For years, Mint was the undisputed king of free budgeting apps. After a 17-year run, it shut down in 2024, and people have been searching for Mint replacement apps ever since.

Unfortunately, free budgeting apps are increasingly hard to find. Many of the best budget apps for 2026 — such as Monarch Money, Copilot Money and YNAB — charge a subscription fee. Some people may be tempted to turn to AI tools to create a free , but while ChatGPT and Gemini might be able to help with general budgeting advice, that’s not the place to enter sensitive information such as account numbers or .

Still, there are free money management apps if you know where to look. Some of them are 100% free while others require a subscription to access all features. If you feel overwhelmed by options, here are some of the best free budgeting apps available.

1. Expense Tracking: SoFi Relay

For a comprehensive budgeting app, try SoFi Relay. It offers both budget planning and expense tracking in one place. You can also monitor your , investments and property values in the app.

The SoFi app can connect to more than 12,000 financial institutions, making it easy to access all your account data in one place. Use it to , spot and gain insights into which spending categories are claiming most of your money.

There is even an option to get professional help if you need it. SoFi members can request a 30-minute call with a financial planner for free.

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2. Debt Deletion: Debt Payoff Planner

If , try the Debt Payoff Planner. In a survey of users, more than 90% reported greater motivation, increased determination and a faster payoff timeline.

Most people will find the free version of the app meets their needs, and adding debts is simple. To get started, you’ll only need to enter the balance, APR and minimum payment of each debt. Then, the Debt Payoff Planner will help organize those debts and create a payoff strategy.

With charts, countdowns and progress celebrations, this app is designed to keep you on the path to financial freedom.

3. Budget Creation: EveryDollar

Based on philosophy of giving every dollar a job, EveryDollar is a zero-based budgeting app. In other words, you decide how every dollar you earn will be spent or saved.

“It’s nice because it wants you to account for every dollar and that forced me to pool money for different things like phone, groceries, gas and ,” says Stephanie Siegler of Allegan, Michigan, who has used the app for several years. “I’m able to adjust as needed and see where my money is going.”

While the app has a paid version that automatically links to accounts, Siegler says she prefers the free version. EveryDollar says that most new users can “find $3,015 in 15 minutes” by identifying places to reduce their spending..

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4. Saving and Investing: Empower

Empower combines budgeting tools with investment and net-worth tracking.

“I use Empower Personal Dashboard, mostly to track my net worth, but it also offers a view of all my transactions and some limited budgeting functionality,” explains Harlan Vaughn, a personal finance writer. “It’s helpful to see everything in one place and get charts of top spending categories.”

The app can link to accounts from more than 16,000 financial institutions, including banks, , brokerages and companies. Once linked, you can review spending trends, track savings and plan for retirement.

5. Financial Education: Zogo

Budgeting confidently starts with having the proper knowledge to back up your decisions. That’s where Zogo comes in.

This isn’t a budgeting app in the sense that it will allow you to create a budget and monitor finances, but it offers more than 1,200 short modules to teach you the ins and outs of managing your money. Zogo gamifies the learning process and offers rewards, such as gift cards, to those who continue to log on and learn.

The catch is that you can only sign up for Zogo through a participating financial institution. More than 250 banks, and financial technology firms currently partner with Zogo, so check to see if your institution offers it.

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Bonus: Budget Coaching from Money Canvas

Pairing a budgeting app with personal coaching can be a good way to get ahead financially. Money Canvas isn’t an app, but it is a free service that anyone can use to understand the budgeting process better and implement their spending plan.

The service matches participants with coaches, and the program includes three 60-minute sessions on Zoom. The sessions build on one another and cover organizing finances, trimming bills and creating healthy spending habits. Users report an average monthly savings of $645.

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Sometimes called NINJA, which stands for “no income, no job and no assets,” these no-doc loans are a thing of the past.

“It really went extinct after the great financial crisis,” says Adam Wiener, president of mortgage provider Lower in Austin, Texas.

With no-doc mortgages no longer an option, some self-employed people may have trouble qualifying for a loan, particularly if they write off a significant amount of expenses, which makes their taxable income low. Fortunately, alt-doc loans offer another avenue to .

[Read: ]

How the 2008 Financial Crisis Permanently Changed the Rules for Homebuyers

No-doc mortgages date back decades, but their use ramped up in the early 2000s. By some estimates, as many as a third of mortgages originated in 2006 had no-doc or low-doc applications.

“That’s just what they did because it was easier,” says Tom Hutchens, president of Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions in Atlanta, which specializes in nonqualified mortgages, the formal name of alt-doc loans.

Without documentation, there was no way to know if someone’s stated income and assets were accurate. When the housing market began to collapse in 2006, many of these borrowers were unable to maintain their payments. They had opted for , and as their rates were increasing, housing prices were falling. That made it impossible for them to refinance or sell for what they owed on the house.

The housing crisis turned into a global financial crisis in 2008, often called the Great Recession. In its wake, lawmakers eyed reforms, including changes to the mortgage industry.

The resulted in rules that, among other things, require lenders to make a good-faith effort to determine a borrower’s ability to repay their debt. The rules also include underwriting guidelines for qualified mortgages and prohibited certain repayment structures, such as .

“All these things were added for protection,” says Bill Dallas, chairman of strategic advisory firm Dallas Capital in Las Vegas. However, the result has been to make mortgages more expensive. “It’s added close to $10,000 a loan in cost.”

It has also locked some people out of qualified mortgages or reduced their purchasing power. For these borrowers, alt-doc mortgages can be a good choice.

The New Class of Alt-Doc Mortgages That Don’t Require Tax Returns

Alt-doc mortgages are nonqualified mortgages, commonly referred to as non-QM loans.

“It just means that it isn’t something that can be sold to or Ginnie Mae,” Wiener says. were the original non-QM loans, he says. also fall into the non-QM category.

An alt-doc loan still assesses a borrower’s ability to repay, but it doesn’t rely solely on tax returns.

“After the financial crisis, the pendulum swung far too far in the other direction,” according to Hutchens. From 2009 to 2013, most lenders were using only tax returns to qualify borrowers, but this method was not ideal for self-employed workers. “Tax returns don’t necessarily reflect their ability to pay off a mortgage,” he says, adding that accountants are usually adept at finding tax write-offs.

The following are some common alt-doc loans that use documentation other than tax returns.

— Bank statement loan. These loans rely on at least 12 months of bank statements to calculate income.

— Debt service coverage ratio loan. Known as DSCR loans, these are common among investors. They are underwritten based on the property and its expected rental income or resale value.

— Asset depletion mortgage. These mortgages may be used by those with limited income but significant savings or other assets.

— Profit and loss mortgage. As the name suggests, these mortgages are approved based on a business’s profit and loss statements.

About 6%-9% of mortgages are non-QM loans, according to Dallas. He estimates that about half of those are DSCR loans for real estate investors or property flippers.

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Why the Current Mortgage Process Is ‘Heinous’ for 1099 Earners

Getting a qualified mortgage — one that can be backed by a government-sponsored enterprise like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — typically requires full documentation of someone’s ability to repay.

“The full doc rules were really built for an employee,” Dallas says. “Heinous” is the word he uses to describe the current mortgage process for 1099 earners who are self-employed. “The process was not built for them.”

However, alt-doc loans can be an answer for those who aren’t eligible for a qualified mortgage or have limited buying power based on the amount of their taxable income. For instance, a self-employed person may earn $100,000 each year but have a taxable income of only $50,000 thanks to tax deductions. Using a bank statement loan may mean a person’s qualifying income jumps to $70,000 or $80,000.

Bank statements are “where the rubber meets the road,” according to Hutchens. But it isn’t as simple as adding up someone’s deposits for the year. “We don’t just take deposits,” he says. “We look at the business type and apply an expense factor.”

For example, a consultant with few expenses may end up with a higher percentage of their deposits calculated as available income compared with someone working in a field that requires purchasing supplies or paying contractors.

Once approved, alt-doc loans are serviced the same as any other mortgage, although you may pay a higher interest rate. Wiener estimates that rates for bank statement loans may be 0.5 to 1 percentage points higher than those for qualified mortgages.

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Which Alt-Doc Loan Is Right for You?

Before you start searching for an alt-doc mortgage, you should understand what loan is best for you.

Even if you are a 1099 worker, you should confirm that you don’t qualify for a

before seeking out an alt-doc loan.

“Some people get swept up in the idea that they need it,” Wiener says, but he notes that many people with 1099 income will qualify for conforming loans. “If your taxable income looks too low, that’s when you’d want to go to the alt-doc loans.”

Some major lenders offer alt-doc loans, or you can use a provider who specializes in non-QM mortgages. Regardless of the type of mortgage you pursue, it is always a good idea to get prequalified before house hunting.

Wiener also suggests that borrowers rethink the . While adjustable-rate mortgages got a bad rap during the financial crisis, they can increase your buying power and may make sense for some people.

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If you want some help knocking down your student loan balances, you may want to look for employment with companies that help pay off student loans. In 2024, 26% of employers provided student loan debt assistance program, according to a report by the . And those employers span a range of industries. This list can help you explore the types of repayment assistance plans out there as you target your job search.

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11 Companies That Help Pay off Student Loans

1. Abbott

This health care technology company offers a benefit that helps pay off your student loans and save for retirement at the same time. When eligible Abbott employees make a student loan payment of at least 2% of their eligible pay, the company will make a 5% contribution to the employee’s 401(k). Employees are eligible on their first day of employment. This setup can help you avoid having to choose between paying off your student loans and saving for retirement.

2. Ally Financial

With financial services company , you get a student loan repayment program that can help you simultaneously fund future educational goals. You can receive $100 monthly toward student loan repayment, with a $10,000 lifetime maximum. You can also get $100 monthly contributed to a 529 college savings plan, a benefit with a $10,000 lifetime maximum.

3. Andersen

This financial consulting company offers student loan repayment assistance through workplace financial wellness provider Gradifi. Employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for this benefit, beginning the first day of the month following the date of hire or on the date of hire if they start on the first of the month. The company pays up to $12,000 toward an employee’s student loan debt, including a $100 monthly stipend for five years. Employees receive a $6,000 lump sum payment at the end of five years.

