refinance
Mortgage rates hit a three-year low on Friday, August 2, when the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage hit 3.70%, the lowest they've been since November 2016, according to Mortgage News Daily. If you're considering refinancing your home, your first step should be to figure out if it will actually save you money. Say you took out a $400,000 30-year mortgage 10 years ago with a 4.5% interest rate and have already paid down $80,000 of your balance. If you're able to refinance with a 3.75% interest rate on a 20-year mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to $1,897, saving you around $130 per month. On a deeply seasoned loan, refinancing might result in the borrower owing a significant amount in interest.
cnbc.comYou could save hundreds of dollars per month by refinancing your homehere's how to do it
Decide if it makes sense to refinanceAlthough many homeowners could save money by refinancing, it isn't the right choice for everyone. In order to secure a lower interest rate, you'll end up paying closing costs again, which can include bank fees, appraisal fees and attorney fees, among other things. On a deeply seasoned loan, refinancing might mean that you owe a significant amount in interest. Check your credit scoreYour credit score will help determine how favorable of an interest rate you'll be able to lock down. Decide how to use your savingsDon't let the money you're saving by refinancing go toward lifestyle inflation.
cnbc.comYou're not alone if you're not sure what renters insurance covers
izusek | iStock | Getty ImagesYour dog bites someone in your apartment are you covered by your renters insurance policy? More than 90% of people with renters insurance aren't aware they're covered if their pet bites someone. In addition, 57% didn't know renters insurance will cover temporary housing if a home becomes uninhabitable due to a fire in a neighbor's apartment. Assurant found that 51% of respondents without renters insurance do not know its average cost, which is about $16 month, according to consumer-spending data site ValuePenguin. Renters and homeowners insurance typically covers liability only up to a certain amount.
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