Key takeaways You can responsibly use a credit card for large purchases if you pay off the balance before it starts accruing interest. Using a credit card to pay for large but predictable expenses — like groceries, travel and appliances — can help you earn rewards and access additional benefits.…
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images New technology has changed the way many people get around. Ridesharing has become an incredibly popular transportation option, and that’s especially true in big cities where Uber and Lyft drivers are easy to find. With just your smartphone and a few taps of your finger, you can…
Pet ownership can be expensive, with recurring expenses like food, supplies and veterinary care. A rewards credit card can help offset these costs, but finding the right card is tricky since bonus categories typically don’t include everyday pet expenses. Here are some of the better options available to help you…
Bond prices have been volatile in recent years as the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to combat high inflation, but with rate cuts paused for now, investors may still be able to take advantage of attractive yields in short-term bonds. Here’s what you should know about short-term bond funds and…
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The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
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At the end of the year, many people pause to reflect on what worked and what didn’t, especially when it comes to their finances. Year end is a perfect moment to acknowledge challenges, review your habits and create a fresh plan for the year ahead.…
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Experience with the Program: How Debt Management Helped a First-Time Renter Katie’s journey shows clearly how debt management helped her regain control over…
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These entrepreneurs, traders and investors are making an outsized impact in fintech, crypto and traditional financial services.By Jeff Kauflin, Hank Tucker and Nina…
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Image by GettyImages; illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways The interest rate on fixed-rate HELOCs stays the same, as opposed to fluctuating as it does with traditional HELOCs. Some lenders will let you convert part of a traditional variable-rate HELOC balance to a fixed rate. Fixed-rate HELOCs may charge higher fees…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways The draw period is the initial phase of a home equity line of credit (HELOC), during which you can withdraw funds up to your credit limit. The draw period typically lasts up to 10 years. During this time, you’re usually required…
The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the most beneficial. This includes credit cards, which often have the highest interest rates, auto loans and personal loans. From there, you’ll need to choose whether you want…
Halloween has evolved into a major holiday for many Americans, celebrated with enthusiasm and creativity. But it comes with a hefty price tag. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are planning to shell out a staggering $13.1 billion this Halloween. This figure covers everything from elaborate decorations to…
A mini retirement is a planned, extended break from full-time work that’s taken before traditional retirement age. Unlike a vacation or employer-sponsored sabbatical, a mini retirement is self-funded and typically lasts a few months to a few years. People often consider a mini retirement during career transitions, periods of burnout…
To help you get the most out of this information, we’ve broken it down into these helpful sections: Conduct a Full-Scale Audit of Your Recurring Monthly Bills Many people ignore their regular monthly bills as a source of their debt problems. They think it’s too much shopping or too many…
At the peak of the pandemic, Congress established the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), a program designed to help eligible employers stay afloat during the COVID pandemic. The lure of free money proved to be too much for some, and as checks rolled out, the IRS began to point fingers at…
Lawrence Golub, billionaire founder and CEO of private credit firm Golub Capital, emphatically dismissed fears that the rapid growth of private credit, specifically direct lending, is leading to a bubble. Speaking at the ninth annual Forbes/SHOOK Top Advisor Summit in Las Vegas, NV, on Thursday, Golub argued that direct lending…
We are approaching the blackout period ahead of the Fed’s upcoming meeting on 28-29 October, at which the Federal Open Market Committee is expected to cut interest rates according to fixed income markets. We have recently heard a number of speeches from Fed policymakers ahead of the pre-meeting limitation on…
Review your policy so you understand what is and is not covered. Maintain your property to reduce disputes over whether damage is sudden or gradual. Communicate openly with your adjuster. If it feels like they are asking many questions, it is because they must evaluate exclusions before confirming coverage. Stay…
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