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 July 2026.

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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. News analysis of rates reported by top private lenders.

The average low student loan refinancing fixed rate offered in May was 5.34%, 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.

Borrowers who’ve kept up with their federal student loan payments could find that those on-time payments have elevated their profile in the eyes of private lenders, says Steve Taylor, senior fellow of economic mobility at Stand Together, a libertarian advocacy organization.

“With a few years of on-time payments and a good credit history over those few years, you may qualify for that lower rate with the private lender,” says Taylor.

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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Interest rates on home loans have risen since the beginning of the U.S. war in Iran in late February. The Middle East conflict put upward pressure on oil prices, which can make other items more expensive to manufacture and transport. Put simply, higher oil prices mean higher inflation — and higher inflation means higher interest rates. June’s consumer price index report showed that inflation slowed to 3.5% as energy prices declined — but the relief is likely to be temporary given the resurgence in the Middle East conflict. That’s compared with May’s reading of 4.2%, which was the highest pace of price growth in three years. On top of that, markets are reacting to a one-two punch of stubbornly high consumer prices and resilient labor data, with recent jobs reports remaining relatively stable.

Rates have also drifted upward since the June — not because the central bank held rates steady, as widely expected, but because of the hawkish tone for future monetary policy in the updated summary of economic projections. The majority of policymakers now expect that a rate hike will be necessary later this year, not a rate cut, as rampant inflation stays well above the Fed’s 2% target.

“Importantly, regardless of Fed action, mortgage rates are unlikely to fall meaningfully until inflation cools and long-term yields move decisively lower.”

— Selma Hepp, chief economist for the real estate analytics provider Cotality

Most experts expect over the next few years, stuck above 6% for the 30-year fixed term. Although there’s always the chance that something unexpected could happen in the U.S. economy that could send rates tumbling lower, it’s unlikely that rates will fall below 3% or even 4% in the foreseeable future.

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Current Mortgage Purchase Rates

Here are today’s interest rates for conforming purchase mortgages by loan term:

— : 6.736%

— : 6.626%

— : 5.89%

— : 5.955%

— 7-year ARM: 6.88%

— : 7.101%

— 3-year ARM: 8.25%

And here are the current government-backed and nonconforming mortgage rates by loan type:

— : 6.48%

— : 5.844%

— : 5.99%

Current Mortgage Refinance Rates

Here are today’s mortgage refinance rates:

— 6.85%

— 20-year fixed refi: 6.778%

— 5.858%

— 10-year fixed refi: 6.029%

Mortgage refinance rates tend to follow the same trends as mortgage purchase rates, although interest rates on a mortgage refinance are often a few basis points higher than on purchase mortgages.

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Mortgage Rate Trends in 2026 So Far

collects weekly mortgage rate data, which can help provide context for mortgage borrowers on how and why mortgage rates change over time. Since the mortgage giant began collecting data in 1971, the median mortgage rate is 7.23%.

The 30-year fixed rate of 2.65% in January 2021, driving up demand for purchase and refinance mortgages. Since then, mortgage rates rose to nearly 8% in October 2023 before coming down to around 6.5% currently. Still, that’s nothing compared with the record high of 18.63% recorded in 1981.

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Mortgage Monthly Payment Calculator

Your mortgage interest rate is just one aspect of your monthly housing payment. You’ll need to carefully consider how your home’s purchase price will impact your budget so you don’t buy more house than you can comfortably afford.

The mortgage term — or the length of your loan — will also significantly influence your monthly payments. Most borrowers opt for a 30-year fixed mortgage, which can keep monthly payments affordable because they are spread over a long repayment term. But if you can afford the higher monthly payments of a 15-year mortgage, it can save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest payments over time.

You’ll also need to consider property taxes, home insurance, homeowners association fees and , if applicable. You can use the calculator below to run the numbers for your financial situation.

How to Shop for a Mortgage

The mortgage rates we display on this page are national averages from lenders as provided to U.S. News by Zillow, not necessarily the exact rate you’ll receive. Mortgage rates fluctuate throughout the day, and some lenders may be able to offer more favorable pricing for your situation than others.

“As rates fluctuate, aspiring buyers should remember that by shopping around for the best mortgage rate and getting multiple quotes, they can potentially save thousands,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at Freddie Mac, in a statement.

Here are a few tips to help you shop for the lowest mortgage rate possible for your financial situation:

— Get your finances in order. Collect the documents you’ll need to apply for a mortgage using . You should also check your credit score and get a copy of your credit report to see where you stand.

— Apply through three to five lenders. Be sure to consider different loan types (such as ) as well as different types of lenders (like online lenders versus credit unions). Keep your rate shopping to a two-week window to minimize the negative impact to your credit score.

— Compare loan estimates. This document will outline the loan’s costs, including origination charges, lender credits, discount points, as well as the loan’s interest rate and or APR. The APR includes the interest rate as well as any fees, making it a holistic way to compare the cost of multiple loan offers.

Check out this from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to get a better idea of what to expect when comparing loan offers.

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Personal loan rates can vary greatly from one lender to the next, so it pays to shop around. Here’s how you can get a low rate on a , even in today’s rising rate environment.

How to Shop for a Better Personal Loan Rate

The personal loan interest rate you get depends on a number of factors, including your credit score and debt-to-income ratio, in addition to the lender and loan type you choose. Follow these steps to get the best possible rate for your situation.

Check and Improve Your Credit Score

Like credit cards, personal loans are typically , meaning they don’t require you to put up an asset as collateral. Lenders use your credit score to assess your repayment risk before issuing you a loan and setting the rate you ultimately pay.

Higher credit scores will result in lower interest rates on personal loans, and vice versa. It’s difficult to get a good rate on a personal loan with fair credit or worse, defined as a FICO score . To get the lowest rates available, you should aim for a score of at least 700.

You may be able to find your credit score through your preferred banking app, and U.S. News offers that won’t impact your credit score.

Tip: Any traditional personal loan lender will require a credit check to issue you a loan. If a lender doesn’t require a credit check, you may be offered a predatory installment loan at high interest rates, generally considered an APR of 36% or above. APR caps vary by state, so be sure to carefully read the loan’s terms to understand what you’re getting into.

Compare Offers From Multiple Lenders

Personal loan lenders each have their own pricing models, so it pays to shop around. Most — but not all — personal loan lenders let you get prequalified to check your estimated rate without hurting your credit score.

Get prequalified through different types of lenders, including online-only lenders and traditional banks. Credit unions offer some of the lowest personal loan interest rates available, with APRs capped at 18% for federally chartered credit unions. You should also check with your bank to see if they offer a relationship discount or favorable pricing for members.

Tip: Look beyond the interest rate when comparing personal loan offers. The loan’s annual percentage rate, or APR, includes the interest rate as well as any financing charges such as origination fees. The APR gives a more comprehensive look at the total cost of borrowing than the interest rate alone.

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Weigh Different Repayment Terms

Personal loans can typically be repaid in three to five years, although some lenders offer longer terms for larger loan amounts.

Shorter repayment terms may come with lower interest rates but higher monthly payments due to the accelerated repayment schedule. Longer terms offer more affordable monthly payments, but they may come with higher interest rates and are usually more expensive to repay over time.

Get Help From a Creditworthy Cosigner

Some lenders allow you to borrow a personal loan with a , which can help increase your chances of approval and allow for better rates.

Keep in mind that a cosigner shares equal responsibility for repaying the loan, so be sure to have a plan in place if you lose your income stream and can’t make payments.

Enroll in Automatic Payments

Pretty much all major lenders offer an discount that lowers your rate by a quarter-point if you set up automatic payment. In fact, many of the lowest advertised rates already include an auto-pay discount, so be prepared to enroll in automatic payments to take advantage of the best available loan pricing.

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Discretionary Spending Increases

While it’s true gas prices have affected consumer spending, when adjusted to exclude gas, total spending still rose 3.9% year over year in May. Retail spending and services followed close behind as spending contributors.

Within services, discretionary spending was high as travel and tourism and restaurant spending were strong. This data — coupled with data uncovered in U.S. News’ — indicates consumers are resilient in the face of financial uncertainty and determined to enjoy their summer.

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Bargain Hunting

Even as retail spending is strong, Bank of America noted consumers are taking more frequent trips when shopping at general merchandise stores — but their spending doesn’t match. This suggests consumers are actually bargain hunting when shopping.

Transactions above $500 increased or remained the same year over year in categories such as airlines, furniture, lodging and motor vehicles. However, electronics is in the only category that showed evidence of consumers choosing smaller ticket sizes.

Yet this might have more to do with what consumers themselves can control. There are more options for someone to choose, say, a less expensive cellphone versus needing a flight to a specific destination on a certain day.

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K-Shaped Economy Persistent but Possibly Waning

Card spending rose 4.1% year over year for lower-income households, 4.3% year over year for middle-income households and 5.4% year over year for higher-income households.

Now, this may still seem like a bit of a difference, but this is actually evidence of that K-shaped gap narrowing to its lowest level since June 2025.

Bank of America also saw a similar narrowing in the after-tax wage gap, according to its customer deposit data. Wage growth for higher-income households slowed to 5.6% from 5.9% year over year in April.

In contrast, wage growth for lower-income households and middle-income households rose. Middle-income earners saw an increase of 3.5% year over year, while lower-income earners saw a growth of 3.1% — the highest rate since January 2025.

Bank of America does note, however, that the increase in wage growth could be partially attributed to additional hiring in service industries ahead of the FIFA World Cup. So we won’t know for several months if this is a blip on the radar or evidence of an ongoing trend.

Once the effects from the World Cup and higher gas prices settle in, we should be able to see for certain if the K-shaped economy is truly closing its gap.

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“A ready, well-stocked kit turns minor injuries into self-care and buys time in bigger emergencies,” says Farah Madhat, a pharmacist and executive vice president of experience and innovation at AnewHealth, a pharmacy company that helps those with complex and chronic care needs.

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Why You Should Create a DIY First Aid Kit

Although you can buy a ready-made first aid kit, there are a few reasons why you may want to create your own:

— Health conditions. If you or others in your family have conditions or diseases, like , your kit may need more first aid items.
“For example, if you might be with individuals who have or , you’ll want to make sure you have supplies that address those conditions,” says Dr. Jestin Carlson, an emergency medicine doctor in Erie, Pennsylvania and a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council.

