Key takeaways A balance transfer fee is what credit card issuers charge when you transfer debt, usually credit card debt, to another credit card. Balance transfer fees are typically 3 percent or 5 percent of the total balance you transfer to your new card. It’s difficult to negotiate or avoid…
If you’re planning for retirement, you likely want the certainty of knowing exactly how much you’ll need in your golden years. If you know how much you’ll need, you can invest to be right on target. Unfortunately, what you actually need will only be known with the passage of time.…
Key takeaways You need proper identification to open a savings account, including your driver’s license or passport and your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. You’ll also need to provide some personal information, including your date of birth, proof of address and contact information. Most banking institutions allow you…
If you’re looking to invest in the energy sector, which historically has included mostly oil and gas companies, buying an energy exchange-traded fund (ETF) is an easy way to do that. With an energy ETF you can buy a cross-section of the industry, letting you play the sector if you…
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Wildfires in southern California have burned at least 47,000 acres in the Los Angeles area—the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire,…
Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
This founder built his brand on a simple idea: Forget about changing the world. Get rich doing mundane and even…
Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
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Key takeaways Banks typically provide better exchange rates compared to airport kiosks or tourist areas. Understanding fees, spreads and rates helps you maximize your currency exchange value. Planning ahead typically saves three to five percent on conversion costs. Most banks require you to be an…
Dept Managmnt
Pekic/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Debt collectors can pursue old debts with the threat of lawsuit until the statute of…
Banking
It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Adding authorized users to your business credit card account can make it easier for you to complete purchases and earn rewards…
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Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. If you think you’re ready to buy a house in 2025, finding a real estate agent with the right experience to guide you through the process will be key. There’s no shortage of agents vying for your…
An investment advisor or broker is a person, company or group that chooses or recommends investments for a client. In exchange for their services, investment advisors charge a fee, usually a flat fee or a percentage of managed assets. These professionals are registered with and regulated by the SEC or…
Dan Coplan/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways An FHA cash-out refinance lets you borrow against the equity in your home by swapping out your current home loan with a new, larger one. An FHA cash-out refinance is available to qualified borrowers with any kind of existing mortgage —…
Zinkevych/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways The best terms on small business loans are generally reserved for borrowers with strong credit scores Personal credit scores range from 300 to 850, with higher scores indicating greater likelihood of timely payments on a loan Business credit scores can range from…
While it might not seem like it at first, options and sports gambling are both bets. In each, you’re making a side bet between gamblers on the outcome of some event — either the outcome of a game or the performance of a stock or other security. But while sports…
Boone Rodriguez/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Business loans require significant documentation about your business formation, financial statements and possibly a business plan Both personal and business finances are reviewed Lenders typically take a few days to weeks to process your information, depending on the lender and type…
Key takeaways Tariffs are a tax imposed on goods that the U.S. imports from other nations. President-elect Donald Trump has shown a penchant for tariffs in his economic policy agenda. In his first term, he imposed duties on $380 billion worth of products from major U.S. trade…
Cash back programs tap into a powerful psychological draw — consumers appreciate getting tangible value from their spending. It’s no wonder the global cash back apps market — valued at about $2.9 billion in 2023 — is projected to skyrocket to $4.6 billion by 2030, growing at a steady 6.5…
Key takeaways Indexed universal life insurance offers flexibility in premium payments and the ability to adjust the death benefit. IUL policies include a minimum guaranteed crediting rate, or interest rate, which ensures growth even if the market index performs poorly. However, there is a cap on gains, limiting the maximum…
Credit Sesame simplifies your financial life with tools to monitor and manage your credit. Life gets busy, and managing finances often takes a back seat until a late fee or missed payment reminds you to pay attention. But simplifying your financial life doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right…
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