4. Chegg

If you take a job with Chegg, an educational services company, your student loan repayments could get a respectable annual boost — even if you didn’t graduate with a degree. The company’s Equity for Education student loan repayment program offers up to $5,000 annually for employees with at least two years of tenure, from entry-level to manager positions. If you’re a director or vice president, you can get up to $3,000 annually.

The loan must be in the employee’s name to receive the full benefit. Chegg states that Equity for Education awards are subject to state income tax.

The Equity for Education benefits are in addition to a $1,000 annual cash grant available to all Chegg employees with student debt. No details are available on lifetime maximums with the Chegg program.

5. Clayco

Clayco, a construction engineering company, offers student loan repayment assistance to employees who make at least the minimum payment each month. At Clayco, employees can choose to participate in one or both plans:

— Clayco pays $100 per month toward an employee’s student loans for the first year, then increases the payment by $50 each subsequent year, up to a maximum of $250 per month in the fourth year.

— Employees can direct their 401(k) contribution to their student loan debt instead, and Clayco will continue to match that contribution.

6. Fidelity Investments

Financial services company Fidelity offers employees some hefty assistance with student loans. Full-time employees working 30 to 40 hours per week can get a student loan repayment benefit that offers a lifetime maximum of $15,000. Employees who work 20 to 29 hours per week are offered a lifetime maximum of $7,500. Eligible employees can participate from their first day with the company.

Fidelity also offers a student loan debt repayment program for employers interested in helping their employees pay down their student debt.

7. Google

Employees of the online search leader get up to a $2,500 per year matching student loan repayment benefit. To be eligible, you must be a U.S.-based, full-time Google employee. Like with some other companies that offer matching loan repayment programs, the $2,500 benefit is on a reimbursement basis. You’ll only be eligible for the maximum benefit if your annual student loan payments total at least $2,500.

8. New York Life Insurance Co.

At New York Life, employees can benefit from company contributions of up to $170 per month toward their student loans. The lifetime maximum tops out at $10,200 after five years of contributions, and employees are eligible from their first day with the company. All non-officer employees with student loans can participate.

9. Nvidia Corp.

This visual technology company offers recent grads — those graduating within the past three years — some top-notch student loan repayment assistance.

Employees who work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for up to $350 per month toward student loan repayment, with a lifetime maximum of $30,000.

Here’s the fine print: Nvidia’s contributions must be in addition to your regular monthly payment and are made directly to your loan servicer. So if you make a regular payment of $326, then you can apply to have Nvidia make an additional payment of $326 for the month. Funds above $5,250 are taxable as income.

10. RTX

When employees make a student loan payment, aerospace and defense behemoth RTX will make a contribution to the employee’s 401(k) that matches the loan payment, up to an eligible amount.

11. SoFi

When you are a full-time employee who works at least 30 hours per week at

, a financial services company and private student loan lender, you’ll get up to $5,250 per year toward your student loan repayments. Funds above $5,250 are considered taxable income. The loan must be in your name.

SoFi also offers an educational benefit and contribution program for employers interested in helping their employees pay down their student debt.

[READ ]

Should You Look for Jobs at Companies That Pay off Student Loans?

If you’re fresh off a degree and feel your student loan debt is a burden, looking for a job with a company offering repayment assistance could offer some financial peace of mind. In fact, advisors at Performance Wealth, an Illinois-based wealth management firm, recommend doing so, says Tom Salvino, a certified financial planner and the firm’s CEO.

“Companies that help students with loan assistance build a powerful bond, and can gain an employee who works hard for their caring employer, instilling loyalty from employee and employer,” Salvino says.

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Indeed, more companies could bring programs online thanks to provisions in the , a retirement savings law signed in 2022, says Brent Boden, a certified financial planner and wealth advisor at Corient.

“With this expansion, companies can offer a new benefit to their workforce, helping match employees’ student loan payments into their company 401(k) plan,” he says.

These programs will likely look like those already in place with Abbott, Clayco and RTX and help you simultaneously pay down student loans and save for retirement. “(W)e have seen slower adoption than expected with the changing winds of the Trump administration to date,” he says. But, he adds, we “could see adoption over the next five to 10 years ramp up depending on changes to student lending.”

If programs that offer direct or supportive assistance with your student loans aren’t available at your target employer, you can always inquire about financial wellness benefits. While they vary from company to company, you could find services like no-cost consultations with a financial professional and debt management tools that can help you build a personal student loan repayment plan.

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These subtle shifts could be signs of age-related hearing loss, but they may have bigger implications for his . Emerging research suggests that age-related hearing loss may be more closely linked to than we once thought.

Read on to learn more about age-related hearing loss, and how the two may be connected.

What Is Hearing Loss?

Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is hearing loss that occurs gradually from aging. It is the third-most common health condition affecting older adults, after and . The prevalence of age-related hearing loss becomes significantly more common as people get older, affecting around 80% of individuals over age 85.

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, can worsen with age because of a few factors: Long-term exposure to noise

— Health conditions that commonly occur in older adults, such as or , which lead to blood vessel damage in the ears

— Age-related changes to the ear or the nerves that support hearing

— Medications that can damage hearing, such as drugs

Hearing loss is almost expected as we get older, says Brian Balin, director of the Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging and a professor of neuroscience and neuropathology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia.

Unfortunately, “most people wait until hearing has become a more noticeable problem before getting tested,” he adds.

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What Is Dementia?

Dementia is an encompassing term meaning the loss of that interferes with daily life. This could mean difficulty with memory, problem solving, language processing and more. The most common type of dementia is .

Over 57 million people have dementia worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Dementia has several potential underlying causes, depending on the type of dementia. These may include:

— Abnormal protein buildup in the brain, as is found with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia

— Reduced blood flow to the brain, such as cases of vascular dementia

— Severe head injuries

Even though dementia is common in older adults, it is not a normal part of aging. and treatment can extend lifespan and quality of life for individuals living with dementia.

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How Does Untreated Hearing Loss Increase Dementia Risk?

There may be a link between hearing loss and dementia.

In a study of nearly 3,000 participants, for instance, Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, a peer-reviewed journal, found that treating hearing loss might delay the onset of dementia.

The relationship between hearing loss and dementia might also be both causative and correlative: Both conditions commonly occur together during aging, but growing evidence suggests that hearing loss may contribute to .

There are a few potential reasons for this:

— Older individuals are already at increased risk of cognitive decline, so hearing loss can exacerbate these changes, Balin says. For example, if an older adult is already at risk for declining language processing, hearing loss will contribute to the issue.

— Researchers have found the cognitive load of effortful listening and paying attention diverts cognitive resources away from other tasks, so the brain has less energy to work what is said into memory networks.

— Some research has found that some of the abnormal proteins related to Alzheimer’s disease are associated with hearing impairment, Balin notes.

— Some animal studies suggest that loud noises can increase harmful brain proteins and affect brain chemicals involved in , Balin says.

— “Many hearing-impaired older adults avoid or withdraw from social contexts, resulting in social and reduced communication with family and friends,” adds Dr. Hae-Ok Ana Kim, an otolaryngologist, professor of otolaryngology head and neck surgery and division chief of otology/neurotology and skull base surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York.

Balin says that other sensory systems can also be impacted with age. Deficits in smell, taste, vision and hearing all could cause an increased risk for dementia.

“Testing of all sensory systems in clinical workups by middle age should be routinely performed,” he notes.

[SEE: ]

How hearing loss harms your brain health

Hearing Loss Prevention: 4 Steps to Protect Your Brain Health

While there isn’t one clear strategy to specifically protect from age-related hearing loss, you can protect yourself from generalized hearing loss.

— Protect yourself from loud noises over 85 decibels. Eighty-five decibels is anything louder than a vacuum cleaner or a lawn mower. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, and limit prolonged exposure to these loud noises.

— Avoid exposure to chemicals that are harmful to the ears. Ototoxic substances, such as lead or mercury, have been shown to harm the ears. Industrial or manufacturing workers are sometimes exposed to these chemicals at work. Make sure to follow safety protocols for using personal protective equipment, and make sure your workplace is properly ventilated. For more information, visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

— Talk to your doctor about medications you are taking. Some medications, such as steroids or sex hormones, may contribute to hearing loss. Make sure to talk about these risks with a and make a plan to protect your hearing as much as possible.

— Get regular hearing screenings. Get a sometime after the age of 21. Then, experts recommend a hearing screening every five years for adults ages 50-64, and then every one to three years for adults over 65.

Recommended hearing screening frequency

Hearing Loss Treatment Options: Hearing Aids & Cochlear Implants

Unfortunately, access to audiologists and otolaryngologists can be limited, and wait times can be long. Don’t hesitate to discuss any hearing concerns with your . Your primary care provider can help you get a hearing screening set up, and help you get a referral to a hearing specialist if you need one.

and cochlear implants offer real benefits, Ana Kim says. Through her center, Ana Kim did a study that showed the properly fitted hearing aid group experienced improved quality of life, happiness, socialization and balance.

For elderly trying hearing aids for the first time, patience is key, as some people’s adjustment period can take up to six weeks. So, an adequate trial period is more than just a couple of days.

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I’ve just been on my first cruise and I am HOOKED. I’d like to book more so I’ve started looking into credit cards just for cruises. But are they really worth it? Or would I be better off with a more general travel card?

Signed,

Hooked on the Seven Seas

Dear Seven Seas,

You’re not the only one interested in cruising into the summer! According to Bank of America, 34% of Americans are planning to set sail in the next 12 months. And Gen Z is leading that charge with 57%, followed by 44% of millennials and 25% of Gen Xers.

But are actually worth it? Let’s compare a couple to general travel cards to find out.

[Read: ]

As you can see, the Royal ONE Plus is a good option, but a general travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a higher rewards rate at a similar cost. In addition, if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can actually earn an additional bonus on your purchases, depending on your member tier.

