Key takeaways IRAs are a tax-advantaged way to save for your future. You can open an account even if you’re also investing in an employer-sponsored account like a 401(k), assuming you meet the other IRA eligibility requirements. The two main types of IRAs are traditional and Roth, but depending on…
Key takeaways If you’re looking to increase your credit limit, the best place to start is on your issuer’s mobile app or website. If that’s not an option, call your issuer directly and talk to them about the process. If your issuer denies your credit limit increase, find out why…
Holiday scams have become more challenging to spot than ever, especially with the rise of AI in 2025. Even though the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, it is also the time when fraudsters and cybercriminals are most active. Inboxes are flooded with “flash sales” and…
Key takeaways The Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decisions have a wide-ranging influence on your personal finances, affecting more than just your financing costs but also your job security and purchasing power. When the Fed’s key interest rate falls (or rises), the borrowing costs you pay follow suit, influencing the cost of…
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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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Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has endured nearly every crisis a central banker can face during his eight years at the helm of the Fed: blistering public attacks during President Donald Trump’s first term, an unprecedented global pandemic that forced rates to near-zero, the worst…
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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 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…
Key takeaways International students can get credit cards, but you’ll likely need an ITIN or someone who’ll let you become an authorized user on their card. A U.S. bank account can help, too. If you’re under 21, you’ll need an adult co-signer or a way to prove you can repay…
FG Trade/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Federal law requires mortgage lenders to automatically cancel private mortgage insurance (PMI) when the mortgage balance drops to 78 percent of the home’s purchase price, or when the loan term reaches its halfway point, whichever comes first. You can also ask for…
Inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a way for contrarian traders to bet against the expected daily performance of an asset class, such as stocks or bonds. These risky investments, often in the form of inverse short ETFs, can be valuable for seasoned market pros. But they are definitely not for…
A financial advisor can be a wonderful resource for getting your finances in order, offering you expert advice across a range of financial matters. But financial advisors are not all created equal, and those looking for an advisor must understand the potential drawbacks of using one. Key takeaways A financial…
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