If you need some inspiration, common goals among Canadians include retirement planning, saving for a vacation, paying down debt, and setting aside money for a large purchase like a car. Pick one or two that feel meaningful to you right now. Try to narrow down one or two short-term goals,…
If you ask a hundred different people on the eve of their wedding what challenges they think they will face in their upcoming marriages, you’re likely to get a handful of common answers. They are likely to talk about finances, differing life goals, in-laws, religious differences and differing expectations. Almost…
Key takeaways There are many important steps to buying a house, including setting a budget, saving for a down payment and shopping around for a mortgage. It’s also important to consider extra costs beyond the purchase price of the home, like closing costs, taxes and insurance premiums. A local real…
Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Blake Johnson, a construction superintendent in Seattle, wants to buy land and build a house on it. After all, the 24-year-old has the chops — having worked 60 hours a week for several years on commercial and residential renovations. But loan interest rates for land in…
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Last year, on the day before Tax Day, my mom was scheduled to fly into Philadelphia International Airport to stay…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
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By Julie Jaggernath If you’re thinking about downsizing, crunch your numbers carefully because it might cost you more than it saves in the long run. Since the pandemic, the ability to defer mortgage payments has become a more seamless process. But given the persistent high…
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Pro tip: Start planning your baskets early. Track what you already have at home, watch for sales, and compare prices before buying treats…
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For fintech startups, the first five years of the decade have been a roller-coaster ride. At the outset, companies were awash in easy…
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Tax planning is complicated enough in one country. Add a second, and things get more complex in a hurry. Overlapping tax obligations, foreign reporting requirements, and the risk of being taxed on the same income twice all come into play. Whether you’re a U.S. resident earning income abroad, a business…
Most physicians spend their 20s and early 30s in medical school and residency, which means their highest earning years tend to start later than those of other professionals. By the time doctors reach attending-level salaries, many are carrying significant student debt while also needing to make up ground on retirement…
Dentists tend to face a distinct set of tax considerations. Most earn high incomes, own practices that generate business deductions, and regularly purchase equipment — all of which can significantly affect their tax liability. Dental practices are also classified as specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs) under federal tax rules,…
Key takeaways Amazon offers multiple payment plans, including Amazon Monthly Payments with no interest or fees, and credit card options for longer payment periods. Flexible payment plans offered by third-party companies, such as Affirm and Klarna, are also available for Amazon purchases. It is important to carefully consider which payment…
Key takeaways The best time to refinance is when your credit score or overall financial situation has improved. Generally, you should aim to either lower your interest rate or your monthly payment — preferably both. Avoid refinancing when auto loan rates are high or if you won’t be able to…
Anderson Coelho/Getty Images Key takeaways You can use a personal loan to finance a used car if conventional financing isn’t available or if you can’t qualify for an auto loan. Rates can be higher and repayment terms shorter, compared to traditional auto loans. You may be able to avoid repossession…
Key takeaways A longer loan term means you’ll have a lower monthly payment, but you’ll also pay more in interest. A shorter loan term helps minimize borrowing costs and the risk of being upside-down on your loan. Consider the monthly payment and overall cost of ownership when determining which auto…
Key takeaways Buying a new car allows for customization and the latest technology, but it comes at a higher price and loses value quickly. Used cars are less expensive and slower to depreciate, but may require compromises and can come with higher maintenance costs. When deciding between new and used,…
Key takeaways A second-chance auto loan is an auto loan that caters to borrowers with subprime or deep subprime credit. Second-chance car loans come with higher interest rates that can inflate the price of a car loan by hundreds of dollars. There are more affordable alternatives to second-chance auto loans,…
Teaching kids about money early on can shape how they view and manage finances for the rest of their lives. Financial Literacy Month is the perfect opportunity to start those meaningful conversations that build confidence and responsibility around money. By introducing simple, age-appropriate lessons, parents can help their children develop…
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