Now these are just a couple of other comparable travel cards based on annual fees. General travel cards come with more travel protections and perks — and the higher the annual fee, the more benefits you have. If that’s something you’re interested in, I suggest the or the . Both offer a plethora of travel perks and benefits you just can’t get with another credit card. Narrow down your preferred cruise lines and research if their co-branded cards offer the rewards and protections you need. You’ll most likely get more value from a general travel card, along with more flexibility in your booking and purchase power. Remember, you want a card that rewards you all the time, not to gather dust in your wallet if you only book a few cruises a year.

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Austin, Texas-based construction technology company ICON has developed a 3D printing system that can build a home in under seven days and sometimes much less. And while for a 3D home has historically been difficult, announced in May an agreement with ICON to serve as its preferred lender for its 3D-printed residential properties.

Not only will Wells Fargo underwrite for these homes, but it’s also offering a 50 basis-point interest rate incentive to borrowers. And industry experts are calling it a game changer.

[Read: ]

Why Lenders Have Hesitated to Fund 3D-Printed Homes

ICON has been building 3D-printed homes for years. It introduced its first model in 2018. But traditionally, it’s been difficult for buyers to find financing on 3D-printed homes.

As Steven Parangi, licensed mortgage loan originator at Alpine Mortgage Services in Montvale, New Jersey, explains, “The initial lender hesitation was completely understandable. A mortgage is not just a loan to a borrower. It’s also a loan secured by a property. If a lender is unsure how the property will age, whether comparable sales exist, whether insurers will cover it or whether investors will buy the loan, that creates risk.”

“The issue with nontraditional construction has never been the home itself. It is that conventional appraisers struggle to comp it,” notes Joseph Ranola, associate broker at Real Broker in New York.

That’s why Wells Fargo’s foray into 3D mortgages is huge.

“A national lender writing standard mortgages against 3D homes does three things at once,” Ranola says. “It forces appraisers to develop comparable sales methodology. It tells the secondary market this is a financeable asset. And it gives builders the demand signal to scale.”

As Ranola explains, once a major lender writes standard mortgages against 3D homes, appraisers get pushed to build real comparable sales data, which these homes have historically lacked. From there, he says, the secondary market gets a signal that the loans are sellable and insurable.

Once that happens, Ranola says, “Competitors follow, because no large lender wants to cede a new category.”

Parangi says that when a lender the size of Wells Fargo agrees to finance 3D-printed homes, it tells appraisers, underwriters and investors that the valuation risk is acceptable.

“I do expect other lenders to follow, but it will take time,” Parangi says. “If the appraisals are consistent, the homes pass inspection standards, insurance is available, and early loan performance looks normal, more lenders will likely enter the space. I expect the early movement to be concentrated where printed communities actually exist and then spread as inventory grows.”

Ranola agrees. “The timeline is gradual, not overnight,” he says. “I would expect other major lenders to pilot similar programs within the next year or two.”

Alexei Morgado, a real estate agent in Hialeah, Florida, says the decision by Wells Fargo is also “a clear message to the industry that 3D-printed homes have now become acceptable as a means of supply.”

The Advantages and Disadvantages of 3D-Printed Construction

While 3D printed homes may seem like a novelty, they offer several advantages over traditional construction.

“There will be much less time spent on construction, labor used and waste of material,” Morgado says. “When it comes to Florida, where buyers appreciate durability, these buildings are resistant to moisture, termites, winds and maintenance, which is a problem with some other buildings.”

Of course, these homes also have some clear drawbacks.

“The lack of comparable sales results in challenges for appraisers when estimating the value of such homes,” Morgado says. And he cautions that buyers need to be mindful of whether local companies can repair and modify these homes due to their unique construction.

Parangi, meanwhile, says, “A thin resale track record (can create) appraisal risk if you refinance or sell in a few years.”

He also points out that 3D-printed homes share many of the costs that come with building a conventional home, such as roofing, plumbing and electrical.

You need “permits and labor for everything that isn’t printed,” Parangi says. “So while the technology has the potential to improve efficiency, it doesn’t automatically translate into dramatically cheaper homes today.”

[See: ]

The Insurance Hurdle for Early 3D Homebuyers

Even if buyers can obtain mortgages for 3D-printed homes more easily, there’s still the challenge of insuring them.

Parangi says, “3D-printed homes could be attractive to insurers if the materials perform well against fire, wind, pests or water intrusion.”

However, he notes, “Insurance pricing is based on claims data, replacement cost and repairability. Because this is still a newer property type, some insurers may take a cautious approach until they have more data.”

While Parangi thinks could eventually become a selling point for 3D-printed homes, especially if the structures prove more resistant to certain hazards, buyers may face higher premiums in the near term.

Brad Spurgeon, CEO of Brad Spurgeon Insurance Agency in Texas City, Texas, says he hopes Wells Fargo’s recent announcement will push carriers to solve the problem of insuring 3D-printed homes faster. But for now, there could be challenges.

“Just because a lender is willing to offer a mortgage on a 3D-printed home does not mean a standard carrier will issue a homeowners policy on it at standard rates,” he explains. “Buyers may have no choice but to purchase insurance through surplus lines markets at higher premiums simply because there is no loss history for carriers to price the risk.”

Spurgeon does think traditional underwriting will become available as 3D-printed homes become more prevalent and loss costs are tracked. However, he warns, “The buyers that will be hurt most are those buying now before that loss data exists.”

What to Consider Before Buying a 3D-Printed Home

While it’s becoming easier to finance 3D-printed homes, some challenges do exist.

Morgado says that if you’re interested in a 3D-printed home, research is key.

Buyers “should do their homework first and get their permits, inspections, warranties, engineer’s details, wind certifications where necessary, builder’s history, comp studies and financing, among others,” he says.

Morgado says it’s also important to understand which parts of the house were really printed. In many cases, ICON homes are usually printed only for walls, while roofs, wiring, plumbing, HVAC and other components are still done traditionally.

“It’s important for buyers not to be preoccupied with just the technological aspect of the house but also on its overall performance,” he insists.

Finally, Morgado says, buyers of these homes need to consider the overall cost, and not just . Those costs could include insurance, property taxes, potential HOA fees and maintenance.

“Even with lender credits, the disparity is huge,” Morgado says.

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Borrowers can combat the high rates of their initial loans by refinancing them when market conditions improve. This involves taking out a new private loan to pay off one or more of your existing student loans. In addition to cutting overall costs, people may refinance to create more manageable monthly payments, to simplify their finances by combining several loans into one or to remove a cosigner from the original loan.

Only about 10% of eligible borrowers refinance their student loans, according to a recent by the private lender Earnest. One key reason is that the overwhelming majority of the total student loan volume is federal, and refinancing a federal loan means forfeiting benefits such as and .

But for certain borrowers, refinancing student loans can result in thousands of dollars in savings. Lower interest rates typically trigger a new wave of borrowers seeking to take advantage of favorable conditions to trim their payments.

Interest rates have fallen in the past couple years, so you might be wondering whether now is a good time to refinance your student loans.

“Current rates are in a reasonable range,” says Paul Gentile, president and CEO of Merck Employees Federal Credit Union, which offers student loan refinancing as well as new loans to undergraduate and graduate students. “Not historically low, but competitive enough that it’s worth checking what you’d qualify for.”

Here’s a look at what to consider when deciding whether to refinance your student loans in June 2026.

[Read: ]

Why It Might Make Sense to Refinance Student Loans Now

Private student loan refinancing rates have remained about the same over the past year, according to a U.S. 太子探花 analysis of rates reported by top private lenders.

The average low student loan refinancing fixed rate offered in May was 5.33%, while the average high was 10.85%. The lowest refinancing rates available were just slightly below 4%, although those only go to the most creditworthy borrowers. The highest reported rates hovered around 14%.

“Private refinancing rates today are meaningfully higher than what borrowers could get in 2020 and 2021, when five-year fixed rates were touching 2 to 3% for well-qualified borrowers,” says Jeff Judge, a certified financial planner and managing partner with Chesapeake Financial Planners. “Right now, I’m seeing competitive offers in the 5.5% to 7.5% range depending on credit profile and loan term, which is respectable compared to 2023 peaks but still well above the lows.” The current rates might be unappealing to someone sitting on low-rate loans from 2020, but they could present a savings opportunity for borrowers who took out loans in the past several years.

Federal student loans, which come with a fixed rate set once each year based on a formula tied to the May 10-year Treasury auction, hit their highest marks in a decade in 2024-25. A graduate student or parent borrower who took out PLUS loans at 9.08% that year, for example, might be paying an interest rate that exceeds the highest rate reported by some private lenders.

Federal Student Loan Rates Since 2020

“For borrowers with strong credit scores, private refinance rates can actually come in below the federal rates they’re currently carrying, which changes the math considerably,” says Michael Jerkins, president and co-founder of Panacea Financial, a fintech platform that specializes in student loan refinancing for doctors, dentists and veterinarians. “It’s not a universal answer, but for the right borrower, the rate environment right now is more favorable than people might assume.”

Jerkins emphasizes that borrowers should only refinance federal loans if they’re certain they won’t benefit from a federal income-driven repayment plan or loan forgiveness in the future.

Who Should Consider Refinancing Now?

Whether you should refinance depends largely on your financial situation and the terms of your existing loans. Here are some signs you might benefit from refinancing your student loans.

You Have a High Interest Rate

If you have private student loans at a relatively high interest rate, checking with lenders to see if you could improve your rate is likely worth the effort. As long as the terms otherwise remain the same and there’s no origination fee, you’re not risking any benefits.

Your Credit Score and Income Have Improved

Two of the biggest factors that most lenders weigh when determining your rate are your credit score and your debt-to-income ratio. If you’re earning a higher salary and you’ve built up your credit profile in recent years, you may qualify for a much better rate than you would have when you were in school.

You Want to Simplify or Consolidate

Sometimes borrowers just want to stop juggling multiple payments with more than one lender. Refinancing can allow you to consolidate those loans into one payment and simplify your finances.