— Extreme sports and activities. You may want to customize your first aid kit based on where you’ll use it. The items you have in a home first aid kit may be somewhat different than one that you take with you on a hike. Plus, if you participate in higher-risk activities, like mountain climbing, remote trail hiking, backcountry skiing or mountain biking, you will want to include extra supplies for more severe emergencies.

— Personalized medicine. Some people want to keep certain medications in your first aid kit that don’t interfere with other medications that they use. Creating a kit for yourself ensures you have the right items and the right versions for you, for example if you can’t take ibuprofen because of, you can be sure your DIY kit has acetaminophen instead.

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Depending on the items you have in it, a DIY first aid kit can help treat a variety of health incidents, including:

— Allergic reactions

— Bleeding

— Blisters

—

— Cuts and scrapes

—

— Headache

— Minor sprains

Some of these items may help an injury or health problem begin to heal. Others will provide just enough relief until health professionals can analyze it further.

There are several places where it’s useful to have a DIY first aid kit:

— At home

— In a dorm room

— In your car or RV

— Inside a backpack or purse that you use often

— Attached to a bike, e-bike or other method of transportation

Having a FAK in these places can help you in a variety of situations, including:

— In the event of a natural disaster or when you need to evacuate

— While playing sports or hiking

— While traveling

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Must Haves: Items to Have in a DIY First Aid Kit

As you build your DIY first aid kit, you’ll want to have several basic items in it. Here’s what you should make sure to include.

Click to download a DIY first aid kit checklist.

Bandages

Include of different sizes, at least four of each size.

“Small minor injuries are more likely to happen frequently, and what I’ve found from some of the commercially-prepared kits is they never have enough adhesive bandages,” says Dr. Elisabeth Mock, a family physician in Bangor, Maine, and a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ board of directors.

Having more than you think you might need can avoid you from running out quickly. Include different types of bandage and wraps, like:

— Adhesive bandages

— Gauze pads of various sizes

— Elastic wrap to wrap around a sprain or strain to lower swelling and give support to the injured area

— Triangular bandage, which can work as a sling for a hurt arm, wrist or shoulder.

— Moleskin or blister bandages

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Antibiotics and supplies

To clean an injury or wound and prevent infection, you’ll need a few things:

— Antiseptic wipes

—

— Cotton applicators

Tools

— Commercial tourniquet, which can slow severe bleeding

— Instant cold pack to numb the pain from a sprain or strain

— Tweezers to , splinter, glass or other small items

— Small scissors for cutting bandages, strings or even just pesky tags on clothing

— Gloves, which are a barrier against bodily fluids and germs

Over-the-counter medications

Many first aid kits will include , such as:

— Pain relievers, like and Excedrin

— Nondrowsy

—

—

—

— , allergic reaction, itch or inflammation

—

Important paperwork

It’s helpful to have certain paperwork in your first aid kit, including:

— A printed list of medications that you use, including dosing and timing

— A copy of your health insurance card

— A list of healthcare providers you see regularly and their phone numbers

Take a picture of these items so you have them on your phone as well. These items are useful if you need to seek out further medical care.

Medications used by you or loved ones

This is where first aid kit customization comes in handy. If you or someone you’re with has severe , then having an epinephrine pen in your kit is essential. The same applies if you’re with someone who has diabetes and needs to have in your kit.

If you don’t have a need for emergency medication but you or someone you’re with uses regular prescription medication, consider having a three- to seven-day supply of that medication in your kit.

Naloxone (optional)

Naloxone is used to reverse opioid overdoses. Although not everyone will choose to have this type of medication in a first aid kit, it can be life-saving to have when needed.

“Naloxone, when appropriate, buys critical minutes before EMS arrives,” Madhat says.

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Putting Together Your DIY First Aid Kit

To put together your DIY first aid kit:

1. Keep the materials for your first aid kit in any original packaging. For example, keep bandages unopened and in their own packaging to keep them sterile.

2. Choose an appropriate bag for your first aid kit. Depending on where you’ll keep the bag, you could choose a durable, hard-shelled bag or something flexible. Aim for a lightweight option with several pockets. If the kit might get wet, make sure that it’s waterproof.

3. Consider where your bag is being kept, and adjust its contents as needed. For a first aid kit that’s staying in a car, you may want to reconsider keeping medications in it if you live in an area with extreme weather, as heat and cold can damage medications.

4. Store medication in its original container so that you can easily identify it and refer to its instructions and expiration date.

5. Do your best to keep items neatly in your kit. A disorganized first aid kit could cause you to lose valuable time during an emergency.

Preparing to Use Your First Aid Kit

Having the best DIY first aid kit in the world means nothing if you’re not prepared to use it.

“The biggest thing we need to help people to heal injuries or potentially save lives is always with us, and that’s our head and our hands,” Mock says. “You just need to have a little bit of training and be able to take a deep breath, and be prepared to be calm and act.”

One helpful idea is to take a course from the on first aid or CPR. The Red Cross also has an online course called.

“These courses will help you get comfortable using the materials in the kit,” Carlson says.

Your area health care facilities or schools also may have CPR classes.

The Red Cross also has a Red Cross First Aid that guides you on how to evaluate a first aid scenario and how to provide treatment.

If you have naloxone or an epinephrine pen in your first aid kit, work with health care providers or reliable online sources to help you learn how to use them.

Although you could potentially research online what to do when you’re in the throes of a first aid incident, you have to be careful about accuracy.

How to Maintain a First Aid Kit

Check your first aid kit after you’ve used it to assess what supplies need to be replenished.

If you haven’t used it, plan to check it every six months. Look for any items like bandages or gauze pads that may be running low. Check, so you can throw out what’s expired and replace it with new medications.

If you keep a list of your medications used in a first aid kit, update the list as you change medications.

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Below, read about helpful habits to add to your to-do list, and consider how to schedule your day to support your body and mind.

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How to Improve Mental Health Daily: 9 Science-Backed Habits

If you’re looking to boost your mood, consider incorporating these nine things into your daily routines:

1. Practice mindfulness. Be present in all activities from brushing your teeth to dinner with your family or friends.

2. Move your body. Make time each day to move your body, which may include going to the gym or taking a walk outside during your lunch break.

3. Eat a balanced diet. Watching what you can eat can help you feel nourished and satiated, as well as provide the nutrients you need to feel your best.

4. Sleep soundly. Getting enough restful sleep each night is key to better mental health.

5. Nourish your social connections. Taking time to socialize and have human connection throughout the day has science-proven benefits.

6. Take intentional breaks and pauses. Giving your brain a break to rest can help your overall productivity and mood.

7. Get out in nature. Spending time in nature may increase your happiness, according to studies.

8. Be curious and try new things. Trying new hobbies, foods or activities can help you get out of a funk and may even lead to chemical changes in your brain that can benefit your mental health.

9. Plan things to look forward to. Research has found that planning things to look forward to, like an upcoming trip, may increase your mood.

1. Practice mindfulness in all activities

Practicing can help boost mental well-being. While mindfulness is often discussed in connection with practices like and , the concept isn’t solely related to those activities. In fact, you can incorporate mindfulness into several — if not all — of your tasks throughout the day by intentionally using your thoughts and senses to increase your awareness of yourself and the world around you. This can include thinking about the taste of the food you are eating, the sound of the people, animals or vehicles around you, the feel of your computer or phone in your hands, and much more.

Dr. Robert McCarron, a professor in the department of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of California–Irvine School of Medicine and a board-certified psychiatrist at UCI Health, says that this kind of mindfulness can work wonders for mental health by centering you in the present moment — and diverting your attention away from any anxieties that may be trying to occupy your mind.

“There’s not really room for the mind to experience two emotions or situations at the exact same time, so taking a moment to feel the breeze, to fully enjoy and appreciate the food that you’re eating, to actively focus on the conversation that you’re having with a loved one, that can significantly reduce the unhappy, feeling that you were experiencing,” McCarron says.

So, “when you’re outside, take a moment — a minute and a half — to feel the sun, to feel the breeze instead of walking through the breeze, or not experiencing the joy,” he adds. “Take the time to enjoy this goodness, and it will often lead to better mental health.”

2. Move your body

Exercise can have significant . When it comes to mental health in particular, have found that people who exercise experience a lower mental health burden and more than 40% fewer “poor mental health” days than people who do not exercise.

“Engaging in regular physical activities, such as invigorating daily exercise, leisurely , gentle stretching and strength training, can significantly enhance mental health while bolstering our overall vitality,” explains Hannah Shay, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Stella Mental Health. “These activities not only promote physical strength but also elevate mood and reduce anxiety.”

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3. Eat a balanced diet

Like exercise, has benefits for both the body and mind. Eating good food throughout the day can boost your brain power, keep your and levels in check, and protect yourself from physical and mental side effects of malnutrition.

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4. Sleep soundly

Maintaining a consistent, high-quality schedule can give your mind a chance to wind down, reset and prepare for the next day. improves mood, helps manage stress, boosts cognitive functions like memory and concentration, and can reduce the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Sufficient sleep, particularly REM sleep, allows the brain to process emotions and memories.

“Unless a schedule of shift work precludes it, establish a regular routine that prioritizes time for 8 hours of sleep with a consistent, quiet wind-down routine,” advises Dr. Deborah Vinall, a licensed therapist and the chief psychological officer with Recovered.org, an organization that provides information and resources for mental health and addiction treatment.

5. Nourish your social connections

When it comes to fueling good mental health, feeding your can be about as important as feeding yourself nutritious food. As long as the people you surround yourself with are good influences who make you feel comfortable and loved, being around others can offer a sense of community and support.

“Be careful not to become socially isolated,” Vinall says.

You can reduce your chances of experiencing the negative mental health side effects of by making an effort to intentionally engage with your communities and prioritizing in-person connections as opposed to solely online interactions.

“If we go on in life with a focus on text messages and social media, we may lose out on the importance of human emotional connection,” McCarron warns, which he says is essential in maintaining good mental health.

6. Take intentional breaks and pauses

Taking breaks throughout the day and checking in with yourself can help fortify your mental muscles by giving them the rest they need to operate at their best.

