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…
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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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 Borrowers may refinance second homes and investment properties to get a lower interest rate or access the home’s equity as cash, among other reasons. The refinancing process for a second home or investment property is similar to refinancing a primary residence, but it can be harder to qualify.…
Roman_Makedonsky/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways A no-closing-cost refinance means you won’t pay closing costs upfront — but you will roll them into your loan or pay a higher interest rate. A no-closing-cost refinance saves you some money at closing, but it could end up costing you more…
Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images Traveling internationally can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the best ways to prepare for international travel is to have a credit card specifically designed for it. Not only do these cards offer rewards and perks, but…
Because annuities are designed to provide long-term income, accessing funds too early can trigger an annuity early withdrawal penalty. Insurance companies typically impose surrender charges if you withdraw money within the first several years, and the IRS may add a 10% penalty on withdrawals before age 59 ½. These costs…
Pensions and 403(b) plans represent two distinct ways to save for retirement, each with its own structure and advantages. A pension provides a predictable income stream in retirement, usually funded and managed by an employer. A 403(b), on the other hand, relies on employee contributions and investment growth, giving individuals…
When you think about estate planning, wills, trusts and life insurance usually top the list. But annuities deserve a spot in the conversation, too. Beyond providing reliable income in retirement, annuities can ensure your spouse keeps receiving steady checks, transfer wealth to heirs and help sidestep probate. Still, annuities come…
By your 60s, most of your retirement foundation is already in place. While you may still have a few years to save, building significant new wealth is less likely unless you continue working during retirement. This stage typically shifts focus to taxes, withdrawals, Social Security and budgeting. To help you…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate A split decision for home equity rates, as the Federal Reserve delivered an expected quarter-point interest rate cut, the first rate reduction this year. The average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit fell five basis points to 8.05 percent, according to…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates fell this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.30 percent, compared to 6.38 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 52-week…
Certificates of deposits (CDs) continue to be worth considering as a component of your savings strategy in 2025. Yields on the best CD rates increased to highs not seen in years, thanks to the Federal Reserve raising its benchmark rate 11 times in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, yields dipped…
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