In fact, Jerkins says he’s even seeing an increase in borrowers refinancing federal loans after becoming weary from the various court rulings, repayment plan overhauls and other legislative changes that have taken place in recent years. They’re seeking predictability as much as they’re seeking a better rate, he says.

“Borrowers are anxious and confused after six years of whipsaw changes to the federal student loan system, and they want to simplify,” Jerkins says. “For a lot of borrowers, refinancing isn’t just a financial calculation anymore; it’s about getting out of a system that feels unpredictable and finally having a loan that makes sense to them.”

You Don’t Plan to Pursue Federal Loan Forgiveness

High earners carrying high-rate federal loans might consider refinancing if they don’t have plans to pursue either public service or time-based forgiveness of their debt. Parents who haven’t federally consolidated their PLUS loans may also be more incentivized to refinance, as or loan cancellation starting July 1, 2026.

“Anyone paying above 6% or 7% who has stable employment and no plans to pursue federal forgiveness programs should take a serious look,” says Gentile.

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How to Decide if Refinancing Is Worth It for You

When you’re trying to determine whether refinancing student loans is worth it, start by focusing on what you’re trying to accomplish. Are you trying to lower your monthly payments to free up funds now? Are you trying to trim the overall cost of the loan? Are you trying to combine a mix of loans into one?

Here’s one example of how refinancing could make a difference.

Let’s say you have a 10-year student loan with an 8% interest rate and a $50,000 balance. Your current monthly payment is $607. At that rate, by the time you’ve paid off the loan, your total payment would be about $72,797. Here’s a look at what you would pay if you refinanced the loan to 6.5% for various term lengths.

If you can refinance to the lower rate at the same term length, you’d end up trimming both your monthly payment and the total cost over the lifetime of the loan. In many cases, lenders will give you a better rate for a shorter term. That can often mean significant total savings but higher monthly payments, as shown here in the example. If you’re able to get that 6.5% rate for an extended 15-year term, your monthly bill would fall considerably, but your total cost would actually increase even with the lower interest rate.

“Start by calculating your current weighted average rate across all loans and compare it to what you’re being offered,” says Gentile. “Factor in your remaining balance and how many years are left; the higher the balance, the more a rate reduction matters. It’s also important to consider whether you’re extending your repayment term to get a lower monthly payment, because that can cost more in interest over time even if the monthly number looks better. The application process is short, so the simplest way to answer this question is just to apply and see what you qualify for before making any decision.”

Jerkins says many of the doctors who refinance with his company have six-figure debts, and he cautions people with larger balances to take an even closer look before making a refinancing decision.

“Balance size amplifies everything, both the upside and the downside,” says Jerkins. “A 1% rate reduction on a $400,000 loan saves $4,000 a year, which is meaningful. But a wrong decision at that balance is also significantly more costly than it would be at $50,000.”

Borrowers considering refinancing should choose lenders who will run a soft credit check to determine whether potential rates, says Tom O’Hare, holistic college advisor at Get College Going.

“It does not obligate them to the lender, and they can determine if the rate adjustment is sufficient to complete the refinancing transaction,” he says.

Refinancing Federal Loans to Private

Experts generally caution borrowers against refinancing federal loans into private products.

Income-driven repayment plans available from the government can provide meaningful relief in the form of much lower payments. Because those payments are based on your income, the interest rate of your loan typically won’t play a role in your monthly bill. These plans also allow the remaining balance of your loan to be discharged after a certain amount of time, usually 20 or 25 years. (Although you may .)

Private lenders rarely offer these benefits.

“One reason not to refi from a federal loan to private is the more favorable and flexible terms of federal student loans as well as the possibility of loan forgiveness,” says Kevin Ladd, chief operating officer and co-creator of Scholarships.com. “Once you refinance a federal loan with a private one, you will never have the balance forgiven.”

Judge says its rare that all the factors weigh in favor of shifting loans from federal to private.

“I almost never recommend it unless the borrower has a high income, no realistic path to forgiveness, and the spread between the federal rate and a private offer is materially significant,” he says, noting that he’d want to see the rate improve by at least 1.5 to 2 percentage points. “Even then, we model both scenarios out through payoff before I’d recommend pulling the trigger.”

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What Will Happen With Rates in 2026?

Private student loan rates generally move in response to decisions made by the Federal Reserve. If the Fed cuts its benchmark rate, private lenders may drop theirs in turn.

After a series of cuts to close out 2025, the federal funds rate has held steady in 2026 in a range of 3.5% to 3.75%. Most forecasters expect rates to remain unchanged at the Fed’s June meeting and perhaps for the coming months as well.

“I’d plan around rates being in a similar band through at least mid-2026, with some room for modest downward movement in the back half of the year,” says Judge. “I wouldn’t hold off refinancing expecting a windfall.”

Jerkins says it’s probably better to focus on your immediate financial situation rather than pausing plans in hopes of lower rates.

“I’d caution anyone against trying to time the market on this,” he says. “If refinancing makes financial sense for you today, waiting around for a marginally better rate could easily cost you more than whatever you’d save. I generally recommend borrowers to make the decision based on your situation, not on rate speculation.”

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Consider . Owning 100 shares of a stock allows an investor to sell call options against that position in exchange for immediate premium income. However, doing so effectively caps some future price appreciation. Whether that premium adequately compensates an investor depends on a variety of factors, including the option’s strike price, time to expiration and implied volatility.

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The same principle applies to . Companies that distribute a large portion of their earnings through quarterly or monthly payouts can provide an attractive income stream. However, dividends are not free money. In taxable accounts, each dividend may create a tax liability, and on the ex-dividend date, a company’s share price typically adjusts downward.

Bond investors face a similar dynamic. Those seeking higher income may be tempted to move beyond investment-grade bonds and into high-yield, or “junk,” bonds. These securities carry credit ratings below BBB and compensate investors with higher coupon payments. However, those higher yields exist because investors are accepting a greater risk that the issuer may be unable to repay its debt obligations.

The difference in default risk can be substantial. According to S&P Global, the three-year cumulative default rate for BBB-rated companies is just 0.9%. For BB-rated issuers, the highest tier of non-investment-grade debt, that figure rises to 4.2%. Moving down to B-rated bonds triples the default rate to 12.4%, while CCC-rated issuers experience a staggering 45.7% default rate over the same period.

can help mitigate some of this risk. By spreading capital across high-yield bonds issued by different companies, sectors and credit ratings, investors can reduce the impact of any single default.

The challenge is that building a diversified portfolio of individual high-yield bonds can be difficult. Unlike , corporate bonds often trade with less transparent pricing and poorer liquidity. For many investors, outsourcing the work to a high-yield bond fund may be the more practical solution.

Available as both and , these vehicles either replicate broad high-yield bond indexes or rely on active managers to select securities based on fundamental research.

In a fund structure, investors gain diversification, professional management, monthly income distributions instead of semiannual bond coupons, and, in the case of ETFs, intraday liquidity and portfolio transparency.

Here are seven of the best high-yield bond funds to buy today:

iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ()

“The bond that you’re buying represents the creditworthiness of whomever you’re lending that money to,” says Michael Wagner, co-founder and chief operating officer at Omnia Family Wealth. “A high-yield bond is like making a loan to a company that might have more risk — the risk that you’re not going to be paid back at all.” If you are unsure about repayment, it makes sense to demand a higher yield.

HYG illustrates this principle clearly. This high-yield bond ETF spans 1,300 holdings, 57% of which are rated BB, 32% B and 9% CCC. Consumer discretionary sector companies make up the bulk of its exposure, at 17.8%. After deducting a 0.49% expense ratio, investors currently get paid a 6.5% 30-day SEC yield. HYG also has an active options chain, allowing investors to sell covered calls for additional income.

State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF ()

“I think retail investors should generally access high-yield bonds through a pooled investment vehicle like a mutual fund or ETF,” Wagner says. “It’s very difficult for a regular retail investor to analyze the high-yield bond market, and you really have to do a lot of due diligence and credit-risk analysis on these companies.” JNK is another long-standing option, with $7.7 billion in assets under management.

This high-yield bond ETF passively tracks the Bloomberg High Yield Very Liquid Index, which helps JNK maintain a low 30-day median bid-ask spread of 0.01%. JNK is also slightly more affordable than HYG, with a 0.4% expense ratio, but it has a less active options chain with lower trading volume and poorer open interest. The ETF currently pays a 6.6% 30-day SEC yield with monthly distributions.

Schwab High Yield Bond ETF ()

A general rule of thumb in the ETF industry is that greater complexity in the underlying securities often results in higher expense ratios. Some asset managers, however, are attempting to disrupt that pricing model. One example is SCYB, which tracks the ICE BofA US Cash Pay High Yield Constrained Index for an ultra-low 0.03% expense ratio, rivaling the fees of some aggregate bond index funds.

SCYB has proven highly popular since launching in July 2023 and now manages more than $2.5 billion. By keeping fees exceptionally low, the fund is able to pass more income through to investors. SCYB’s current 6.9% 30-day SEC yield is higher than both HYG and JNK, while maintaining broadly comparable exposures for credit quality and interest rate sensitivity.

BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Sector Rotation ETF ()

“The U.S. high-yield bond market offers attractive yield and relative value opportunities for investors evaluating where to invest in fixed income,” says JoAnne Bianco, partner and senior investment strategist at BondBloxx. “Credit fundamentals for high-yield issuers are strong, supported by the resilient U.S. economy, healthy balance sheets, manageable debt maturities and lower interest rates.”

HYSA delivers an actively managed high-yield bond strategy at a 0.55% expense ratio. This ETF uses a “fund of funds” structure to tactically allocate between different BondBloxx high-yield bond funds based on fundamental analysis. HYSA currently pays a 6.3% 30-day SEC yield. However, liquidity for this ETF is poorer than HYG and JNK due to a wider 0.2% 30-day median bid-ask spread.