Shay encourages people to make breaks a habit in their day-to-day lives.

“Establish a routine that helps your brain recognize the importance of taking a pause,” she says. “This could be a quick walk around the block, listening to a podcast you enjoy or engaging in a 15-minute mindfulness exercise. Creating this intentional separation can help you reground yourself, refocus your thoughts and regain a sense of control over your day.”

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7. Get out in nature

Spending time outdoors and in nature, with activities such as and , may have mood-boosting properties and could even have lasting mental health improvements. A in the journal Science Advances found that contact with nature may increase physiological well-being, including feelings of happiness and people’s sense of meaning and purpose in life, and decrease mental distress.

8. Try new things

Sometimes you can get into a rut where you’re always following the same routine or seeing the same people. Similarly, you may find that you try the same mental health coping skills over and over again. Sometimes, routine can feel comforting, and sometimes, you have your tried-and-true coping skills for a reason: they work for you. But other times, you may be looking for something new. In those cases, trying new activities or coping skills may be able to boost your mood. Health organizations like the say trying new things can be tied to multiple mental health benefits — including raised self-esteem, goal setting and achievement potential and chemical changes in the brain that can help positively change mood.

9. Plan things to look forward to

Planning things to look forward to may help incentivize you to get through the day and provide an opportunity to boost your mood in the meantime, too. According to researchers, a 2014 study in the found that “anticipating a positive event is uniquely able to induce positive emotions both during and after stress,” which could help a person cope and recover from their stress. Studies have also linked planning for the future, such as preparing for or purchasing future experiences like a vacation or concert, with pleasurable forms of anticipation or happiness.

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How to Use the 3-3-3 Rule for Anxiety Relief

One strategy that can be used as a mental health coping skill or is the 3-3-3 rule. This rule encourages you to center yourself in the present moment by stopping what you are doing — or diverting your attention away from something you are worrying about — and focusing on three things you can see, three things you can hear and three parts of your body that you can move. You can follow the 3-3-3 rule without changing your physical location, making it an accessible coping skill in most environments.

McCarron says he doesn’t always recommend the 3-3-3 rule to patients because, often, he prefers to offer them even simpler coping options, like setting a timer for 60 seconds and tuning into how they feel.

“During those 60 seconds: feel your breath, hear your breath, experience your breath,” McCarron says. “What does it feel like as you’re breathing in? What does it feel like when you’re breathing out? What is that experience like for you? When the alarm goes off, you’ll you’ll know that’s the end of the minute — that’s the end of the mindfulness exercise — and that’s a good start.

Whatever coping skill you choose, starting with something short and simple can help you ease into the process — especially if it’s your first time.

Habits to Quit to Improve Your Mental Wellness

Setting mentally healthy routines and finding coping skills that work for you can do wonders for your mood and mental health. But these mental health tips may not be able to cancel out the damage from all other bad habits, or routines that don’t serve you, if already in place. With your happiness in mind, remove bad habits to boost your mood.

Some habits to work on removing from your lifestyle include:

— Smoking cigarettes. According to the , research has found that many people with mental health conditions smoke cigarettes, and that smoking may temporarily lessen the symptoms of some conditions. However, NIDA also presents research that also found that quitting smoking is associated with reduced depression, anxiety and stress, as well as enhanced mood and quality of life.

— Excessive drinking of alcohol. , especially for people who have alcohol use disorder, may at times be influenced by or lead to poor mental health. According to the , researchers have linked AUD and poor mental health, noting that people with AUD can have a much higher prevalence of , depression and other psychiatric disorders than the general population. Drinking alcohol can also negatively impact sleep, which can worsen mental health symptoms.

— Staying up late or not prioritizing sleep. According to research from the , inadequate sleep is associated with significantly increased odds of frequent mental distress.

How to Improve your Mental Health: 4 Actionable Coping Strategies

Improving mental health can be a big task, especially for people who are dealing with symptoms of a mental health condition. It is important to take mental health seriously and not assume that someone can always improve their mental health with simple tricks. However, you may be able to boost your mood with a few more strategies.

1. Try to understand your feelings. Trying to understand your feelings can help you acknowledge your emotions. Understanding your emotions won’t change them — at least not immediately — but may help you increase your awareness of yourself and how you react to certain circumstances.

2. Develop coping strategies. By developing healthy coping strategies, or go-to actions to take during hard times, you may be able to distract yourself from uncomfortable emotions or find ways to work through them. Coping strategies can be simple activities, such as getting outside for a breath of fresh air, squeezing a stress ball or sipping a cold glass of water.

3. Practice relaxation techniques. Relaxation tips like focusing on gratitude, journaling, coloring or trying out meditation can help calm your body and mind.

4. Talk to someone you can trust. Social connection is invaluable for emotional health. Especially if you are having a hard time managing your emotions, talking to a trusted friend may help you feel less alone in your experience. Now or in the future, you may also be able to lend a listening ear to a friend who is struggling with their mental health or emotions. If you don’t want to talk to someone you know, reaching out to a trained to talk through your situation may be helpful.

Set Up Your Day for Mental Health Success

It’s wise to incorporate mentally healthy habits all throughout your day. If you struggle to fit these in, it can help to think about how and where to use a mood-boosting activity.

Some ways to support your well-being throughout the day include:

— Start with morning movement

— Afternoon breathwork or meditation

— Plan ahead before bed

— Set a calming evening routine

Start with morning movement

The way you start your day can impact the hours to come, so it is wise to start it off in a way that supports your mental health. This could include incorporating morning movement into your routine, such as a workout before you begin work or the activities of the day. It could also look like starting a habit of reading or drinking a calming tea. Choose a routine that you enjoy to most effectively set your mind up for success.

“Consider the morning as a sacred time, a brief interlude between the peacefulness of sleep and the demands of the day ahead,” Shay says. “Whether it’s engaging in a daily meditation practice, jotting down thoughts or goals in a journal, or savoring a warm cup of coffee in solitude, taking time for yourself can help ground your mind and set a positive tone for the day. This intentional approach not only prepares you physically, but also mentally, allowing you to face the day’s challenges with clarity and calmness.”

Breathe through your afternoon

The afternoon can be a great time to pause and practice and meditation, Vinall says. Especially if you are stressed at work or find yourself stuck in a never-ending to-do list, it can be important to take a few minutes to pause and breathe to reset your thoughts and prioritize your mental health.

“The afternoon is the perfect time for a brief practice of breathwork or meditation,” VInall says. “Even if you have a busy job with limited downtime, take a few minutes in your car or cubicle to close your eyes, notice the feel of your breath, and consciously slow and deepen that breath.”

She recommends a breathing practice where you inhale slowly through your nose, then exhale even more slowly through your lips. Repeat that about five times, focusing on your breath and how it feels in your body.

“If or when your mind wanders to the stresses of your day, gently bring your focus back to your breath without judgment,” Vinall says. “This practice shifts you to your parasympathetic nervous system, which produces a relaxing effect, and shifts you out of sympathetic nervous system responses of stress reactivity, making it the perfect mid-day reset.”

Plan ahead before bed

Before you wind down at night, you can do your future self — and future mental health — a favor by planning for the next day. Consider tasks such as meal prepping or writing out a schedule so that you don’t have so much to worry about in the morning.

“One effective strategy to alleviate morning anxiety and stress is to prepare essential items in advance the night before,” Shay says. For people with families, she suggests involving “older children in packing their lunches or selecting their outfits, encouraging them to take responsibility and make choices, which can foster independence and reduce morning turmoil.”

Set a calming evening routine

Calming evening routines, such as no screen time before bed, reading a book or drinking a warm beverage, can help you calm your body and mind. It may also benefit your sleep, which can in turn support your mental health — and enable you to start the next day fresh and well rested.

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The seven Schwab ETFs below can work together as the foundation of a retirement portfolio. They provide exposure to large U.S. companies, the broader U.S. stock market, international markets, dividend-paying companies, high-quality bonds, inflation-protected bonds and emerging markets. Together they give investors a simple way to spread risk while keeping costs to a minimum. Most charge annual expense ratios of just 0.03% to 0.06%, meaning the cost is only $3 to $6 each year for every $10,000 invested.

Here are seven of the best Schwab ETFs to buy for retirement:

Schwab U.S. Large-Cap ETF ()

SCHX tracks an index of about 750 of the largest publicly traded U.S. companies. Instead of investing in only one industry, it owns businesses across many sectors including , , financial services and manufacturing.

The fund’s expense ratio is just 0.03%, making it one of the least expensive U.S. stock ETFs available. For retirement investors, SCHX serves as an excellent core holding because it spreads money across hundreds of companies. If one company struggles, its impact on the overall portfolio is limited. Its low expenses also allow more of your investment returns to stay in your account instead of being lost to fees.

Schwab U.S. Broad Market ETF ()

SCHB tracks nearly the entire U.S. stock market by investing in about 2,500 companies. Unlike SCHX, which focuses on large companies, SCHB also includes medium-sized and smaller businesses.

The expense ratio is only 0.03% and the fund rarely buys and sells holdings, helping keep costs low.

Adding smaller companies provides additional growth potential over long periods, although they can experience bigger price swings along the way. For retirement investors, SCHB offers a simple way to own a large share of the American economy without trying to predict which companies or industries will perform best.

Schwab International Equity ETF ()

SCHF invests in about 1,500 companies located outside the United States in developed countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada and South Korea.

International investing helps reduce dependence on the U.S. economy alone. Different countries often grow at different rates and their markets do not always move in the same direction at the same time. That diversification can help smooth out returns over many years.

Even with broad , SCHF charges just 0.03% annually. For investors whose portfolios already include U.S. stock funds like SCHX and SCHB, SCHF adds valuable global diversification at a very low cost.

Schwab U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF ()

SCHZ invests in thousands of high-quality U.S. government and investment-grade corporate bonds. It tracks one of the most widely followed bond indexes in the country and charges an expense ratio of only 0.03%.

Bonds often behave differently than stocks, making them an important part of many retirement portfolios. When stock prices fall sharply, high-quality bonds have often provided greater stability.

As retirement gets closer, many investors increase their bond holdings because protecting savings becomes just as important as growing them. SCHZ can help reduce overall portfolio swings while also providing regular income.

