Trading options in a retirement account such as an IRA may be possible, but is it a safe thing to do? Experts generally advise against trading options in an IRA because of the high risk involved. That said, retirement investors may consider using a few option strategies in limited situations.…
FluxFactory/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Deciding whether to sell your house or rent it out depends as much on your location as it does on personal circumstances, such as immediate cash needs and future housing plans. Selling might be the better option if you need the proceeds to…
Key takeaways The certified financial planner certification is one of the most highly sought-after designations for financial professionals and can add a lot of value to their careers. The CFP certification requires holders to abide by a fiduciary standard, putting their clients’ needs first. A CFP holder must pass an…
Key takeaways Semi trucks can cost from $70,000 to $200,000, making it hard for some businesses to purchase one without a loan The costs of a semi-truck loan include interest, fees, length of repayment and the down payment for the truck. Semi-truck financing interest rates often range from 6 percent…
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Wildfires in southern California have burned at least 47,000 acres in the Los Angeles area—the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire,…
Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
This founder built his brand on a simple idea: Forget about changing the world. Get rich doing mundane and even…
Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
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With President Donald Trump returning to the White House for a second term, Americans can expect to see major tax-law changes in the years ahead. During his first stint in office, Trump massively overhauled the tax code by passing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Zombie debt refers to old or expired debts you’ve either forgotten about or never knew about that debt collectors try to…
Banking
It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Adding authorized users to your business credit card account can make it easier for you to complete purchases and earn rewards…
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Key takeaways Getting the timing right on your credit card application may increase your chances of approval while potentially reducing the impact on your credit score. If your balance is high, or if you’re making a big purchase, are preapproved or referred or you meet other metrics, it may make…
Key takeaways Frontier Miles, Frontier Airlines’ frequent flyer program, lacks many of the bells and whistles of other airline loyalty programs, such as broad redemption options and the ability to upgrade to premium cabins. However, Frontier Airlines is one of the most affordable carriers for flights with the U.S. and…
Yana Iskayeva/ getty Images Key takeaways The Chase Slate Edge is a popular balance transfer credit card due to its intro APR offer, as well as the fact that it doesn’t charge an annual fee. This card also gives you the chance to see your interest rate drop by 2…
Lost income: If you have to temporarily close your business while repairs are made, equipment breakdown insurance will cover lost business income. Additional expenses: Equipment breakdown will cover additional expenses you might face after a claim, like mandatory inspections. Food spoilage: For food and beverage businesses, equipment breakdown insurance covers…
Key Takeaways A no-doc mortgage offers a way to get a home loan without some of the income and employment verification paperwork lenders traditionally require, like W-2s and pay stubs. Post-Great Recession, no-doc mortgage loans are much harder to come by. No-doc loans often require higher credit scores and larger…
FG Trade/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Benefits of a home equity loan include consistent monthly payments, lower interest rates, long repayment timelines and a possible tax deduction. Downsides of a home equity loan include needing a 20% minimum ownership stake and strong financials; incurring closing costs; and the…
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great rewards card to have in your wallet if you’re all about food, travel and entertainment. But is it the best fit for you overall, or could one of the other top cash back credit cards suit your needs better?…
Key takeaways Online banks usually carry the same FDIC insurance as traditional banks. Because they don’t carry the operating expenses of traditional banks, online banks can offer more competitive APYs and better rewards. Look for online banks with features that protect your data, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, fraud monitoring…
Key takeaways If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to keep your home, especially if you have a relatively low amount of equity. If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’re more likely to keep your home, provided you can make any missed payments along with…
An annuity can provide you with a steady stream of income, ensuring that you have money when you need it. That’s why many people turn to annuities during retirement, to be sure that they have cash flow when they’re no longer working. If you’re looking to buy an annuity, you’ll…