BondBloxx BB Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ()

“The BB rating category represents the highest-rated, non-investment-grade bonds in the U.S. high-yield bond universe,” Bianco says. “This rating category exhibits the highest balance sheet strength in high yield, and the lowest historical default rate.” Opting for a pure BB-exposure high-yield bond ETF like XBB may be a reasonable compromise for investors trying to balance yield and risk.

XBB’s portfolio of about 1,000 high-yield bonds is rated B1 through B3 based on an average from the three major ratings agencies: Moody’s, S&P Global and Fitch Ratings. To ensure diversification, bond issuers are capped at 2% each, which ensures a more balanced representation across sectors. After deducting a 0.2% expense ratio, investors currently receive a 5.7% 30-day SEC yield with monthly payouts.

BondBloxx B Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ()

“B-rated corporate bonds represent the ‘Goldilocks’ middle tier of the U.S. high-yield bond market,” Bianco explains. “Their attractiveness reflects the combination of elevated coupon income, manageable credit risk and broad investor demand.” For this segment of the high-yield bond market, BondBloxx offers XB at a 0.3% expense ratio. The ETF currently pays a 6.9% 30-day SEC yield.

It is important to remember that XB’s SEC yield is quoted before taxes. Yield from XB is generally taxed as ordinary income at both the federal and state level. Depending on an investor’s tax bracket, that can materially reduce after-tax returns. As a result, many investors may prefer to hold high-yield bond funds such as XB inside tax-advantaged accounts like a .

BondBloxx CCC Rated USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF ()

“Within the high-yield corporate bond category, income from CCC-rated corporate bonds has averaged 10% annually over the past 20 years,” Bianco explains. This level of yield matches the income potential from assets such as mortgage real estate investment trusts (mREITs) and (BDCs). XCCC pays an 11.8% 30-day SEC yield after deducting a 0.4% expense ratio.

XCCC has delivered a 10.3% annualized total return over the trailing three-year period, rivaling some equity funds. Investors should remember, however, that this performance occurred during relatively stable credit conditions. In a recession, CCC-rated issuers can experience elevated default rates, which may result in substantial losses and significant declines in the ETF’s net asset value.

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However, owning and operating physical can be costly, risky and difficult for individuals. Instead, investors can buy shares of real estate investment trusts, or REITs. REITs pool money from their investors and typically invest in diversified portfolios of real estate assets. REITs can specialize in , commercial or specialty real estate, and they often have high dividend yields.

Here are 10 of the best REITs to buy in 2026, according to Morningstar:

*Based on June 8 closing price and Morningstar analysts’ price targets.

American Tower Corp. ()

American Tower is a specialized REIT that operates the world’s largest independent portfolio of wireless communications and broadcast towers. Analyst Michael Hodel projects steady, mid-single-digit growth from the tower business over time but says it’s unlikely American Tower will exceed that organic growth rate without outside acquisitions. However, Hodel says he’s happy American Tower has dialed back its acquisitions in the recent years given the lack of attractive deals available. For now, Hodel says the REIT will likely focus on organic growth and share buybacks. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $225 fair value estimate for AMT stock, which closed at $189.10 on June 8.

Realty Income Corp. ()

Realty Income is a retail REIT that owns, develops and manages U.S. retail real estate with a focus on single-tenant buildings. It is the largest triple-net REIT in the U.S., meaning tenants pay all property expenses, including real estate taxes, maintenance and building insurance. Realty Income has a 5.4% dividend yield and makes , making it an attractive income source. Analyst Kevin Brown says about 80% of Realty Income’s tenants are in retail, but they mostly operate service-oriented, defensive businesses. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $75 fair value estimate for O stock, which closed at $60.01 on June 8.

Crown Castle Inc. ()

Crown Castle is a specialty REIT that owns and operates wireless communications towers. In March 2025, Crown Castle agreed to sell its fiber business to Zayo Group Holdings. Two months later, the company cut its dividend by 32%, but Crown Castle still has an attractive 4.6% yield after the cut. Hodel says Crown Castle’s decision to divest its fiber business and focus on dividends and buybacks was the right call given AT&T Inc. () and Verizon Communications Inc. () have been developing their own fiber networks. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $117 fair value estimate for CCI stock, which closed at $91.79 on June 8.

Extra Space Storage Inc. ()

Extra Space Storage is one of the largest publicly traded self-storage REITs. Brown projects funds from operations (FFO) per share of $8.18 and a 0.7% annual decline in same-store net operating income (NOI) in 2026. In the longer term, he anticipates annual same-store NOI growth of 2.9% and FFO per share growth of 4.2% as oversupply pressures subside and structural demand recovers. Brown says Extra Space has demonstrated its ability to limit churn, and 64% of its current customer base has leases over 12 months. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $158 fair value estimate for EXR stock, which closed at $145 on June 8.

AvalonBay Communities Inc. ()

AvalonBay Communities is a multifamily residential REIT that specializes in upscale apartment communities. In May, AvalonBay and Equity Residential () announced a merger of equals deal to create a combined REIT with an enterprise value of approximately $69 billion and a portfolio of more than 180,000 rental apartments. AvalonBay shares have gained 4.6% in 2026, and Brown says both companies and their respective shareholders will benefit from the merger. He says AvalonBay’s properties are high-quality investments in attractive markets. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $221 fair value estimate for AVB stock, which closed at $187.61 on June 8.

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Equity Residential ()

Equity Residential is a multifamily residential REIT that owns and operates a diversified portfolio of apartment properties. Once its merger with AvalonBay is completed, Equity Residential shareholders will own 48.8% of the combined company, while AvalonBay investors will own 51.2%. The executive teams of the two REITs estimate the deal will create roughly $125 million in cost savings within 18 months of closing. Brown is bullish on Equity Residential’s property portfolio, which is focused in core markets such as San Diego and Los Angeles. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $80 fair value estimate for EQR stock, which closed at $67.34 on June 8.

SBA Communications Corp. ()

SBA Communications is a specialized REIT that owns and operates a global wireless communications tower network. Hodel says SBA is probably the most likely of the three public U.S. tower companies to be taken private, but SBA management has said rumors the company plans to go private have no “real basis.” Hodel says SBA has taken a cautious approach to acquisitions, which has allowed the company to avoid overpaying for assets, generate relatively strong and aggressively repurchase its stock. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $250 fair value estimate for SBAC stock, which closed at $200.10 on June 8.

Essex Property Trust Inc. ()

Essex Property Trust is a residential REIT that owns and operates multifamily properties in California and the Pacific Northwest. Brown says Essex’s portfolio is focused in that attract younger populations and should experience strong long-term growth and favorable demographic trends, including San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. He anticipates these markets will experience income and job growth along with falling homeownership rates and relatively high single-family home prices. Brown says this dynamic will allow for above-average rent growth without Essex sacrificing occupancy rates. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $308 fair value estimate for ESS stock, which closed at $282 on June 8.

Kimco Realty Corp. ()

Kimco Realty is one of the largest U.S. owners and operators of neighborhood and community shopping centers. Shares are up 22% so far in 2026, the best performance of any REIT on this list. Brown says Kimco has completely restructured its portfolio since 2010 by strategically selling lower-quality assets and reinvesting the proceeds in high-yielding development and redevelopment projects. The REIT’s current properties are largely grocery-anchored centers, super-regional centers, and mixed-use centers in major metropolitan markets. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $27 fair value estimate for KIM stock, which closed at $24.24 on June 8.

Invitation Homes Inc. ()

Invitation Homes owns, operates and leases single-family U.S. homes in the starter and move-up categories. The REIT’s portfolio is concentrated largely in the western U.S. and Florida. Brown says rental costs are lower than homeownership costs in most of Invitation Homes’ markets, which allows the REIT to increase rents with minimal impact on occupancy. In addition, he says Invitation’s operating margins benefit from the company hiring its own repair technicians and maintenance workers instead of contracting that work out to expensive third parties. Morningstar has a “buy” rating and $38 fair value estimate for INVH stock, which closed at $29.38 on June 8.

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Benchmark exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are picking up steam in response. The Rex Drone ETF (ticker: ), which holds drone-industry mainstays such as AeroVironment Inc. () and Red Cat Holdings Inc. (), is up 16.6% by net asset value in 2026.

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Meanwhile, the AdvisorShares Drone Technology ETF (UAV), one of the largest dedicated U.S. drone ETFs and the best-known pure-play drone fund, is up 15.5% this year as of June 8.

Catalysts for Drone Stock Growth

So what’s driving drone industry growth in 2026? Market experts point to war and peace.

“The drone sector in 2026 should not be analyzed only through companies that build battlefield drones,” says Ilya Margolin, a Russia-based economist and IPO and capital markets analyst. “The more durable investment theme is the infrastructure around unmanned systems: autonomous aircraft, sensors, imaging, edge AI, geospatial software, communications and airspace-security technology. That is where investors can get exposure to the drone cycle without depending entirely on one weapons program or one conflict.”

The ongoing military fracas in the Middle East has particularly boosted demand for airspace awareness and critical infrastructure protection. “Every drone threat creates spending on detection, tracking, electronic monitoring, sensor networks and command systems,” Margolin notes. “That demand is broader than the military battlefield. It includes airports, ports, energy facilities, border security, public safety and industrial sites.”

A Shift Toward Drones in Warfare

Drones have also become the cheapest way to destroy the adversary’s most expensive things, and that’s a big deal in the realm. “Since late February, Iran has launched thousands of drones at U.S. bases and Gulf allies across the region,” says Tobias Robinson, an analyst at BrokerListings.com. “Last week the U.S. shot down Iranian missiles and drones aimed at the and Gulf allies. Cheap drones also force the development of expensive interceptors, so governments buy both the drones and the systems that shoot them down.”

While Iran and current global conflicts are a big factor in the drone industry’s growth, the bigger force is policy. “In December the U.S. government added China’s Da-Jiang Innovations and Autel to its Covered List,” Robinson says. “This shut off new drone models from being imported into the U.S. and aims to restrict the market to domestic builders.”

Now the hard part is building drones at scale, “when you’ve traditionally relied on a now walled-off adversary to make the parts,” Robinson says.