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF ()

SCHD owns about 100 large U.S. companies with strong financial health and long records of paying reliable dividends. Many of its holdings come from industries such as healthcare, consumer products and .

The fund charges an expense ratio of 0.06%, and its 30-day SEC yield was 3.3% as of July 14.

Dividend income can be especially valuable during retirement because it provides cash flow without requiring investors to sell shares during market declines. Rather than chasing the highest dividend yields, SCHD focuses on companies with solid finances and sustainable dividend payments, making it a strong choice for investors seeking both income and long-term growth.

Schwab U.S. TIPS ETF ()

f SCHP invests in , commonly called TIPS. These bonds are backed by the U.S. government, and their value increases as inflation rises.

The expense ratio is only 0.03%.

Inflation is one of the biggest threats retirees face because it steadily reduces purchasing power over time. Even moderate inflation can make everyday expenses much more expensive during a retirement that lasts 20 or 30 years.

Adding SCHP alongside a traditional bond fund like SCHZ helps protect part of a portfolio from inflation while maintaining high-quality, fixed-income investments.

Schwab Emerging Markets Equity ETF ()

SCHE invests in more than 2,000 companies across over 20 countries including China, Taiwan and India.

The expense ratio is 0.06%.

Emerging markets tend to experience larger price swings than developed countries, but they also offer access to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As incomes rise and populations grow, many of these countries have the potential to deliver strong long-term economic growth.

For investors with many years until retirement, adding a modest allocation to SCHE can increase growth potential while providing another layer of diversification beyond the United States and other developed countries.

Building a Balanced Retirement Portfolio

Together, these seven Schwab ETFs can serve as the foundation of a diversified retirement portfolio. They provide exposure to U.S. stocks, international stocks, emerging markets, dividend-paying companies, traditional bonds and inflation-protected bonds.

The best mix depends on your age, your time horizon and your comfort with investment risk. Investors who are many years away from retirement often place a larger share of their portfolios in stock funds because they have more time to recover from market declines. Those who are approaching or already in retirement typically increase their bond holdings to help reduce volatility and generate more stable income.

One of the biggest advantages of this group of ETFs is cost. With expense ratios ranging from just 0.03% to 0.06%, investors can build a well-diversified portfolio for only a few dollars each year per $10,000 invested. Over decades, those savings can make a meaningful difference because more of your money remains invested and continues to compound.

Remember, no investment is guaranteed to make money, and every portfolio should reflect an investor’s own financial goals, risk tolerance and retirement timeline. These ETFs provide a simple, low-cost starting point, but they are intended for educational purposes and should not be considered personalized financial advice. Investors who are not sure how to allocate their portfolios may benefit from speaking with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

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This suite of Invesco funds allows even small investors to steer their portfolio in a more strategic direction without researching or buying individual securities. Some of its funds focus on , while others are designed to reduce volatility or generate income.

The eight ETFs featured here represent the best Invesco funds that serve a variety of investment approaches. They are different enough to complement one another in a , or to allow a tactical tilt without duplicating positions in other large-cap funds. Whether you’re seeking exposure to technology leaders, defense contractors or bank loans, these funds offer unique ways to invest while still keeping costs and risks relatively low:

Invesco QQQ Trust ()

The Invesco QQQ Trust isn’t just the largest fund from this asset manager, it’s one of the largest and most widely traded ETFs in the world. Rather than tracking the entire stock market, it follows the Nasdaq-100 index, featuring 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. Because the Nasdaq is more tech heavy than the New York Stock Exchange, and the Nasdaq-100 is weighted by market value, QQQ is a common way to invest in the largest tech companies in the U.S. Almost 60% of the entire portfolio is in the tech sector, featuring a who’s who of Silicon Valley, including Microsoft Corp. (MSFT), Nvidia Corp. (NVDA), Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) and Broadcom Inc. (). For investors seeking long-term growth with a bent toward , QQQ is a good alternative to the typical large-cap index fund.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF ()

Taking a very different approach, this is designed to avoid bias toward any specific stock based on size. RSP specifically takes an approach that gives all 500 companies roughly the same weight, and rebalances regularly to keep it that way, even after prices and values change. This approach reduces the concentration risk that naturally develops in traditional market-cap-weighted index funds. For instance, technology stocks represent just under 17% of the total portfolio compared with 38% in the massive Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (). You’ll still get the same big names in this Invesco ETF, but the difference is that no single stock dominates the portfolio. That is a plus for investors who want broader diversification.

Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF ()

The Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF is, as the name implies, a third alternative to funds that are either weighted by market value or equally weighted across holdings. Instead, SPMO follows a rules-based strategy that looks for stocks within the S&P 500 showing the strongest price momentum. The fund regularly updates its portfolio to ensure it holds the 100 companies — that is, the top 20% — with stronger momentum than their peers. Right now, that includes red-hot chipmakers Micron Technology Inc. (), Broadcom and Nvidia near the top of the list. Obviously, SPMO can outperform during sustained when winning stocks continue to rise. However, it may also experience sharper declines when market leadership changes. That makes it a higher risk but potentially higher reward approach to large-cap U.S. stocks.

Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF ()

The flip side to SPMO, this fund selects the 100 stocks in the S&P 500 that have the least amount of volatility. That isn’t particularly appealing in a bull market, when stocks that rise fast are in demand, but investors sometimes find themselves looking for a smoother ride during periods of . SPLV is designed with that goal in mind, and the portfolio is rebalanced quarterly to ensure it selects the top 20% of stocks in this leading index based on stability metrics. Recent holdings include solid blue chips that represent this approach, such as Coca-Cola Co. (), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) and Procter & Gamble Co. (). While it won’t necessarily eliminate losses during bear markets, it has historically experienced smaller price swings than the broader market. If you’re worried about valuations and fearful that the bull market may run out of gas, this leading Invesco fund lets you reduce your risk profile while still keeping a foot in the stock market.

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Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF ()

As indicated in its name, PPA invests in companies involved in military equipment, and related industries. At present there are about 60 holdings including traditional leaders like RTX Corp. (), GE Aerospace () and Boeing Co. (). However, the portfolio also includes both smaller companies involved in specialized technologies and manufacturing that may not be as obvious. PPA may appeal to investors seeking targeted exposure to a sector that often benefits from long-term government and recent geopolitical unrest.

Invesco S&P MidCap Momentum ETF ()

Large companies often dominate the headlines, but many investors overlook the growth potential of medium-sized businesses. XMMO focuses on companies in the S&P MidCap 400 Index. What’s more, it offers a momentum-focused screen similar to SPMO to keep investors in the top-performing stocks. The portfolio is rebalanced twice a year, re-ranking investments as market leadership changes and picking the top 20% of the index to build a portfolio of about 75 holdings. Current holdings include aerospace and defense company Curtiss-Wright Corp. () and next-gen energy company TechnipFMC PLC () — stocks that are both up more than 50% in the past 12 months. Mid caps carry more risk than large caps, however, so keep in mind that if and when momentum rolls over, this fund is also at risk of significant underperformance.

Invesco Senior Loan ETF ()

The Invesco Senior Loan ETF provides exposure to a very different part of the investment world. Instead of investing in stocks, BKLN owns a diversified portfolio of senior secured bank loans made to corporations. These loans are typically issued by below-investment-grade companies, but they occupy a senior position in a company’s capital structure and are secured by company assets. That means lenders move to the front of the queue for payment if financial problems should occur. Senior loans generally have floating interest rates, meaning their coupon payments adjust as short-term interest rates change, so the prospect of rate hikes in the near future makes BKLN a particularly interesting Invesco fund. Investors should remember that senior loans still carry credit risk, meaning borrowers could experience financial difficulties or default. But with a yield of about 6.7% at present — more than six times that of the typical S&P 500 stock — that risk may be worth it for some income investors.

Invesco KBW Bank ETF ()

KBWB provides an equity-focused approach to the , offering exposure to one of the economy’s most important industries: commercial banking. The fund tracks the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, which includes many of the nation’s largest money-center and regional banks. It also intentionally excludes some financial stocks that creep into other funds, like insurers, to give a truly bank-focused portfolio. Top holdings include familiar favorites like JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) and Wells Fargo & Co. (), but the full list of about 30 holdings include smaller firms like mid-sized Western Alliance Bancorp. (). Banks often perform well when the economy is expanding, and this focused Invesco fund gives investors a way to play that cyclical uptrend via the nation’s top lenders.

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Unfortunately, identifying attractively valued stocks that consistently generate impressive growth numbers can be difficult. Here are 10 stocks CFRA analysts recommend that have reported at least 15% annual revenue growth over the past three years:

*From July 15 closing price.

Nvidia Corp. ()

High-end Nvidia has been one of the most spectacular growth stories in the entire stock market in the past 15 years. Nvidia’s growth numbers have wowed Wall Street, especially for a company of Nvidia’s size. Nvidia’s revenue grew 85% year over year in the fiscal first quarter, while net income grew 211%. Analyst Angelo Zino says Nvidia is successfully transitioning from a GPU-focused chipmaker to a full-stack artificial intelligence infrastructure leader. He projects 78% revenue growth in fiscal 2027 and 31% growth in 2028. CFRA has a “strong buy” rating and $270 price target for NVDA stock, which closed at $212.50 on July 15.

Broadcom Inc. ()

Broadcom is a diversified designer, developer and supplier of analog semiconductor devices. Broadcom reported 24% revenue growth in fiscal 2025, which has increased to 48% growth as of the most recent quarter, including 143% growth in AI semiconductor revenue. Zino says Broadcom’s networking and custom silicon businesses make it a major winner from the AI infrastructure investment boom. He projects AI semiconductor revenue will grow 175% in fiscal 2026 and reach $100 billion the following year. Zino forecasts 63% overall revenue growth in fiscal 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $525 price target for AVGO stock, which closed at $394.28 on July 15.

Meta Platforms Inc. ()

Meta Platforms is a market leader in social media and online advertising and is the parent of Facebook, Instagram and other platforms. Meta has maintained impressive growth even as the company has matured, including 33% revenue growth and 4% family daily active people growth in the first quarter. Zino says Meta has plenty of growth catalysts ahead, including cost cutting levers, new AI model launches and a strong advertising business. He says Meta’s AI monetization opportunities will help the company generate 26% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “strong buy” rating and $750 price target for META stock, which closed at $681.31 on July 15.

