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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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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The Chase Freedom Flex® traditionally leans heavily into holiday shopping with its fourth quarter bonus categories. This year, however, travel is taking center stage. From Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025, the Freedom Flex will give an extra 4 percent cash back on up to $1,500 in quarterly spending on…
Key takeaways The key difference between an ordinary annuity and an annuity due is when payments are made, which can affect the overall value. Ordinary annuity payments are made at the end of each period. Annuity due income payments are made at the beginning of the period. An annuity is…
Key takeaways The SECURE Act 2.0 became law in the last days of 2022, and its rules provide assistance for retirement savers, small businesses and many others. The law enabled a host of things, including the starting age for required minimum distributions, the removal of RMDs for employer-sponsored Roth accounts…
Key takeaways You can typically cash in your savings bond at your bank, in person. Regardless of how much money you receive, you can cash in your childhood savings bond and reinvest it, save it, or spend it. If you have a savings bond socked away for a while, or…
A robo-advisor is a great choice for investors who want professional portfolio management minus the high price tag traditional money managers charge. You’ll pay around 1 percent to 2 percent of your account balance (assets under management, or AUM) in fees each year for a human investment manager, versus roughly…
Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock Key takeaways A mortgage application collects information about your finances and the property you want to buy so that a lender can decide if you’re eligible for a loan. Most lenders use the standard Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA) or a variation. To prepare for a mortgage application,…
Key takeaways To use the rule, divide 72 by your interest rate to estimate how many years it’ll take to double your money. Use the Rule of 72 for ballpark planning, but lean on calculators or professional advice for real investment decisions. You can also use the Rule of 72…
Tips to Help Get Credit Card Debt Back on Track Students can also use creative strategies to help get credit card debt back on track and accelerate repayment. Selling used textbooks, old electronics, or clothing online can free up extra cash. Reducing discretionary spending — like cutting back on takeout,…
Ivan Pantic/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Online-only mortgage applications can be convenient, but they might not be the best fit if you have complicated finances. While online mortgage lenders are generally safe, do your due diligence and protect your personal information when applying online. The closing…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be left in the cold. In the 22 years since Ken Ruggiero jumped from tech to the private student loan business, he’s lived through a dramatic boom and bust. In the…
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