Image by kolderal/GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Driving in New York isn’t for the faint of heart. Whether you’re dodging cabs in Midtown or gripping the wheel through Buffalo’s lake-effect snow, life behind the wheel in the Empire State keeps you on your toes. However, if you’ve had speeding tickets, an…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate The consequences of a speeding ticket in the Golden State extend far beyond the initial fine. In addition to penalties ranging from $35 to $200, California drivers see their average full coverage car insurance premiums jump by $1,215 per year after a…
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…
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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…
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Joe Raedle/Staff/Getty Images Key takeaways Upgrading your credit card with the same issuer is a way to get better perks without a hard inquiry on your credit report, although you might miss out on a welcome bonus. To upgrade a credit card, contact your card…
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Combining a 401(k) from work with an IRA can help you grow savings faster and give you more options for retirement planning. Contributing to both could grow your retirement savings by combining tax-deferred and tax-free advantages. A 401(k) typically provides employer matching, while an IRA offers wider investment flexibility. Together,…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates held steady this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.39 percent, unchanged from 6.39 percent the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Home equity rates nudged modestly higher in the latest week, sticking close to their lows of the year. The $30,000 home equity line of credit rose one basis point to 7.89 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. The benchmark 5-year $30,000 home…
Key takeaways Drivers who drop full coverage on a 10-year-old vehicle could save up to $900 per year on premiums. The difference between a liability-only policy and a policy with liability and comprehensive coverage is only an average of $30 more monthly. Lenders require drivers with an auto loan or…
The Federal Reserve just did something it hadn’t yet done in 2025: It lowered its benchmark overnight lending rate. While the markets largely expected September’s quarter-point rate cut, it does mark the beginning of a potential easing cycle after months of holding rates steady. That matters for homeowners because the…
Certificates of deposit (CDs) and Roth IRAs play different roles in retirement planning. CDs provide fixed interest and are federally insured, which can make them attractive if your priority is safety and predictable returns. A Roth IRA, by comparison, offers the opportunity for long-term, tax-free growth and withdrawals, giving you…
When planning for retirement, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is how to generate consistent, tax-efficient income. Two common options, annuities and Roth IRAs, serve very different purposes, but can both play a key role in your strategy. A Roth IRA offers tax-free growth and withdrawals in retirement, while…
Managing multiple 401(k) accounts from past employers involves tracking different fees, investment options, and statements. Consolidating these accounts can simplify monitoring, reduce costs and keep investments aligned with retirement goals. A financial advisor can help you evaluate consolidation options and determine a strategy for your retirement savings.Ways to Consolidate Your…
Home prices remain near record highs. Mortgage rates have retreated but remain well above their pandemic lows. Add it up, and homebuyers are feeling discouraged. With housing affordability squeezing buyers, one in six (16 percent) of aspiring homebuyers have given up on purchasing a home in the past five years…
Key takeaways A 401(k) loan may help you access money from your retirement plan, but they’re not always available. A 401(k) loan can help you avoid the costly expenses associated with taking an early withdrawal from your account. You’ll need to pay back your 401(k) loan just as you would…
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