Which drone stocks will benefit from the industry’s continuing ascent? These drone companies are a good place to start:

*As of June 9.

**A measure of a company’s short-term liquidity and ability to pay debts to creditors (greater than 1 is ideal).

AeroVironment Inc. ()

AVAV is looking to right the ship after a meandering first five months of 2026. The drone manufacturer rang the revenue bell recently with a $117 million U.S. Army contract to provide 82 P550 unmanned aircraft systems, bolstering its already robust position as one of the Pentagon’s leading drone suppliers.

The Army deal also adds to an impressive backlog of military orders tied to AVAV’s autonomous systems and battlefield drones, leading the company to steer serious cash into expansion and potentially lucrative partnerships. It has $1.1 billion worth of orders on tap in early 2026, compared to $726.6 million in late April 2025.

AeroVironment also just announced a $15 million production capacity expansion near Dayton, Ohio, that should boost the company’s output of drones, loitering munitions and other defense technologies.

Market analysts have revised their ratings on AVAV shares, with a consensus “strong buy” call and a $301 price target. That indicates a 63% rise from its $184.68 closing price on June 8.

Ondas Inc. ()

Ondas’ shares continue to inch upward in the past month, largely on bullish sentiment over revenue growth and demand for the company’s autonomous drone solutions. Revenues surged 605% in full-year 2025, at the high end of guidance. Backlog also picked up in the latest quarter, with debt reduction further polishing Ondas’ quarterly results.

At the end of last year, company CEO Eric Brock said Ondas’ strong numbers were validation that it is doing what company leaders said it would do. “Starting with 2025, we delivered strong performance across both our core business and our strategic initiatives,” Brock said. “We generated over $50 million in revenue, well ahead of our earlier targets, and exited the year with a significantly expanded backlog, reflecting growing customer demand and market adoption. At the same time, we are raising our 2026 revenue outlook to at least $375 million, representing a substantial step-up from prior expectations.”

As a result, industry analysts are climbing on the ONDS bandwagon, and maybe investors should, too. A consensus call from seven Wall Street technology analysts pegged a price target of $20 per share, nearly double the June 8 closing price of $10.30.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. ()

Kratos, a relatively recent addition to the S&P SmallCap 600 Index, has suffered the same fate as its drone-industry peers, with its share price down 24% year to date. Yet, Kratos actually has a lot going for it. The San Diego-based company provides mission-critical products, services and solutions for U.S. national security priorities and is the top provider of unmanned aerial target drone systems to the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and key U.S. defense partners. That’s a big deal, considering the U.S. Department of Defense plans to spend a big chunk of its 2026 funding on areas where Kratos excels in the unmanned aircraft systems market.

The company also reported a $2 billion order backlog, which should provide plenty of cash flow for the rest of 2026. A cornerstone is Kratos’ $447 million deal with the U.S. Space Force to design, integrate and operate the ground management architecture for its Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking (MWT) program in Medium Earth Orbit.

Wall Street analysts are on board with a Kratos turnaround story, setting a $103 consensus price target, indicating about a 77.5% gain in the next year.

Rocket Lab Corp. ()

Long Beach, California-based Rocket Lab has taken a step back over the past month, with its share price down 3%. Its investors are barely breaking a sweat, though, as the stock remains up 63% year to date and 319% over the past full year. Concerns arose among shareholders after four key C-suite leaders sold over $18 million in company shares, all on May 28, just after SpaceX announced its high-profile plan to take the company public at a sky-high $1.75 trillion valuation.

Analysts have noted that Rocket Lab is one of the few legitimate alternatives to SpaceX in launch systems, particularly in terms of affordability, in the and telecom markets, where business is brisk in 2026. Rocket Lab’s stock skyrocketed 34% within 24 hours of the SpaceX report.

After the happens, as soon as this week, many investors may mull over alternative exposure to the commercial space industry as SpaceX shares get more expensive or difficult to accumulate. That’s where Rocket Lab could step in, as a true “space economy” pure play. Rocket Lab offers many of the same services as SpaceX, including launch services, satellites, space systems, defense-related space contracts and emerging deep-space missions.

In that scenario, where trillions of dollars should eventually be in play, Rocket Lab already serves as a “mini-SpaceX” proxy. Stifel Nicolaus analyst Erik Rasmussen seems to think so, holding his “buy” rating on RKLB with a $132 price target in early June. Shares closed at $113.65 on June 8.

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Red Cat Holdings Inc. ()

This San Juan, Puerto Rico-based drone services company has been trading erratically of late. What’s the story with Red Cat? For starters, there’s no large-scale, specific downbeat news to report, like poor earnings or a dearth of contracts — none of that applies here, save for a pause in the U.S.-Iran conflict, as the operation relied heavily on one-way unmanned attack drones to take out Iran’s nuclear arsenal, with Red Cat playing a role. Company executives have offloaded a large amount of shares over the past year, however, which could have stirred concerns among investors.

The company’s financials are holding up well in mid-2026. Red Cat recently reported first-quarter 2026 revenue growth of 849% year over year, reaching approximately $15.5 million. Gross margins also turned positive after being deeply negative a year earlier. Those are the figures typically look for in emerging defense technology companies.

Following impressive Q1 results, Red Cat’s management has also outlined a path toward annual revenue of $150 million to $180 million while targeting roughly 30% gross margins as production rises, giving RCAT another bullish sheen. The company also made news recently with its new deal with AI drone software firm Safe Pro Group to add AI threat-detection capabilities to Red Cat’s drones, with formal testing set for this summer.

On May 20, the company announced an all-stock acquisition of Quaze Technologies for $21 million. Quaze is expected to supply Red Cat with a platform-agnostic wireless power system to fuel its drones, giving RCAT a big boost in the rising global autonomous systems market.

Analysts have pegged Red Cat as a “buy” with a $22 price target, implying a 76.6% upside from its June 8 closing price of $12.46.

Unusual Machines Inc. ()

This Orlando, Florida-based drone solutions company with a focus on first-person view (FPV) technology made big news in late May after media reports that the Trump administration included it in a list of drone companies in line to be funded by the U.S. government. Donald Trump Jr. is on the company’s advisory board.

Unusual Machines, which specializes in flight controllers and FPV video goggles and is expanding into battery and motor production for drones, should be a big beneficiary of Uncle Sam’s largesse, as the company is in line with federal drone-parts certification requirements.

The Pentagon funding news was enough to boost UMAC stock over 80% for the past month, although the company’s share price slid by 5% in a wild ride over the past week as shareholders indulged in some profit-taking. Analysts have thrown their weight behind the stock, with Roth Capital’s Craig Irwin reinforcing his “buy” call with a $40 price target (shares just closed at $25.85 on June 8).

Swarmer Inc. ()

Swarmer, which went public on March 17, is trading around $59 per share, up 118% over the past month. That’s no mean feat considering the company’s share price declined by 25% from April to May, following an upbeat IPO that saw SWMR shares rise from $5 to $31 on day one.

Now the company has found its form, as Swarmer has a $33 million backlog and targets $20 million in 2026 revenue. It just announced that its subsidiary, Swarmer Estonia O脺, has inked a contract with Meta Bureau valued at $2.9 million. The deal calls for over 16,000 software licenses intended for use on the latter’s SkyKnight quadcopter bombers and other unmanned aerial vehicles, and it should provide a young company some much-needed ballast in the drone defense sector.

Are Drone Stocks Being Overlooked Right Now?

It’s difficult to argue that drone stocks are being ignored by investors lately, now that military drones are among the most widely deployed real-world applications of AI. Yet, like many emerging, but relatively young technologies, the drone industry needs time to grow.

“It’s hard to say whether drone stocks are being overlooked,” Robinson says. “The total market cap of the sector, in terms of pure-play names, is around $25 billion. Some investors might look at that figure and think, similar to the $100 billion value attached to quantum computing, that the $25 billion figure is high relative to current cash flow since these companies mostly lose money, but not that high relative to future potential.”

Semiconductors have offered about a 20x return over the past 10 years, so there’s always the asymmetric appeal of a rising technology like drones. “Of course, there are also many badly underperforming tech bets over that time … such as 3D printing, solar, fuel-cell/hydrogen, SPAC EV companies and metaverse/VR,” Robinson says.

In the end, for artificial intelligence to have impact in the physical world and not just code, text, images and other media, it’ll need a body, and “a drone is one expression of that,” Robinson says.

Investors may also look at drone stocks as exciting but uneven. “Many sector companies are smaller, less mature, highly volatile and exposed to lumpy government contracts, regulatory delays, supply-chain constraints and rapid technology change,” says Bill Birmingham, managing director at Rex Shares, a technology trading tools company. “That is exactly why we think the category is better approached through a diversified thematic (fund) basket rather than trying to pick a single winner.”

Are drone companies overlooked in the AI frenzy? In some ways, yes, Birmingham notes. “Investors have focused heavily on AI data centers and , but drones could also be called a form of physical AI: autonomy, sensors, edge computing, robotics and real-world data collection. This is a highly Darwinian environment where many business models are being tested both in terms of their ability to maintain their technological or strategic advantage, but also in their ability to execute on backlogs.”

It’s also one thing to win at the demo level, but quite another to deliver 50,000 or 100,000 defect-free units on time and on budget. “That said, there are some amazing technologies being developed in this race, which investors should be looking at more closely,” Birmingham says. “Drones are a global business, and the U.S. is just entering the race in a meaningful way. We are still very early in this theme.”

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Home healthcare offers a cost-effective and convenient alternative to services provided at hospitals or . What’s key is determining what level of care you need, what will cover and how to qualify.

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What Is Home Healthcare?

refers to short-term medical services provided in the home to promote recovery, maintain independence and restore health or lessen the effects of illness and disability.

Licensed nurses and therapists provide this kind of clinical or skilled care, with the most common services including:

— , which helps improve your ability to perform like dressing or cooking

— , which is important for regaining strength, mobility and

— Medical social services, such as connecting seniors to resources, counseling or care planning

— , such as wound care, medication management, IV therapy and other medical necessities

— , such as help with speech, swallowing and communication after a , brain injury or other serious illness

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Home Healthcare vs. Home Care: What’s the Difference?

