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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The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
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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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Key takeaways Financial and personal documentation provides lenders with the assurance and confidence you will pay off your loan. When you apply for an auto loan, gather any necessary paperwork, like proof of income and employment, to make sure the process runs smoothly. You will need specific vehicle and insurance…
Key takeaways FICO Scores are the most common scores used by lenders across the U.S. There are multiple versions of FICO scores, each using different criteria. Differences are typically minor and unlikely to impact whether you’re approved for a loan. To keep your FICO scores as high as possible, focus…
Key takeaways Sticking to your budget is the key to purchasing a vehicle that you can truly afford. If you lack credit history, adding a co-signer with long-standing and strong credit can help you secure better rates. Some car loans may allow you to show good grades for perks like…
Key takeaways Paying off wedding debt early on in a marriage is crucial for reducing stress and building a strong foundation for the relationship. Monetary wedding gifts, the debt snowball or avalanche methods, balance transfer credit cards and debt consolidation loans can be tools to pay off wedding debt. Open…
Key takeaways With debt forgiveness, creditors pardon some or all of your debt. Various types of debt may qualify for forgiveness. Debt forgiveness can offer relief from overwhelming financial burdens, but it does have downsides. Debt forgiveness is only one option for managing difficulties with repayment. Struggling with debt can…
Key takeaways The CFPB allows consumers to file complaints about unfair, deceptive or abusive financial practices across products like bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, debt collection and student loans. While you don’t have to contact the offending company first, doing so may resolve the issue more quickly and save you…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate If you’re planning for retirement, one of your key questions is how much you can earn from Social Security — what’s the maximum you can get? As of January 2025, the maximum benefit you can receive at full retirement age is $4,018 per…
Key takeaways Uniformed service members and federal employees can borrow against their retirement plans with a TSP loan. You can borrow a minimum of $1,000. You can borrow a TSP loan for general purposes, and you can use funds to construct or close on a home. TSP loans come with…
Key takeaways In a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, creditors can seize certain assets to repay the debts you owe. However, exceptions allow debtors to retain some of their assets (or at least part of the asset’s value). Chapter 13 bankruptcy is more about restructuring debts than forfeiting assets. Under Chapter 13…
Key takeaways For those wanting to grow older in their own homes, HELOCs (home equity lines of credit), home improvement loans and home equity loans may be a good way to finance the necessary renovations. If you’re moving in with a loved one, consider a personal loan or low-interest credit…
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