Eli Lilly and Co. ()

Eli Lilly produces brand-name prescription drugs to treat a wide range of medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders. In the first quarter, Lilly reported 56% revenue growth, including impressive 125% revenue growth for diabetes and Mounjaro. Revenue from diabetes and weight loss drug Zepbound also surged 80% in the quarter. Analyst Sel Hardy says Eli Lilly’s growth tailwinds include an aging U.S. population and surging GLP-1 demand, especially for oral GLP-1 drug Foundayo. Hardy projects 31% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $1,355 price target for LLY stock, which closed at $1,156.63 on July 15.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. ()

JPMorgan Chase is one of the and financial services companies with more than $5 trillion in assets. JPMorgan reported 27% revenue growth in the second quarter, and net income surged 41%. It was the highest quarterly profit ever logged by a U.S. bank, with business driven by massive initial public offering activity and a surge in stock trading.

Analyst Kenneth Leon says improving capital markets will support a healthy growth environment for JPMorgan in the coming quarters. Leon anticipates a particularly strong performance from the bank’s merger and acquisition advisory and equity underwriting businesses. In addition to further wallet share gains, Leon projects 7.3% revenue growth for JPMorgan this year. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $365 price target for JPM stock, which closed at $346.91 on July 15.

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Morgan Stanley ()

Morgan Stanley is one of the largest U.S. investment banks. Morgan Stanley reported 27% revenue growth in the second quarter, including a 42% jump in trading revenue compared to a year ago. Leon says Morgan Stanley will also profit from the rebound in investment banking, including a resurgence of initial public offerings. He says Morgan Stanley was a leader in the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. () IPO and is a strong candidate to lead the massive as well. Leon projects 10.6% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “strong buy” rating and $235 price target for MS stock, which closed at $228.55 on July 15.

Palantir Technologies Inc. ()

Palantir is a big data company that builds software platforms that can analyze massive amounts of data using machine learning and AI technology. Palantir’s stock price has been on a tear in recent years, and that performance has been fueled by extraordinary growth numbers. In the first quarter, Palantir reported 85% revenue growth, including 133% growth in U.S. commercial revenue and 84% growth in U.S. government revenue. Analyst Janice Quek says Palantir’s growth has accelerated, and she projects 71.3% full-year revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $192 price target for PLTR stock, which closed at $133.76 on July 15.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ()

Goldman Sachs is one of the world’s leading investment banks and securities companies. In the second quarter, Goldman reported 39% revenue growth and 78% net income growth. Global Banking and Markets revenue was up 53%, while equity trading revenue was up 72% in the quarter. Leon says accelerating investment banking growth will translate to excellent growth numbers for Goldman as it capitalizes on surging alternative investment transactions, recovering M&A activity and a banking-friendly regulatory environment. He projects 12.9% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $1,090 price target for GS stock, which closed at $1,152.07 on July 15.

Wells Fargo & Co. ()

Wells Fargo is one of the largest U.S. banks, lending mostly within the U.S. market. In 2025, the Federal Reserve finally lifted Wells Fargo’s punitive asset cap that had been in place since 2018 and had previously limited the bank’s growth opportunities. In the second quarter, Wells Fargo reported 9% revenue growth and 12% loan growth. Analyst Alexander Yokum says the removal of the asset cap opens the door for a renewed focus on growth initiatives. Yokum projects 5.2% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “buy” rating and $108 price target for WFC stock, which closed at $87.51 on July 15.

Arista Networks Inc. ()

Arista Networks supplies cloud networking solutions to internet companies, cloud services providers and enterprise . In the first quarter, Arista reported 35.1% revenue growth, including 36.5% product revenue growth. The company also raised its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue growth guidance to 27.7%. Analyst Keith Snyder says aggressive customer spending on specialized AI networks will create a stronger growth tailwind for Arista than he initially anticipated, and the company is experiencing unprecedented enterprise demand. Snyder projects 28.7% revenue growth in 2026. CFRA has a “strong buy” rating and $175 price target for ANET stock, which closed at $171.92 on July 15.

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Investors can deploy strategies in bullish and bearish markets to realize gains on their capital. Every market has opportunities, but not knowing the differences between bullish and bearish markets can hurt your total returns.

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Fundamental and technical analysts both consider bullish and bearish sentiment when making decisions. Fundamental analysts usually look at financial performance and , while technical analysts look for short-term indicators such as moving averages and reversals.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you learn more about the distinctions between bullish and bearish markets, and how each can affect your investment strategy:

— How do bullish and bearish markets work?

— How long do bullish and bearish markets last?

— Signs of bullish and bearish markets.

— Navigating bullish and bearish markets.

How Do Bullish and Bearish Markets Work?

Bullish and bearish markets are complete opposites of each other. Some investors look at the broader economy to gauge sentiment, while . It is possible for an industry to experience bullishness while the broader market experiences bearishness, and vice-versa.

Peter J. Klein, chief investment officer and founder of Aline Wealth, explains the key differences: “The terms ‘bull market’ and ‘bear market’ have much to do with technical (chart) patterns. The horns on a bull rise up — the bull charges forward and raises his head with his horns toward the sky. The bear, however, comes at their prey with their claws and comes down on them — downward motion.”

For the most part, rising prices accompany a bullish market, while declining prices accompany a bearish market. But it’s possible for a trading session to contradict the current market cycle. For instance, bullish markets include days when asset prices decline. Bullish markets do not mean everything goes up every day. There can also be outliers, such as a company that reports excellent earnings in the middle of a bearish market.

How Long Do Bullish and Bearish Markets Last?

Bullish and bearish markets can last for prolonged periods. Investors have definitions for what constitutes each of these markets. Brian Spinelli, a certified financial planner and co-chief investment officer at Halbert Hargrove, explains the percentages that matter for defining these markets: “A bullish market is usually defined as a period where markets go up over 20% in a period of time from the most recent low. While this is more widely used to reference stock markets, it can apply to bonds, real estate and other investment asset types.”

Bearish markets use that same 20% threshold to determine when they take place. “A bearish market is the inverse of the bullish market characteristics described above. It can generally be defined as a decline of 20% in asset prices from the previous peak,” Spinelli explains.

Bullish markets can continue indefinitely until the market experiences a 20% drop from the all-time high. After a market becomes bearish, asset prices must gain 20% from the all-time low to be treated as bullish.

Therefore, a broader financial market does not have to return to its all-time high to go from a bearish market to a bullish market.

The lengthiest bear market on record took place during the Great Depression. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 89% of its value from 1929 to 1932 amid grueling market conditions.

The bear market during the Great Depression stands in sharp contrast to the pandemic-fueled bear market that took place in 2020. The latter bearish market only lasted a few weeks until the Federal Reserve rolled out the money printer.

The Signs of Bullish and Bearish Markets

Not every bullish and bearish market is the same, but they follow patterns. These markets have several elements that investors can pick up before others notice.

Asset prices go up during bullish markets, and those upward movements are largely fueled by robust earnings, a strong economy and increases in consumer spending. Investors tend to feel more confident during bullish market rallies.

Declining earnings and consumer spending lead to bearish markets. Investors start to feel less confident about investments and may sell off their positions.

Economic data, such as changes in inflation and employment rates, also contribute to bearish and bullish markets. Higher interest rates slow down the economy, while interest rate declines translate into economic growth due to lower borrowing costs.

Investors are forward-looking, and they may start buying shares before bearish markets turn into bullish ones. Investors think about what the economy can look like in a few months and adjust their portfolios accordingly. Some accumulate shares during periods of high fear and look smart afterward. Investors can also look savvy when they sell stocks during periods of high greed, but timing is key.

Most investors get the timing wrong, and it’s better to take a than it is to hope you can be the statistical anomaly who correctly times the market. But knowing the signs of bullish and bearish markets can help investors make better decisions that align with their financial goals.

Navigating Bullish and Bearish Markets

Bullish and bearish markets are common components of investing in assets. Knowing that assets tend to go up during bullish markets and fall during bearish markets isn’t enough to make savvy decisions. It’s also important to know how these markets tap into human psychology and create vulnerabilities.

“FOMO (fear of missing out) usually takes hold in bullish markets, where investors overestimate their tolerance for risk and begin deviating from their plan to chase returns,” Spinelli explains. “It takes discipline to not give into those feelings and deviate from a plan.”

If a stock more than doubles in a few weeks, it’s tempting to jump on board with every other investor. Dramatic gains can cause investors to ignore , financials and other key fundamentals. This deviation from the criteria can lead to unpleasant surprises, such as the ones investors experienced from 2021 to 2022.

The stock market performed well in 2021, and many winning stocks more than doubled. Many of those same stocks crashed in 2022 after the FOMO died down and investors looked at valuations.

Stocks largely recovered in 2023, but similar dynamics have played out in the current bull market. The has led to outperformance and sky-high valuations for several mega-cap tech and , but investors occasionally chafe at the massive capital spending on AI-related projects that have yet to turn a profit and sell their shares. Some analysts believe a new bear market could be around the corner, but the “AI bubble,” such as it exists, has yet to burst as of mid-2026.

Bullish markets can lead to significant FOMO, but what about bearish markets? These market cycles also play a role in consumer psychology.

“In bearish markets, the flight to safety occurs, and typically after markets have moved down,” Spinelli says. “If investors set proper time frames when investing in assets that can fluctuate a lot in value, they generally have better odds for positive returns than trying to time the market moves year to year. Rarely do investors complain about the higher rates of returns from bullish markets. It’s the bearish markets where their real tolerance for risk shows up.”

Investors frequently talk about financial goals and . Smaller corporations with high revenue growth may seem attractive during bullish markets, for example, and investors may think that these riskier stocks can give them a boost toward their goals. But these same stocks become more vulnerable during bear markets and test the resolve of their investors.

Some investors exit too early during bearish markets and do not return to the stock market until the next bullish market has been established. FOMO during bullish markets and fear during bearish markets can create a toxic cycle of buying high and selling low.

Holding on to long-term investments with appropriate time horizons can mitigate these risks.

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That describes two of Vanguard’s most popular ETFs, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (ticker: ) and the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF ().

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So why choose one over the other? Here are some considerations:

— What’s the difference between VTI and VOO?

