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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For the first time in nine months, the Federal Reserve looks ready to cut interest rates. It might not be the cure to painfully high borrowing costs that many Americans have been waiting for. Policymakers are expected to trim their key borrowing rate by a quarter of a percentage point…
Planning for retirement often comes with questions about when and how you can tap into your savings. One such question many people ask is, “Can I withdraw from my 457 while still employed?” Unlike other retirement accounts, 457 plans (also known as 457(b) plans) have their specific rules and exceptions…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Prequalification lets you view your predicted loan rates and approval odds without impacting your credit score. Review each lender’s minimum acceptance criteria and loan terms prior to filling out the application to increase your chances of prequalifying. Prequalify with multiple lenders…
How long it takes to get a 401(k) loan can vary depending on your employer, plan administrator and whether your plan offers an online portal or requires paperwork. In some cases, the process may take just a few days. In others, you may need to wait a couple of weeks…
The Show-Me State has a little something for everyone, whether it’s the barbecue scene of Kansas City, the historic charm of St. Louis or the natural beauty of the Ozarks. And unlike many states, Missouri’s housing market still offers a level of affordability that can make homeownership a reality. As…
Image by MoMo Productions/GettyImages Since a weak jobs report in early September, mortgage rates have fallen sharply. For prospective homebuyers and refinancers, it’s a nerve-racking moment. Will rates keep dropping? Or will they follow their recent pattern and quickly rebound? It’s nearly impossible to know where rates will go in…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways There are no specific income requirements to qualify for a mortgage — but mortgage lenders do evaluate whether you make enough to repay the amount you want to borrow. To determine if you’ll qualify, mortgage lenders review your debt-to-income ratio, credit…
Tim Robberts/Getty Images Key takeaways Business loans are available from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders. Banks and credit unions are ideal for established businesses with good to excellent credit. Compared to traditional lenders, online lenders and nonprofits are more willing to work with businesses…
Key takeaways Social Security is a federal program that provides income to retirees, survivors of deceased workers and disabled people. The average Social Security check for retirees is around $2,000 per month — slightly higher than the average benefit for survivors and people with disabilities. How many years worked, how…
Key takeaways Emergency loans can help cover a wide range of unexpected expenses when you don’t have enough savings. There are different types of emergency loans, including installment and revolving options. Personal loans and personal lines of credit offer lower interest rates and more flexibility. Payday and title loans have…
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