Key takeaways The Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decisions have a wide-ranging influence on Americans’ personal finances, affecting their job security, financing costs and the direction of the economy. When the Fed’s key interest rate falls, borrowing costs for consumers also decrease, influencing the cost of financing purchases with credit cards, car…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Index funds are one of the most popular types of investments because of their simplicity, low cost and diversification benefits. In general, index funds seek to replicate the performance of an underlying index comprised of stocks or bonds, which means they aren’t managed…
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 gas receipts? If you’re a…
Worries about inflation, high interest rates and chaotic global events have kept experts and investors queasy about the stock market and the economy overall. All that fear and uncertainty has led to whispers about another recession or a potential stock market crash—the first since the start of the coronavirus pandemic…
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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…
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Key takeaways You can write checks against a line of credit with credit card convenience checks. Convenience checks are often processed as a cash advance, which can be expensive. It’s a good idea to consider alternatives before using a convenience check to borrow against your…
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…
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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…
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Credit Sesame discusses the proposed CFBP rule on medical debt and whether it can ever come to fruition. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has approved a rule banning reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports. As a result, that debt would no longer directly affect people’s credit…
So you want to go to college (or maybe continue on to grad school). But you feel like the only way to make it happen is by taking out student loans. Hold it right there! Let me speak to you real quick before you sign on the dotted line. Hey,…
Retirement planning is a crucial component of financial wellness, yet it’s often overlooked or delayed. Whether you’re just starting your career or approaching retirement age, understanding the fundamentals of retirement planning can set you on a path toward a secure and fulfilling future. This part of our Financial Wellness Series,…
A VIN — or vehicle identification number — is a 17-figure sequence of numbers and letters exclusive to your vehicle. It’s used by entities like the Department of Motor Vehicles, your auto insurance company and law enforcement to identify your car. Although you won’t need to memorize your VIN, you…
Just like a regular wallet, you may need a cryptocurrency wallet to hold and protect your Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrency. While a crypto exchange might offer a basic wallet, a specialized crypto wallet brings extra security to your holdings, reducing the chances they can be stolen. Here are…
Key takeaways Alternative lending offers accessible eligibility requirements to help you get funding even with subprime credit or finances. Many alternative lenders don’t restrict how you use the funds and often pay out within 24 to 48 hours. Due to short terms and high interest rates, you can expect a…
Do you ever see people who are living their retirement dreams and wonder, What the heck did they do to get there? There’s joy in their voices as they talk about their plans to travel the world or be outrageously generous. And it’s contagious! So, how did they do it? First off, they’re probably…
Key takeaways If you are a small-business owner, then the Capital One Spark Cash Plus and The Plum Card® from American Express are two business cards to consider that allow flexibility when it comes to spending limits. While the Spark Cash Plus offers cash back rewards, the…
Key takeaways 44% of Americans think their finances will improve in 2025, compared to 37% who said so of 2024 and 34% who said so of 2023, according to Bankrate’s Financial Outlook Survey. The most common main financial goal cited by Americans for 2025 is paying down debt (21%), followed…
The world of budgeting and personal finance is all abuzz with the news: Mint is shutting down this year. If you’re currently a budgeter with Mint, we know you’ve got lots of questions. Many of them probably start with, what the heck? (or something stronger). Let’s answer at least two…
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