— Massive overlap between VTI and VOO.

— Unique traits of VTI.

— VTI vs. VOO performance.

— Avoiding the performance trap.

What’s the Difference Between VTI and VOO?

VTI aims to measure performance of the CRSP U.S. Total Market Index, composed of large-, mid- and small-cap stocks, across value and growth.

VOO, meanwhile, tracks only the S&P 500 index of large U.S. stocks.

Both are market-cap weighted, so the same stocks drive performance of both. The most heavily weighted positions in both are Nvidia Corp. (), Apple Inc. (), Microsoft Corp. (), Amazon.com Inc. () and Alphabet Inc. Class A ().

But VTI holds 3,531 stocks, a sign of the universe of midsize and small stocks in its underlying index.

“VTI contains VOO plus the rest of the U.S. stock market,” says Cristina Guglielmetti, a certified financial planner (CFP) and owner of Future Perfect Planning in Brooklyn, New York.

“Generally, I advise against trying to predict what’s going to out- or underperform and maintain a fully diversified portfolio that you can stick with over time,” she says, adding that non-U.S. stocks should also be included.

“This year, value stocks, small caps and are all doing well, but that wasn’t necessarily predictable, you don’t want to miss out on anything, and we won’t know when the next shift is going to occur,” she says.

Massive Overlap Between VTI and VOO

The reason to diversify a portfolio is to let different types of investments, or asset classes, take the lead while others lag. This means always owning the . If your funds hold the same stocks, they all move in the same direction at the same time, eliminating the benefits of diversification.

The overlap of stocks held in both VTI and VOO is more significant than investors may realize.

“The overlap is huge. About 85% of VTI is the same stocks as VOO, because both weight companies by size and the S&P 500 already makes up most of the U.S. market’s value,” says Christopher Cardinal, president and investment advisor at Cardinal Wealth Management in McKinney, Texas.

That leaves only 15% of the stocks in VTI that are not in VOO. And that’s less a question of risk than of investment philosophy, Cardinal says. “VTI is a bet on the whole U.S. market, whatever leads next. VOO is a slightly more concentrated bet on the established giants,” he says.

However, owning both won’t really help an investor, even if it seems like adding diversification. “You’re just buying the same mega-caps twice,” Cardinal says.

[See: ]

Unique Traits of VTI

The mechanics of a fund contribute to its performance. Cardinal points out a distinct feature of VTI that may give it a small edge. “All those smaller holdings generate more securities-lending income, which helps it track its index a touch more tightly,” he says.

In addition, VTI’s inclusion of smaller stocks may offer an advantage.

“VTI allows future winners to enter the portfolio before they become large enough for the S&P 500,” says Emilio Cabuto, CFP, a financial advisor at Verus Capital Partners in San Diego.

Despite the overlap between the large caps that dominate both funds, there’s somewhat less concentration risk with VTI, Cabuto says.

“The distinction lives in the remaining slice: VTI’s approximately 3,000 additional mid-, small- and micro-caps, and a somewhat less top-heavy profile,” he notes, adding that the top 10 holdings account for about 32% of assets in VTI as opposed to about 38% for VOO.

VTI vs. VOO Performance

As for the actual performance of each ETF, here’s a look at how they’ve done over trailing one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods. Performance is annualized and returns are through June 30:

As you can see, the two funds have posted remarkably similar returns, although VOO’s more concentrated portfolio of S&P 500 stocks has outperformed VTI’s total U.S. market strategy over longer periods of time.

Avoiding the Performance Trap

Investors often gravitate toward funds that have been outpacing others, but that’s not a reason to choose one of these ETFs over the other. “Choosing based on recent performance risks chasing returns instead of building a solid portfolio,” says Joshua Brooks, CFP, founder of Exponential Advisors in Weatherford, Texas. “You cannot time the market.”

Cabuto leans toward VTI, but not for reasons of performance. “The case for VTI was never that it wins every year; it’s that investors don’t have to predict which segment of the market leads next,” he says. “With identical 0.03% expense ratios and dividend yields both around 1%, the cost of that optionality is essentially zero.”

Rather than framing the question as VOO versus VTI, Guglielmetti says investors could consider how to best own all the assets they need in a particular account.

“For larger accounts and taxable accounts, there’s a benefit to having the individual asset-class ETFs,” she says. That could mean owning large caps through VOO as well as funds holding small- and , international developed markets and emerging markets to more easily manage exposure and harvest either losses or gains.

“For smaller or tax-advantaged accounts, using the all-in-one ETFs can make a lot of sense,” she says.

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But some institutions — designated federal work colleges — put work-based learning at the center of their models and curricula. Residential students at work colleges are required to be employed on campus, or sometimes within the local community, while earning their degree.

“At most schools, is optional and tied to financial need,” Curt Essenburg, dean of students and work at in Michigan, wrote in an email. “At a work college, every residential student works, no exceptions, every semester. … Wages go straight against tuition rather than into a student’s pocket, sometimes covering it entirely. And students are actually evaluated on their work performance, similar to a course grade, not just clocking hours.”

Here’s what prospective students and their families should know about attending a federal work college.

History of Federal Work Colleges

The designation of federal work colleges was created as part of the 1992 reauthorization of the Higher Education Act.

According to the 1992 amendment to the , to be eligible, colleges must “be public or private nonprofit institutions with commitments to community service; have a comprehensive work-learning-service program for at least two years; require service by all resident students through a comprehensive work-learning program as an integral part of the institution’s educational program and philosophy; and provide through the institutional work program an opportunity for the students to contribute to the overall educational program and the welfare of the community as a whole.”

[Read: ]

But “the idea itself is older” than this legislation, Essenburg says. “Back in the 1820s to 1860s, there was a ‘manual labor college’ movement pairing coursework, often ministry prep, with farm or trade work. started the modern version in 1855 and later pushed to get the model written into federal law.”

Today, there are nine U.S. federally recognized work colleges, including:

— in Kentucky

— in Ohio

— Berea College in Kentucky

— in Illinois

— in Missouri

— in Arkansas

— Kuyper College

— in Texas

— in North Carolina

Out of these nine, Ecclesia — a Christian work college — is the only one not part of the Work Colleges Consortium, which conducts research on work-learning and supports member institutions. in Vermont, a work college originally part of the consortium, shut down its degree programs at the end of spring 2026.

“When I was an undergrad myself, I participated in the federal work-study program and I was glad to have the opportunity to do that and to lower the cost of my college tuition,” says Luisa Bieri, dean of cooperative, international and community-based learning at Antioch. “But not all those students on campus had to do that, so it sort of created a two-tiered system.”

But at Antioch, she adds, “we’re really seeing that all of our students, in all of them participating, have the sense of wanting to roll up their sleeves and help and be a part of it. And it’s not because of their socioeconomic background. It’s in spite of that.”

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What Type of Jobs Are Available at Work Colleges?

Residential students must work at least five hours a week or 80 hours a semester, and are paid the highest applicable hourly minimum wage, according to the Work Colleges Consortium. Requirements vary per college, but students who are , have part-time status, have documented medical conditions, or are part of a certain graduate pathway typically don’t have to participate in the work-learning program.

Jobs are available in different areas of campus, such as the dining hall, admissions office, library or maintenance.

Some students “are very fortunate and they know what they want to do” for work, says Larry K. Lee, president of Blackburn College, which has a work program run and managed by students. “They come in with that in mind, they stick to it and they’ll graduate. … (But) most students change their mind multiple times. So this gives them that opportunity to explore before it really matters.”

The process of assigning jobs varies by institution. Admitted students at Blackburn, for instance, select several work areas of interest before being assigned their first job. Job changes are allowed in the following semester or year, but require the submission of a resume and cover letter and participation in an interview, Lee says.

“We also coach them, too,” he adds. “When the interview is over, we ask for the supervisors — who are also students — to give them feedback on what they did well or what they might have prepared for differently. Or our might help them with their resume and those things, too.”

Applying to a Federal Work College

The for federal work colleges and other four-year colleges is typically the same. Some work colleges use the Common Application, while others have their own application and may require interviews, experts say.

“?What they will find with work colleges is usually a very generous that includes the work grant,” Bieri says. “That is sort of in exchange for this work program. … All of the work colleges really see accessibility and affordability as a key virtue because we feel that any person who would like to go to college shouldn’t have cost be the barrier.”

[Read: ]

Federal Work Colleges vs. Traditional Colleges

Both types of institutions offer extracurricular activities, such as and sports. However, it’s important to know that free time may be tighter at a work college “since work sits on top of a full course load,” Essenburg says.

Additionally, while traditional colleges vary in size — from a few hundred to hundreds of thousands of students — work colleges all have smaller-than-average enrollment, ranging from about 150 to roughly 1,600 students, according to the Work Colleges Consortium.

Smaller student populations often allow for a closer-knit community and ability to build relationships with faculty, but may offer fewer academic offerings.

“As a student who has transferred into a work college from a traditional college, it has its benefits, but to me, it doesn’t differ a whole lot,” Kayveon Kirk, a senior studying graphic design at Blackburn College, wrote in an email. “From my experience, traditional colleges are more of an ‘I say and you do.’ As for a work college, they put effort into you growing in that workplace and taking something away from it that can be used in your future.”

Ultimately, when deciding where to earn a degree, students should consider their career and personal goals, as well as a college’s employment and debt outcomes for graduates, experts say.

Searching for a college? Get our of Best Colleges.

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AmaWaterways: AmaMaya, AmaRudi, AmaFiora

Debut dates: October 2026; April 2027; spring/summer 2027

AmaWaterways’ three upcoming river ships visit ports around the world and all feature the line’s signature “twin-balcony” design (a combined French balcony and step-out veranda). Each ship is also committed to AmaWaterways’ health-focused sailings, with perks like onboard wellness coaches and fitness amenities. The line aims to operate more than 50 vessels by 2032.

Debuting in fall 2026, AmaMaya sails Southeast Asia along the Mekong River, carrying 120 passengers across 60 staterooms. Highlights include a top-deck swimming pool and top-notch dining venues reflecting the local cuisines of the region.

