How to teach your kids about budgeting basics with school supply shopping  By Melissa Jackson Students going back to school means back-to-school spending and expenses, but it also means getting back into learning. Shopping for back-to-school supplies is a great time to start the school year off with a lesson…

Key takeaways Debt consolidation may allow you to repay your debt faster and at a lower cost, simplifying your finances and — in some cases — boosting your credit score. Upfront costs may eat into the savings that debt consolidation can present, especially if the interest rate you qualify for…

Finding affordable home insurance has become especially difficult in states like Florida and California. In fact, some homeowners there are scrambling to qualify for coverage at all. Although these two states arguably have it the worst, that doesn’t mean homeowners in other parts of the country have it easy. Bankrate’s…

Stocks and mutual funds are both popular types of investments, allowing investors to build portfolios and grow their wealth. However, even though mutual funds often contain stocks, mutual funds and stocks have different traits that can appeal to various investors with different goals. Here are the key features, as well…

An Amex card is a new Gen-Z status symbol. Just hop on TikTok, and you’ll see plenty of examples. College students flashing their Amex. People in their early 20s learning the powers (and dangers) of having no credit limit. Young Americans seem to love its metal weight and the image…

Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Key takeaways You won’t qualify for the lowest rates if you apply for a personal loan with a fair credit score. Adding a co-signer or co-applicant with excellent credit to your application could help you secure a lower rate. Prequalifying with at least three lenders before submitting…

Credit Sesame discusses how, despite increasing worry about debt, many consumers still take on more debt rather than address their financial situation. The latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York presents a confounding picture of consumer behavior. An increasing number of consumers fear they…

One of the most important questions you need to answer as a small business owner is whether you should incorporate your business—and if so, how.  Here, we’ll explore why you would want to incorporate your business, and how to do so, with helpful links to resources across different U.S. states.…

Key takeaways There are several ways to pay off debt, including working with a reputable debt relief company. You can budget for debt by making it a priority in your “needs” category of expenses within your monthly budget. The debt snowball and avalanche methods are two payoff strategies to consider…

An annuity, which allows individuals to pay upfront or over time to receive a consistent income stream, is a popular source of retirement income for many. However, annuities also come with some drawbacks, including high commission fees and complicated contracts. Annuities may or may not be a good investment for…