Despite the abundance of information available, understanding the can be challenging.

Below is a chart highlighting the differences and similarities in services covered:

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How Do You Qualify for Medicare Home Healthcare?

To qualify for home healthcare services, you must complete a multistep process:

— Meet with your healthcare provider: You must have a face-to-face meeting with your doctor or a qualifying healthcare professional to determine if you meet the criteria, such as being homebound.

— Obtain an official order: If the provider considers in-home care necessary, they will place an order with a home healthcare agency. In addition to being homebound, if you are transitioning from a hospital or skilled nursing facility stay, you must receive home healthcare services within 14 days of your discharge.

— Undergo an initial assessment: The will visit your home to complete an assessment of all your care needs and share this information with your doctor.

— Receive ongoing evaluations: After the initial review, the agency must regularly reassess your needs. The agency is responsible for addressing all medical, nursing, rehabilitative, social and discharge planning needs outlined in your home healthcare plan.

What Home Healthcare Services Medicare Covers

If you are signed up for original , which consists of (hospital insurance) and (medical insurance), you can use your benefits to cover certain home healthcare services, such as:

— Visits from a nurse or therapist

— Durable , such as canes, walkers and scooters

— Injectable drugs for women

— Medical supplies for use at home, such as , test strips and continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, machines

— Nutrition support

— Part-time or intermittent home health aide care only if you’re also getting skilled nursing care at the same time

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

There are several care services that , including:

— Continuous daytime care at home

— Meal delivery services to your home

— Homemaker services, such as food shopping and cleaning

— Custodial or personal care that helps you with — such as bathing, dressing or using the bathroom — when this is the only care you need

—

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How Long Will Medicare Pay for In-Home Care?

Medicare covers home healthcare for as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. However, coverage is generally limited to “intermittent” care — meaning fewer than seven days a week and usually less than eight hours a day, for up to 21 days at a time. Extensions are possible if your doctor certifies that you still need it, but this is not a long-term benefit.

If you’re enrolled in a plan, you may incur out-of-pocket costs and coverage may be different. Check your plan to determine your specific benefits.

Before your home healthcare starts, the agency should clearly explain both in writing and in person what Medicare will and won’t cover and how much you may need to pay for any services or items.

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How to Find Home Healthcare

Many and healthcare systems now offer their own in-house home healthcare services to make it more convenient to find qualified care.

“This can be a tremendous benefit to the patient having their care all within the same system,” Slatton says.

You can only receive care from one home health agency at a time, but you have the right to switch agencies whenever you choose. To do so, you need to inform both the agency you are leaving and the new one you’re joining and secure a new referral from your doctor or a qualified provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

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How Credit Card Downgrades Work

Credit card downgrades, or product changes, allow you to switch to a different credit card with the same issuer without closing your account. It’s common to downgrade from a credit card with an annual fee to a card with no annual fee. You might want to downgrade a credit card if you’re not getting enough value from it or you want to simplify your credit card portfolio while maintaining your credit history.

Credit card issuers typically allow product changes within the same card family once you’ve had your original card for at least a year. For example, you might try the with a $95 annual fee for a year, then downgrade to a with no annual fee.

Don’t expect drastic changes, like moving from a Sapphire to a United card. Chase cardholders can typically move between cards that earn Ultimate Rewards points, and American Express cardholders can switch between Membership Rewards-earning cards or cash back cards.

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What Happens to Your Rewards

Downgrading a credit card typically changes how you earn rewards, though it’s rare you’ll lose them in a product change. If you’re downgrading from a premium credit card to a no-annual-fee card, you’ll likely keep your rewards but earn at a lower rate.

For example, if you downgrade a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card to a Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, you’ll no longer earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases and earn 1.25 miles per dollar instead.

“If the downgraded card doesn’t earn the same structure of rewards, they may be lost after the downgrade,” says Kim Chambers, card experience product manager at Georgia’s Own Credit Union.

You may have the option to change to a different rewards currency, such as converting Capital One Quicksilver cash back rewards to Venture miles.

What exactly happens to your credit card rewards depends on your card and the type of rewards you earn.

— Rewards points, such as Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, won’t change if you downgrade to a card within the same rewards system. For example, you’d still have your Ultimate Rewards points if you downgrade from the to the . However, even if your points or miles remain in your account, a downgrade could limit how you use them — or reduce their value. You’d lose the Chase Sapphire Preferred庐 Card’s ability to transfer points to travel partners.

— Cash back is generally safe in a credit card downgrade as long as you downgrade to another cash back card. You could downgrade the to the and still earn and redeem cash back with no annual fee.

— Co-branded points or miles earned with an airline or hotel brand are typically retained in a separate loyalty account. If you downgrade the to the , your points will stay in your Hilton Honors account — but you’ll earn points at a lower rate. Most airline and hotel loyalty programs require activity to keep your rewards active. For example, Hilton Honors points expire after 24 consecutive months of inactivity. You could keep your points active by using a downgraded Hilton Honors card.

Credit card downgrades usually don’t trigger a sign-up bonus like opening a new account or accepting an upgrade offer for a more premium credit card. Expect changes to cardholder benefits, too.

“While points most likely won’t be forfeited in a downgrade, you may lose access to specific rewards and benefits like travel protection or insurance, and the value of points and how they can be used could be limited,” says Len Covello, chief technology officer at Engage People, which works with rewards and loyalty programs.

[Read: ]

Why You Should Downgrade, Not Cancel

Downgrading instead of canceling can save your credit card rewards, but there are other practical benefits to keeping your account but changing products.

Your card number, account age and credit limit typically stay the same with a credit card downgrade. That’s great for maintaining any automatic payments you’ve set up.

A credit card downgrade will maintain your credit history, as well. Canceling a card can shorten your credit history and affect your credit utilization ratio by eliminating the credit line available with the card. With a downgrade, your credit age and payment history will continue with the new product, and credit card downgrades don’t require a new credit inquiry.

“A closed account will no longer contribute to the user’s credit history at a certain point, ultimately impacting the score,” says Covello. “For credit card users with good credit history, closing an account and the subsequent loss of information and amount of credit can negatively impact a credit score.”

[Read: ]

Steps to Downgrade a Credit Card and Save Your Rewards

Take a few smart steps to avoid losing rewards before you contact your credit card issuer for a product change.

1. Use outstanding benefits. Review your benefits to maximize your premium card’s benefits before you downgrade. For example, you should use travel credits or anything you get a statement credit for, like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

2. Research downgrade options. Look at the issuer’s lineup of cards to consider downgrade options. Look closely at cards in the same family as your existing card, such as Venture or Sapphire cards.

3. Use rewards if needed. Redeem or transfer any points you might lose or that will be more limited after downgrading. For example, if you’re downgrading your Chase Sapphire Preferred庐 Card to the Chase Freedom Unlimited庐, you might want to transfer points to Chase travel partners first.

4. Call the card issuer. Contact the issuer to discuss your downgrade options. Ask about what happens to your rewards and which downgrade options allow you to keep using your rewards. If you recently paid an annual fee, ask whether you qualify for a refund.

5. Confirm the change. Choose a new card and confirm the details with the issuer. You shouldn’t need to update any automatic payments unless your card number changes.

If you do nothing else, at least confirm you’re not leaving any rewards behind. “Cardholders can avoid losing rewards by redeeming prior to the downgrade or requesting to remain in a similar program,” Chambers says. “To make sure there are no surprises, contact the issuer to ask if the earned points will carry over and if any expiration dates are impacted.”

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Even before the latest war between the U.S., Israel and Iran, natural gas prices in Europe and Asia were much higher than in the United States. America has plenty of natural gas reserves that are relatively easy to extract and cheap, leading companies to build massive coastal facilities to chill into liquid, after which it can be shipped to wherever it can fetch the highest price. America is now the world’s biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), followed by Australia and Qatar.

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Qatar normally supplies a fifth of the world’s LNG, most of which goes to Asia. In March, after Iranian drone attacks on Qatari energy infrastructure, the emirate suspended LNG shipments. Additionally, the , a key waterway through which much of the world’s oil and natural gas is shipped, has been effectively closed amid Iranian and U.S. blockades and hasn’t been fully reopened despite on-again, off-again ceasefire negotiations. That has crimped LNG exports from the United Arab Emirates.

Iran War’s Effect on the LNG Market

“Iran’s attacks on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG export facility, the world’s largest, have been disruptive,” says Rockford Weitz, director of the maritime studies program at Tufts University’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. “Iran has also deterred all LNG carriers from transiting the Strait of Hormuz for now. These disruptions have raised spot prices for LNG.”

With the war-related disruptions, prices for LNG in Asia have doubled to three-year highs. In turn, that has sent prices in Europe skyrocketing because that market has to compete with Asia for LNG deliveries.

“Losing as much as 20% of global LNG availability, even temporarily, is putting significant strain on an already fragile energy system following Europe’s shift away from Russian gas after the invasion of Ukraine,” says Rebecca Babin, senior equity trader for CIBC Private Wealth US.

The Middle East conflict and its effects on the LNG market are reminiscent of 2022, when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine roiled global energy markets. Then, Europe lost its main source of piped natural gas, from Russia, and had to turn to the limited global market for LNG. Exports from the U.S. have taken on new importance as Europe tries to wean itself from Russian energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy in March authorized a 13% increase in exports from a liquefied natural gas terminal in Louisiana owned by Venture Global Inc. (ticker: ). At that time, the Trump administration had approved more than 18.6 billion cubic feet per day of LNG export authorizations after ending a Biden-era ban on exports to nations that don’t have free trade agreements with the U.S. That included the .

Why LNG Prices React Differently From Crude Oil Prices

One reason natural gas prices in Europe and Asia are reacting so dramatically is that LNG cargoes are less interchangeable than those for oil.

“ can often be rerouted relatively quickly, and policymakers have tools such as strategic petroleum reserves that can help relieve short-term supply stress,” Babin says. “In LNG markets, there are far fewer external levers available.”