In Europe, AmaRudi floats out along the Danube starting in April 2027, while AmaFiora will be stationed on the that spring or summer. AmaRudi holds 196 guests and features spacious rooms suited to every type of cruiser, from to families. There are multiple restaurants and lounges on board, including a wine bar and a chef’s table experience, as well as a spa, a fitness center, and a small pool and whirlpool. AmaFiora is a slightly smaller ship, carrying 152 passengers. Its public spaces include an outdoor pool, a sun deck and deck club, a shopping boutique, and massage and fitness facilities.

American Cruise Lines: American Ranger, American Anthem

Debut dates: September 2026; April 2027

Launching in fall 2026, American Ranger carries 130 passengers and offers unique lounges and public spaces. Cruisers will especially enjoy the panoramic Sky Lounge and Sky Walk walking track. The Patriot Class vessel also features a special bow design for deeper drafts.

Meanwhile, the upcoming American Anthem riverboat is an identical sister ship of American Encore (which began sailing in May 2026); it hosts 180 guests and features modern decor, spa-like bathrooms (including tubs with river views and heated floors), walk-in closets, a gym and a multistory glass atrium.

Additional ships set to launch include American Mariner (May 2027), American Navigator (July 2027) and American Grace in 2028. American Cruise Lines sails waterways throughout the United States, including the , the Hudson and other domestic rivers.

Celebrity River Cruises: Celebrity Compass, Celebrity Seeker

Debut dates: August 2027; October 2027

A popular line with roughly 15 ocean vessels, makes its in summer 2027, with the debut of Celebrity Compass that August followed by Celebrity Seeker in October.

The sleek 172-passenger ships are virtually identical, with highlights like king-sized beds in every room, smart in-room tech, complimentary minibars and continental breakfast in bed, luxurious bathrooms, Skylight Infinite Balcony Suites, and numerous dining and lounging venues. Shore excursions, meals, select alcoholic beverages and Wi-Fi access are included in the base fare.

Looking ahead, Celebrity plans to launch three additional riverboats in 2028: Celebrity Wanderer, Celebrity Roamer and Celebrity Boundless. While upcoming itineraries are set to explore the Danube and Rhine rivers, the cruise line aims to operate 20 river ships worldwide by 2031.

CroisiEurope Cruises: RV Brasilian Dream

Debut date: January 2027

CroisiEurope Cruises currently sails 50-plus vessels throughout Europe, Asia and Africa, carrying between 16 and 200 passengers at a time (depending on the ship).

The launch of the RV Brasilian Dream in the new year marks CroisiEurope’s first sailing in South America — a big move for the value-focused European line. The holds just 32 cruisers and was built with sustainability in mind, including a hybrid power setup involving batteries and solar panels, as well as an advanced wastewater treatment system to protect the waterways.

As travelers cruise the , they can enjoy the catamaran-inspired ship’s sun deck, swimming pool, spa, gym, restaurant and lounge. Comfortable cabins, which are dressed in warm wood finishes and white linens, feature Wi-Fi access, private balconies and separate sitting areas.

Scenic Group (Emerald Cruises/Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours): Emerald Lumi, Scenic Aria

Debut dates: March 2027; September 2027

Split into two separate cruise lines — Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours — Scenic Group currently operates nearly 30 river ships across Europe and Asia. The cruise provider plans to launch several more ships in the coming years, including Emerald Nova in Europe (June 2027), Scenic Spirit II on the (early 2028) and multiple luxury yachts.

Built to navigate the Seine River, Emerald Lumi will carry 130 passengers to explore historic ports across France when it debuts in spring 2027. The state-of-the-art vessel has a heated indoor pool area that changes to a cinema at night; roomy staterooms with private balconies; self-service laundry facilities; and more.

Meanwhile, Scenic Aria is set to debut in fall 2027, sailing two itineraries along Portugal’s Douro River. Aria is smaller than some of Scenic’s other vessels, welcoming just 96 passengers in its luxury accommodations — all of which come with butler service, plush robes and other cozy amenities. Public spaces include a walking track, an outdoor terrace and a small pool.

Tauck: MS Saudade, MS Reverie

Debut dates: Both April 2027

All-inclusive travel company Tauck plans to unveil two new riverboats in spring 2027. MS Saudade is designed to traverse historic villages along the Douro River. It has capacity for 84 guests and features a small pool on the sun deck, multiple dining venues with open seating, and a mix of suites and standard staterooms to suit every type of traveler.

Meanwhile, MS Reverie carries 124 passengers to picturesque destinations along the Seine. The ship features a sparkling swimming pool with an outdoor bar and dining area, spacious cabins, walk-in closets, a massage room, and enrichment experiences like culinary demonstrations and musical entertainment in the piano lounge.

In 2028, Tauck plans to launch another river ship along the , joining sister vessel MS Lumiere (which debuted in March 2026). Tauck currently sails a variety of river itineraries throughout Europe, from the Danube to the Rhine.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises: S.S. Marlene, S.S. Sao Rafael, S.S. Audrey

Debut dates: March 2027 (S.S. Marlene and S.S. Sao Rafael); April 2027 (S.S. Audrey)

Highly regarded for its pampering service, gourmet cuisine and boutique hotel-style ship design, Uniworld has a handful of new Super Ships on the horizon.

In March 2027, S.S. Marlene and S.S. Sao Rafael make their debut. S.S. Marlene — which holds 154 guests — will traverse the Danube. Common areas include a sun deck at the top of the ship, an indoor lounge, a main restaurant and a bar. Meanwhile, S.S. Sao Rafael joins sister ship S.S. Sao Gabriel (debuted in 2021) along the Douro River, offering amenities like a cozy wine bar, an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a fitness center.

Covering the Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers, S.S. Audrey holds 154 cruisers across roughly 75 rooms, ranging from classic cabins to luxurious suites. Standard amenities across every accommodation include marble bathrooms, individual thermostats and other pleasantries, while high-level suites add perks like butler service, Nespresso coffee machines and complimentary daily snacks.

Viking River Cruises: Viking Sekhmet, Viking Brahmaputra

Debut dates: November 2026; late 2027

Known for its massive fleet of luxury river and ocean vessels, Viking plans to debut 22 new river ships (most of which are the line’s signature Longships) by 2028 — 10 with inaugural sailings in 2026. While many of these vessels will sail the waterways of Europe, two of Viking’s most notable new ships voyage through ports in Egypt, and another two will be introduced in India.

Viking Sekhmet (and identical sister ship, Viking Ptah) joins Viking’s rapidly expanding fleet of Egypt river vessels in fall 2026. With capacity for 82 guests, Sekhmet will explore pyramids, mosques and other historic sites along the . The riverboat offers a pool and sun deck, an alfresco dining venue and lounge, an onboard library, and several cabin categories to choose from — all of which include either a picture window or private balcony.

In late 2027, travelers looking to take an India river cruise can book the all-new Viking Brahmaputra, which carries 80 passengers and visits bucket-list destinations like Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, India, plus Kaziranga National Park. All staterooms and suites feature a private veranda, and public spaces include a spa and fitness center, an open-air bar and floor-to-ceiling windows across the vessel.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

manages U.S. News’ rankings — so she always has her finger on the pulse of the cruise industry. She has more than a decade of writing and editing experience, and she’s been interviewed by media outlets including , the and MarketWatch for her cruise expertise.

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Fortunately, if you’re wondering how to save money on gas, there are ways to reduce fuel costs without driving less. We’ve rounded up some of the best gas-saving apps available for Android and iPhone. All are free to download.

[Read: ]

1. GasBuddy

GasBuddy is arguably the best-known gas app, and it’s been around since 2000. Enter your ZIP code to compare gas prices at nearby stations. The app relies on user-reported prices along with station data, so while prices may not always be exact, they’re generally accurate.

If you’re looking for an app to find the cheapest gas near you, GasBuddy is a reliable option.

GasBuddy also offers a free card that connects to your bank account through its Pay with GasBuddy program. You’ll need to provide your address, driver’s license information and checking account routing number. By using the card for shopping and dining purchases, you can earn GasBack rewards to spend at the pump. The company says users can currently save up to 25 cents per gallon.

If you drive frequently, you can also sign up for GasBuddy Premium, which guarantees savings of 20 cents per gallon on up to 50 gallons each month, with discounts that can reach 50 cents per gallon. Membership costs $9.99 a month or $99 a year.

To use the app, you enter your ZIP code and gas prices appear for various gas stations in the area. The app relies on other users to report prices and data furnished by gas stations, so while it may not always be exact, it’s generally on the mark.

2. Gas Guru

Offered by Yellow Pages, Gas Guru shows gas prices in your area, and you can filter results by price, fuel grade and distance. The data comes from the Oil Price Information Service, or OPIS, which tracks retail fuel prices. You can also see what’s near each , making it easier to combine errands or find nearby restaurants.

3. AAA TripTik Travel Planner

AAA TripTik Travel Planner isn’t strictly a gas-price app, but it can help you save on fuel costs. While a paid AAA membership includes roadside assistance, TripTik is available to everyone at no cost.

The app shows gas stations and prices along your route and can also help you plan road trips. It includes information on more than 100,000 gas stations and EV charging locations nationwide.

4. MapQuest

While best known for navigation, the MapQuest mobile app can also locate gas stations along your route, compare prices and identify lower-cost options. It also offers traffic information, turn-by-turn directions and restaurant reservations.

5. Upside

Upside offers cash back on gas and on purchases at participating s and restaurants. Depending on the offer, you may need to upload a receipt through the app.

The app guarantees at least 1 cent per gallon in cash back, although rebates of 10 cents per gallon or more are common. You can receive your cash back through PayPal, your bank account or a digital gift card.

PayPal withdrawals under $15 and bank transfers under $10 each carry a $1 fee.

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6. Fuelio

Fuelio helps you monitor fuel costs in addition to finding cheaper gas. It tracks fill-ups, logs fuel economy and helps manage vehicle expenses, including maintenance, tolls and parking.

7. Earnify

If you fill up at BP gas stations regularly, the Earnify app offers savings of 5 cents per gallon. Amazon Prime members can link their account for an additional 5-cent discount, bringing total savings to 10 cents per gallon.

You’ll also earn points with every purchase. Points can be redeemed for additional fuel discounts or purchases inside participating convenience stores.

New members currently receive a 250-point welcome bonus.

