Private health insurance costs are going up. A complete guide to your coverage options
Private health insurance costs will rise in 2026. Experts say you can still save.
9 min read
Dec 11, 2025
Sarah Gage
Former Managing Editor
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19Years of Experience
EXPERTISE
- Personal finance
- Debt management
- Building savings
- Improving credit
- Business finance
EDUCATION
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan
Sarah Gage is a former managing editor on the Bankrate team. Sarah has more than 19 years of professional writing and editing experience, and she is passionate about providing clear, concise information that helps people take control of their personal finances. Her finance writing has been featured by Entrepreneur, Tally and Happy Money, among others.
Outside of her work, Sarah enjoys camping, hiking, and planning her next rewards travel trip.
Sarah wants you to know
One of the best reasons to take control of your personal finances is that money gives you access to options. Whether that's the decision of where to send your child for higher education or the option to leave a bad job, getting better with money isn't just about interest rates or APRs. It's about making a tangible difference in the quality of your life through access to better options and opportunities.
Sarah's latest articles
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Survey: Fewer Americans believe their finances will improve in the year ahead, compared to past 2 years
Americans are growing more pessimistic about their finances amid inflation and job worries.
4 min read Dec 15, 2025 -
I dreamed about homeownership for years. The reality isn’t what I expected
Homeownership isn’t always the dream—you may sacrifice more than you expect.
6 min read Dec 11, 2025 -
The Fed just cut interest rates again. We asked 5 experts what Americans should do next
Rates are falling, and finance pros say it may be time for Americans to rethink some strategies.
7 min read Dec 10, 2025 -
The penny is out. Experts weigh in on what it means for consumers
Now that the U.S. Mint is done producing pennies, what happens to consumer prices?
3 min read Dec 01, 2025 -
Study: 78% of holiday staples cost more in 2025 as tariffs push inflation higher
Here’s what to skip and what to buy — and how to tariff-proof your budget.
11 min read Nov 20, 2025 -
This TikToker paid off thousands in credit card debt. Then the government shutdown happened
For Selena Cooper, the government shutdown wasn’t just a disruption. It sent her backwards on a credit card debt payoff journey she had nearly completed.
5 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
Car repossessions are up 43%. Here’s what to do if it happens to you
Shock. Anger. Shame. And finally, hopelessness. The emotions that follow a car repossession can be overwhelming, but they often converge into one lingering question: “What do I do now?” As an insurance [...]
6 min read Nov 12, 2025 -
The Fed makes a second interest rate cut. Here’s what will — and won’t — change for your money.
Borrowers often don’t notice small rate cuts, and a weakening economy could dull the relief.
8 min read Oct 29, 2025