Constraints on the LNG market include liquefaction capacity, tanker availability and regasification infrastructure, she notes.

Which Companies Benefit Most From Soaring LNG Prices?

When it comes to companies involved in the LNG business, those benefiting the most from the current surge in LNG prices have more uncontracted volumes or projects coming online that are not yet fully tied up with long-term contracts, Babin says. Even companies that mostly have long-term contracted volumes are seeing upward movement in their stock prices, but to a lesser extent, she adds.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five top LNG stocks, their year-to-date returns and their forward dividend yields:

*As of June 5 market close.

Cheniere Energy Inc. ()

No list of LNG stocks would be complete without mentioning this company, the biggest LNG producer in the U.S. and the second-biggest LNG producer in the world. The company operates two massive LNG facilities in Louisiana and Texas and has expansion plans for both.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report, the company noted that it produced a record amount of LNG last year. It reported $20 billion in sales and net income of $5.3 billion. While its May first-quarter report showed $5.9 billion in revenue, the company sustained a steep net loss of approximately $3.5 billion, dragging down its trailing-12-month net income to $1.5 billion.

Though the seas may be choppy, roughly 90% of the company’s production is locked up in long-term contracts, limiting how much it can capitalize on the latest LNG moves. But the remaining 10% is open to spot contracts, which could prove profitable for the company.

Venture Global Inc. ()

LNG liquefaction and export facilities are major investments that involve extensive permitting and financing requirements. A decision to go ahead with construction, known in industry circles as a “final investment decision,” is a big deal because it indicates a strong level of long-term market and political confidence from both the company and its backers.

This LNG exporter announced a final investment decision (FID) for the second phase of a facility in Louisiana and said it had secured more than $8 billion to bring the project’s total financing to $20.7 billion. It marks the fifth FID in fewer than seven years for the company and is expected to slingshot Venture Global past Cheniere into pole position for largest U.S. LNG exporter. With new five-year supply agreements with international heavyweights under its belt and a higher full-year forecast for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) of $8.2 billion to $8.5 billion, most of Venture’s cargo already has a planned destination.

So, like Cheniere, most of Venture Global’s production is already contracted. While that means the companies don’t have much room to take advantage of large price moves on the spot market, the upside of such contracts is stability and long-term visibility for investors.

Flex LNG Ltd. ()

Because natural gas has to be chilled to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit at atmospheric pressure, it takes more than special liquefaction facilities like those run by Cheniere and Venture Global to transport LNG. It also takes specialized tankers to get the fuel from liquefaction facilities to regasification plants around the world.

Flex LNG is one of the companies that specializes in operating these carriers, helping form a crucial link in global energy trade given that there aren’t any natural gas pipelines spanning the Atlantic or Pacific oceans.

The company has more than a dozen modern LNG carriers in its fleet, and most of them are chartered under long-term contracts.

Vince Stanzione, CEO at First Information, a publisher of educational materials related to financial spread betting and derivatives trading, points to Flex LNG’s relatively young fleet and of about 10%.

“Overall, Flex LNG is positioned as a defensive, high-yield LNG shipping play with low spot volatility thanks to long-term contracts,” Stanzione says.

Still, the company says it expects to have three ships open to take spot market cargoes this year, which means it can potentially benefit from higher near-term prices while also having the stability from its other ships that are under contract.

Golar LNG Ltd. ()

This LNG company has transformed itself from an LNG shipping business to one focused on floating liquefied natural gas infrastructure.

It owns and operates vessels that turn natural gas into liquid at offshore gas fields rather than at large onshore facilities like those operated by Cheniere and Venture Global. The LNG is then loaded onto other ships for ocean transport.

According to the company, floating facilities take less time to construct than their land-based counterparts, which results in quicker return on investment.

Golar’s shares are up nearly 38% year to date. And all of these stocks are up 11% or more in 2026. Several of these names, including Golar, may bear watching and waiting for more attractive entry points.

Range Resources Corp. ()

Of course, the natural gas that is eventually turned into LNG has to come out of the ground first.

Large vertically integrated natural gas producers such as Exxon Mobil Corp. () and Chevron Corp. () are involved in the LNG market, but they also produce oil, transport hydrocarbons, have chemicals businesses and market their own products.

There’s something to be said for a smaller producer, such as Range Resources, that has a relatively large portion of its business exposed to the LNG export market.

In a February presentation, the company said about 25% of its natural gas sales go to the LNG export and premium Gulf of Mexico markets. It operates in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale, the largest natural gas field in the U.S., and reports having about 30 years of undrilled inventory with a break-even price of $2.50 per million British thermal units. This puts Range Resources in a strong position, as New York futures were trading significantly higher, at $3.13, on June 8.

Gimme Credit senior bond analyst Evan Mann last week reaffirmed his “improving” credit rating on Range Resources, saying the company should benefit in the medium term from an increase in LNG export capacity as well as other factors including production growth, low well costs and .

“With credit metrics comparable to its investment-grade peers, we believe it will only be a matter of time before the company’s senior unsecured ratings are upgraded to a low-investment-grade level,” Mann said in a note.

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Tauck

[IMAGE]

What’s included: All drinks (beer, wine, premium spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea and bottled water), meals, onboard entertainment like dancers and musicians, and shore excursions.

Tauck boasts an atmosphere of camaraderie — along with savings on select cabins and a waived single supplement on all European river cruises. Cruise itineraries sail along the Danube, Douro, , Rhine, Seine, Maas and Moselle rivers. Stops include iconic destinations like Prague, Amsterdam, Budapest, Porto and , and charming, quieter locales like Viviers, France; Basel, Switzerland; D眉rnstein, Austria; and more.

Avalon Waterways

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What’s included: All drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks and more) at lunch and dinner, happy hour beverages, meals, shore excursions, onboard Wi-Fi, bikes and e-bikes on shore, yoga and stretching classes, and entertainment like live music, dance parties and themed events.

Solo cruisers can enjoy a waived single supplement fee on most of Avalon’s European departures and several Southeast Asia sailings. European itineraries along the Danube include stops in popular cities and towns in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany, while the Rhine option sails through Switzerland, , France and the Netherlands. Southeast Asia routes along the Mekong River stop in Vietnam, Cambodia and (on some itineraries) Thailand.

Riviera Travel

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What’s included: All drinks (wine, beer, cocktails, coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices), meals (full board), port charges, multiple in-port excursions and onboard Wi-Fi.

Riviera Travel offers a plethora of perks for solo travelers on river cruise itineraries, including double-occupancy cabins with no single supplement charge (on select departures) and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The company’s European river cruise itineraries appeal to solo travelers who want to visit both popular and under-the-radar spots in Portugal, Spain, Austria, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and more. Riviera Travel frequently runs “flash sales” for customers, allowing solo cruisers to snag additional discounts on sailings.

What’s more, in 2027 the company is launching its first “” where the entire ship is dedicated to solo passengers.

AmaWaterways

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What’s included: All drinks (wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, bottled water, tea and coffee) at lunch and dinner, meals, shore excursions led by local guides and onboard Wi-Fi.

AmaWaterways — the best overall river cruise line in the — offers a wide selection of itineraries and several attractive solo traveler deals. Single supplement savings of 10% to 25% are available on select sailings, while waived single supplements are in place on select ships that offer solo staterooms: AmaCello, AmaDante, AmaDolce and AmaLyra. AmaWaterways’ European sailings take passengers on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Dordogne-Garonne and Douro rivers, offering the opportunity to visit a variety of destinations.

Uniworld

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What’s included: All drinks (including fine wine and spirits), meals, onboard entertainment, daily fitness classes, Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and use of bikes and Nordic walking sticks in port.

With waived single supplements on select sailings and well-planned routes through some of the most scenic locales across the globe, Uniworld is a great choice for solo travelers who want to take a river cruise. Uniworld’s ships carry between 30 and 158 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere that makes it easy for solo cruisers to socialize and meet new people or retreat to quiet spaces to relax on their own. Itineraries to choose from include the Enchanting Danube, Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland, Vineyards & Palaces Along the Danube, and holiday sailings to Belgium and the Netherlands, or Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Why Trust U.S. 太子探花 Travel

is the managing editor of Travel at U.S. 太子探花 & World Report, where she writes and edits content across numerous topics including cruises, hotels, travel insurance, vacation destinations, tours, travel rewards programs and more. She has 15 years of writing and editing experience.

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Federal student loan rates will increase in 2026-27, rising to a mark just shy of their highest levels in more than a decade. Undergraduate borrowers will have an interest rate of 6.52%, while the rate climbs to 8.07% for graduate students and 9.07% for parents and graduate students taking out PLUS loans, the Department of Education announced on June 4. Rates for federal student loans are set each spring based on a formula tied to the 10-year Treasury auction in May. The rates, which run from July 1 to June 30, are fixed for the life of the loan and apply to all borrowers regardless of credit score, income or other factors.

Here’s a look at how federal student loan rates have fluctuated over the past decade: The higher rates add to the challenges faced by many borrowers this year as new caps on federal loans are expected to force 28% of graduate student borrowers to . Roughly one-third of parent borrowers may also be pushed toward private lenders. Studies suggest about .

Private student loan rates are often higher than federal rates, although certain borrowers with a strong financial profile .

[Read: ]

College borrowers stuck with high rates could choose to in the future if rates go down, but that would require converting their federal loans to private loans and forfeiting various benefits and protections.

The federal student loan rates affect payments for borrowers who are repaying their loans on a standard repayment plan. Borrowers on income-driven repayment plans make monthly payments based on their income rather than the interest rate in their loan.

The rate increase means that many borrowers will pay more each month and over the life of their loan. Borrowers take out a new federal loan each academic year, so they can’t try to lock in a better federal rate for all of their college years if they anticipate rates will increase.

Here’s a look at what $10,000 in student loans would cost you on a standard repayment plan for each type of federal loan. Nearly 43 million people have roughly $1.7 trillion in student loans outstanding, according to the Department of Education.

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