Key takeaways Personify and OneMain Financial are top lenders for borrowers with bad credit, but both have high rates and fees. OneMain Financial has more competitive rates and faster funding times, which is handy for emergency expenses. Personify has a lower minimum loan amount, making it a good option for…
Winning the lottery is incredibly rare, but someone has to win. If you’re one of the lucky ones, the financial windfall can be life-changing. But winning the lottery isn’t an instant ticket to lifelong financial freedom. Some sources suggest that as many as 70 percent of lottery winners eventually declare…
Phynart Studio/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Finding the best fast business loan involves figuring out how much loan you can afford and comparing loan types and lenders To apply for a fast business loan, you’ll need to check the lender’s requirements and gather the correct documentation Always…
Credit Sesame explains how certain jobs come with credit building challenges and the steps you can take to help overcome them. 1. Freelancers and gig workers Being your own boss sounds great, but inconsistent income, fluctuating earnings, and a lack of traditional pay stubs can make lenders wary. According to…
Personal Finance
A perfect storm is brewing for millions of federal student loan borrowers, who may experience dramatic increases in their monthly…
As the Biden administration exits Washington, President-elect Donald Trump inherits a federal student loan system that looks much different than…
Republican lawmakers in Congress are circulating a number of proposals to cut federal spending as part of a massive bill…
Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
Featured Articles
Can you count a local sports team sponsorship as a business expense? If you discuss your advertising strategy over coffee with your partner, is it considered a business lunch? And just what does a certified public accountant do when you hand them a pile of…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways A balance transfer fee is what credit card issuers charge when you transfer debt, usually credit card debt, to another credit…
Banking
No matter how often bank regulators, international standard setters, rating agencies, or financial reform advocates warn banks that climate change is serious, the…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers a flat 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. Bank of…
All News
You’re living the dream of working for yourself—hats off to you! There are so many benefits of having your own business. You get to set your own schedule, you get to set the rules . . . after all, you’re the boss! On the other hand, there are some downsides—like…
If you live in the state of New York and have a history of traffic violations or accidents, you may be considered a high-risk driver. Bankrate defines a high-risk driver as someone with at least one speeding ticket conviction, at-fault accident or DUI conviction on their motor vehicle record. Drivers…
Before you invest your money, you’re likely wondering how much you’re going to earn. This is known as the rate of return or return on investment. The rate of return is expressed as a percentage of the total amount you invested. If you invest $1,000 and get back your original…
Credit Sesame discusses online financial fraud committed over the Thanksgiving weekend. The holiday season kicked off with Thanksgiving, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This national holiday is a time for family get-togethers and cozy dinners, followed by some great gift deals for the holiday season. Unfortunately, hackers don’t take holidays.…
By Julie Jaggernath There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal, or is there? Visit a restaurant at dinner time and a room full of people might beg to differ. Dining out can be a delightful experience, offering a break from routine and a chance to try new flavours. However, whether…
Key takeaways Review medical bills for errors and confirm coverage with your insurance provider before paying. Medical service providers may be willing to offer discounts or arrange interest-free payment plans. Financial assistance, loan programs and lines of credit can help you cover the remainder of the bill. If medical debt…
If you work for a non-profit or tax-exempt organization, you might’ve noticed that something’s missing from your retirement options. Wait a minute, you say to yourself, why isn’t there a 401(k) option in here? That’s because most teachers, government employees, nurses, doctors and others who spend their careers serving others have access to…
Key takeaways A good or excellent credit score gives you the best chance of getting a personal loan with attractive terms. If your credit score isn’t up to par, try improving it or finding a cosigner to help boost your approval odds. The amount you borrow and your debt-to-income ratio…
Bitcoin gets all the headlines when people talk about cryptocurrencies, but there are literally thousands of other options when it comes to these digital currencies. In fact, cryptos that aren’t Bitcoin are usually considered an “also-ran” — what are called “altcoins,” or alternatives to Bitcoin. While Bitcoin may have been…
Key takeaways It is possible to get a business credit card without owning a business if you earn money independently, such as through freelance writing or driving for rideshare apps. On your business card application, you can typically list yourself as the sole proprietor in the business tax identification section…