8. Shell Fuel Rewards

You can use the Shell app to sign up for the Shell Fuel Rewards program and save 10 cents per gallon on your first fill up, 20 cents on your second and 30 cents on your third. After that, your savings depend on your membership tier.

Silver members receive 3 cents off per gallon. Gold members, who fill up at least six times within three months, receive 5 cents off per gallon. Drivers who fill up at least 12 times in three months, purchasing at least 10 gallons each visit, qualify for Platinum status and receive 10 cents off per gallon, along with additional in-store rewards and offers.

9. Speedy Rewards

Speedy Rewards rounds out our list of the best gas apps for Android and iPhone. Speedway customers can earn points on purchases such as gas and snacks.

Members earn 10 points per gallon of fuel and 20 points for every $1 spent on merchandise. Points can be redeemed for discounted gas or convenience store items. The app also lets users select monthly perks that can boost point earnings.

How Much You Spend on Gas Depends On Your State

Where you live plays a major role in what you’ll pay at the pump. Factors such as proximity to oil refineries, state fuel taxes, environmental regulations and transportation costs all influence gas prices.

Historically, drivers in many Western states tend to pay the highest prices, while states along the Gulf Coast often have some of the nation’s lowest prices because of their proximity to refineries.

Gas prices change frequently, so these ranges for regular fuel are only a snapshot based on recent .

Gas Savings Tips Summer 2026: Other Ways to Save

If you’re still looking for ways to lower your fuel costs, consider these strategies:

— Keep your tires properly inflated: Every tire has a recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) listed on the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, underinflated tires can reduce fuel economy by about 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in average tire pressure. Properly inflated tires can also improve safety.

— Use the air conditioner sparingly: Running the air conditioner at maximum settings can increase fuel consumption.

— Fill up early in the week: A February 2026 GasBuddy analysis found that Sundays typically have the lowest gas prices, with average savings of 4 to 9 cents per gallon compared with later in the week. Mondays also tend to offer lower prices.

— Consider warehouse clubs: Warehouse clubs such as Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club often sell gas at lower prices. Savings can range from 5 to 30 cents per gallon, but membership fees and travel distance may offset some of the benefit. This strategy makes the most sense if you already shop at the warehouse regularly.

— Use a rewards credit card: can provide 2% to 5% cash back or equivalent rewards on fuel purchases. For example, the Sam’s Club Mastercard offers 5% cash back on gas purchases on the first $6,000 spent annually, then 1% afterward. Combining a rewards card with lower-priced gas stations can increase your overall savings.

— Choose a more fuel-efficient vehicle: If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, consider one with better fuel economy or an electric vehicle to reduce or eliminate gasoline expenses.

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An index is simply a rules-based benchmark that determines which securities are included, how much weight each receives and when the portfolio is rebalanced. Those securities can include stocks, bonds, commodity futures and even cryptocurrencies.

For example, the S&P 500 is an index of large-cap U.S. companies selected based on factors such as size, liquidity and earnings consistency, with final additions and deletions approved by a committee. In general, investors cannot invest directly in an index because it is a mathematical construct.

A fund, by contrast, is an investment vehicle that owns a portfolio of securities. An is simply a fund that seeks to track the performance of a benchmark, either by replicating its holdings in full or via sampling a representative subset.

For retail investors, index-based strategies can be accessed via , which are open-ended pooled investment vehicles, and ETFs, whose shares trade throughout the day like stocks on exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

“For example, the Vanguard 500 Index Fund is available in both ETF (ticker: ) and mutual fund () form,” says Rodney Comegys, chief investment officer of Vanguard Capital Management and head of global equity at Vanguard. “Both offer exposure to the same index, have low costs and operate under the same regulatory structure.”

The key takeaway is that an index fund can be structured as either a mutual fund or an ETF, but not every ETF is an index fund. Many ETFs are actively managed, using research, quantitative models or manager discretion instead of tracking a benchmark.

For passive investors, the decision is more about whether they want an index-tracking strategy delivered through a mutual fund or ETF structure, where differences in trading, pricing, tax efficiency and transparency become most important.

So, at the end of the day, the question comes down to the difference between index mutual funds and index ETFs. Here’s a look at some of their key differences:

— Trading mechanics.

— Premiums and discounts.

— Tax efficiency.

— Portfolio transparency.

Trading Mechanics

Both index mutual funds and index ETFs are open-ended investment funds, meaning the number of units outstanding can expand or contract as investors add or withdraw money.

For mutual funds, those investor subscriptions and redemptions occur directly at the fund’s net asset value, or NAV, which is calculated by taking the total value of the fund’s assets, subtracting its liabilities and dividing by the number of units outstanding.

A mutual fund NAV is calculated once each trading day after the market closes. Investors can submit buy or sell orders throughout the day, but every order is executed at that single end-of-day NAV. As a result, mutual funds do not support intraday trading or limit orders.

ETFs work differently. Although they are also open-ended funds with a continuously calculated NAV, investors buy and sell ETF shares on a stock exchange rather than directly with the fund. Buyers transact at the ask price, sellers transact at the bid price. The difference between the two is known as the spread.

“Investors who value the flexibility to trade in real time with a variety of order types might prefer ETFs, while investors who prefer the simplicity of buying and selling shares only at the daily closing NAV might prefer a mutual fund,” says Comegys.

For most mutual fund investors, placing an order is straightforward because the only decision is how much money or how many shares to buy or redeem. ETFs, by contrast, trade like individual stocks. Investors can use different order types, including market orders, limit orders and stop orders, giving them greater control over execution, but also more room for error. The bid-ask spread is therefore important to monitor. ETF issuers typically publish the 30-day median bid-ask spread on each fund’s webpage. All else equal, narrower spreads reduce trading costs, while wider spreads increase them. Investors should factor this into the total cost of ownership for an ETF.

Finally, many ETFs also support listed options. These options allow more advanced investors to buy or sell calls and puts to hedge an existing position, speculate on future price movements or generate additional income through buy-write strategies. However, options trading can introduce extra risk.

“ETFs make it easy to react to every market headline, which is a feature until it becomes a liability, whereas an index mutual fund encourages patience,” argues Michael Ashley Schulman, partner at Cerity Partners. “An overlooked point is that convenience has a cost even when the expense ratio is the same; the easier it is to tap buy or sell, the more temptation creeps in.”

Premiums and Discounts

Investors buy and redeem mutual fund shares directly with the fund company at NAV, which is calculated once each trading day after the market closes. Because every investor transacts at that single NAV, there is no separate market price and therefore no possibility of trading at a premium or discount.

Because ETFs trade throughout the day, their market price can differ from their NAV. When the market price is above NAV, the ETF is said to trade at a premium. When it is below NAV, it trades at a discount. ETF issuers publish historical premium and discount data on their fund pages for investors to monitor.

In practice, however, premiums and discounts for most ETFs tend to remain small. The reason these pricing differences typically stay limited is the ETF mechanism, which allows specialized institutional participants called authorized participants to arbitrage away meaningful price discrepancies.

“While ETF shares trade throughout the day at market-determined prices, the creation and redemption process helps keep an ETF’s market price closely aligned with the value of its underlying holdings,” explains Carole Okigbo, global head of ETF capital markets and broker and index relations at Vanguard.

For example, if selling pressure becomes large enough that an ETF’s shares begin trading at a discount to NAV, an authorized participant can step in and arbitrage the difference.

The authorized participant buys the ETF shares on the stock exchange, exchanges a large block of them, called a creation unit, with the ETF sponsor for the underlying basket of securities, and then sells those securities at their full market value to earn a low-risk profit.

The buying pressure lifts the ETF’s market price, while redeeming shares reduces their supply, helping eliminate the discount and bring the ETF’s market price back toward its NAV.

The reverse occurs when strong investor demand pushes an ETF to trade at a premium to its NAV. In that case, an authorized participant purchases the underlying basket of securities, delivers it to the ETF sponsor and receives a creation unit of newly created ETF shares.

Those new ETFs shares are then sold on exchanges, increasing the ETF’s supply in circulation and helping bring its market price back down toward its NAV.

Tax Efficiency

In a mutual fund, when investors sell shares, the fund manager must raise cash to meet those redemptions. If there is not enough cash on hand, the manager may need to sell appreciated securities. Those realized capital gains accumulate and are typically passed through to all remaining shareholders as taxable capital gains distributions in December, even if they did not sell any fund shares themselves.

ETFs largely avoid this problem. Because transactions are completed “in kind” rather than by selling securities for cash, the ETF generally avoids realizing taxable capital gains inside the fund. As a result, ETFs have historically distributed far fewer capital gains than comparable mutual funds.

That said, index mutual funds remain substantially more tax-efficient than actively managed mutual funds. This is because their holdings generally change only when the underlying benchmark is rebalanced or reconstituted. For example, VFIAX has an annual portfolio turnover rate of just 2.4%.

Active mutual fund managers frequently buy and sell securities in an effort to outperform their benchmark, realizing gains whenever profitable positions are sold. Higher portfolio turnover generally increases the likelihood of year-end taxable capital gains distributions.

This is one reason many investors prefer actively managed ETFs, where the ETF creation and redemption mechanism can help offset some of the associated with higher portfolio turnover.

Portfolio Transparency

The final major difference investors should consider is portfolio transparency. Mutual funds generally disclose their portfolio holdings to the public on a quarterly basis through filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports may also include management commentary discussing notable contributors and detractors to performance, although such discussion is not always provided.

ETFs offer a much higher level of transparency. Most index ETFs publish their complete portfolio every trading day, allowing investors to see the exact basket of securities and their respective weights. Daily disclosure supports the ETF creation and redemption process, helping authorized participants accurately value the underlying portfolio and keep the ETF’s market price closely aligned with its NAV.

“With ETFs, real-time holdings are disseminated to allow investors to know exactly what they own, when they own it and how it fits into a broader portfolio,” says Matthew Bartolini, managing director and global head of research strategists at State Street Investment Management.

For ETF investors, that transparency provides several practical benefits. It makes it easier to monitor portfolio concentration, sector exposures, country allocations and individual holdings without waiting for quarterly filings. It also allows investors to identify style drift, verify that a fund continues to follow its stated strategy and better understand how it fits within an overall portfolio.

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Update 07/15/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.

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