Quick References
Today's rates and 48 quick-reference pages — tax brackets, contribution limits, current rates, and the essential numbers you need for fast financial lookups.
Today's Snapshot
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Arrows show weekly change unless notedFreddie Mac · Federal Reserve · BLS · IRS · SSA
48 Quick Reference Pages
Tax brackets, contribution limits, current rates, and essential data tables — bookmark these for quick lookups.
Home & Mortgage
7 refsMortgage Rates
Current average mortgage rates by loan type, factors that affect your rate, and strategies to get the best deal
30-Yr Fixed: ~6.11%
Loan Limits
Conventional and FHA loan limits by county, high-cost areas, and jumbo thresholds for 2026
Baseline: $832,750
Interest Deduction
Deduction limits, acquisition debt rules, HELOC deductibility, and points for 2025-2026
Post-2017 Limit: $750K
Property Taxes
Complete guide to property tax rates across all 50 states, how taxes are calculated, exemptions, and strategies to reduce your bill
National Avg: 0.86%
Closing Costs
Complete breakdown of mortgage closing costs, typical fees by category, and strategies to reduce what you pay
Typical Range: 2–5% of Loan
PMI Thresholds
When PMI is required, how rates vary by credit score and LTV, and strategies to remove it
Required: <20% Down
Property Taxes
Average effective rates and exemptions
National Avg: ~1.1%
Retirement
5 refsContribution Limits
401(k), IRA, HSA, and catch-up contribution limits for 2026
401(k) Limit: $24,500
Retirement Ages
Important age milestones for Social Security, Medicare, and retirement accounts
Penalty-Free: 59½
RMD Tables
IRS life expectancy tables for calculating required minimum distributions
RMDs Start: Age 73
SS Bend Points
PIA formula bend points, replacement rates, and how your Social Security benefit is calculated from your earnings history.
1st Bend Point: 90% of $1,286
Account Comparison
Compare Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, and Solo 401(k)  contribution limits, tax treatment, and features for 2026.
IRA Limit: $7,500 ($8,600 50+)
Taxes
6 refsTax Brackets
Marginal tax rates by filing status for 2025 and 2026, including OBBBA changes and tax calculation examples
Brackets: 7 (10%–37%)
State Taxes
All 50 states' income tax rates for 2025, including no-tax states, flat-tax states, and graduated systems
No Income Tax: 8 States
Capital Gains
2025/2026 capital gains tax brackets, long-term vs short-term rates, NIIT thresholds, and special situations
Long-Term: 0% / 15% / 20%
Standard Deduction
2025/2026 standard deduction by filing status, additional amounts for seniors and blind, plus the new $6,000 senior deduction
2026 Single: $16,100
AMT
2025/2026 Alternative Minimum Tax exemptions, phaseout thresholds, rates, and planning strategies for the OBBBA changes
Single Exemption: $90,100
Tax Deadlines
2026 filing season calendar: Tax Day, extension deadlines, estimated payment dates, and contribution deadlines
Tax Day: April 15, 2026
Debt Management
1 refInvesting
6 refsHistorical Returns
S&P 500, bonds, and inflation by decade with real vs nominal returns
S&P 500 Avg: ~10% Nominal
Expense Ratios
What to expect for index funds, ETFs, and active funds  plus the long-term cost of fees
Index Funds: 0.03–0.20%
Asset Allocation
Stock/bond allocations by age, risk tolerance frameworks, target-date fund glide paths, and rebalancing strategies
Young Investors: 80–90% Stocks
Dividend Taxes
Qualified vs. ordinary dividend tax rates, REIT rules, and the Section 199A deduction
Qualified: 0% / 15% / 20%
Brokerages
Compare Fidelity, Schwab, Vanguard, and other brokerages on fees, features, and account types
Stock/ETF Trades: $0 (All)
Index Funds
Compare S&P 500, total market, and international index funds across Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab, and iShares
FZROX/FNILX: 0.00% ER
Budgeting
6 refs50/30/20 Rule
Complete guide to the 50/30/20 budget rule: allocate 50% to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings with examples at median income
Needs: 50%
Emergency Fund
How much emergency savings you need based on your situation: 3 vs 6 vs 12 months, where to keep it, and how to build it from zero
Target: 3–6 Months
HYSA Rates
Current high-yield savings account rates comparison, how to choose the best HYSA, and rate history tied to Federal Reserve decisions
Top Rates: 4–5% APY
CD Rates
Current certificate of deposit rates by term length, early withdrawal penalties by bank, and CD ladder strategies to maximize returns while maintaining access
Top Rates: 4.0–4.2% APY
Cost of Living
Cost of living index comparison across major U.S. cities, most expensive and affordable metros, salary equivalents, and how to adjust your budget when relocating
Manhattan: 130% Above Avg
Inflation History
Historical U.S. inflation rates from the Great Inflation to COVID-era surge, how CPI is measured, purchasing power calculator, and strategies to protect against inflation
Current CPI: 2.7% (Dec 2025)
Auto Finance
6 refsAuto Loan Rates
Average auto loan APRs by credit score, lender type, and loan term for new and used vehicles
New Car Avg: 6.56% APR
Lease vs Buy
Compare leasing and buying: monthly costs, total ownership, pros and cons, and decision factors
Lease Avg: $596/mo
Depreciation Rates
How cars lose value over time: year-by-year rates, best/worst vehicles for resale, and strategies to minimize depreciation
Year 1 Loss: ~20%
EV Tax Credits
Federal EV tax credit status, how to claim 2025 credits, state incentives, and home charger credit eligibility
Federal Credit: Expired 9/30/25
Gap Insurance
What gap insurance covers, when you need it, costs by source, and exclusions to understand
Insurer Cost: $20–$90/yr
Ownership Costs
True cost of owning a car including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, and financing by vehicle type
Avg Annual Cost: $11,577
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