Key takeaways A reverse mortgage allows homeowners who are 55 and older to tap their home’s equity for tax-free payments. The most common type of reverse mortgage is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is available to borrowers 62 and older. Reverse mortgages can be complicated; ask a financial…
In a world that operates 24/7, we want to simplify our lives as much as possible. One way to do that is to use automated payments for credit cards, gym memberships, streaming services, rent and mortgage, subscriptions and more. However, the more automated payments we create, the harder it can…
Key takeaways Voluntary life insurance is an optional group life insurance policy offered by select employers, usually at a discounted rate. It may be a beneficial option for people with chronic health conditions or those who have been rejected by private life insurance companies. Most employers offer voluntary term life…
MartinPrescott/Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Making extra payments or picking up a side job are effective ways to pay off a personal loan faster. Tightening your budget or refinancing your loan can also help with early payoff. Check for any penalties or fees for paying off a…
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TomoCredit, a five-year-old San Francisco startup that claims it boosts consumers’ credit scores, is facing a growing number of problems,…
This founder built his brand on a simple idea: Forget about changing the world. Get rich doing mundane and even…
The 2024 presidential election has ended, and Donald Trump is poised to retake the White House, with big implications for…
Voters in Washington State have decided to keep the state’s first-in-the-nation public long term care insurance program. On Tuesday, they…
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Retirement plans for the self-employed range from the good to the outrageously good, and can allow you to save much more than you ever could with a traditional employer plan. A well-chosen retirement plan can allow entrepreneurs and the self-employed to bankroll a bright retirement.…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways A lien serves as an official notice that you owe a creditor for unpaid property. If you do not pay, the…
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With interest rates easing and inflation cooling, small businesses are getting a much-needed break. A change to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) refinancing…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Actively using a credit card responsibly can help improve your credit score over time. Using your credit card like a debit…
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Credit Sesame uses the 12 Days of Christmas to inspire better credit health in 2025. The holidays are a time of joy, generosity, and, unfortunately, often a spike in credit card bills. But with a little planning and smart credit habits, you can enjoy the season without the dreaded January…
Investing is a critical part of building wealth and achieving your financial goals, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There are plenty of mistakes you can make along the way that could derail your progress and keep you from achieving your goals, such as retirement. (If you’re just starting out,…
Brooklyn Lowery / Bankrate The Chase Freedom Flex® bonus categories have been announced for the first quarter of 2025, and they should be winners for most cardholders. The categories are grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target); fitness clubs and gym memberships; hair, nail and spa services; and Norwegian Cruise Lines.…
Once you file your taxes, you should plan to keep your tax returns for a minimum of three years from the date you filed your original return. But there are situations where you should keep your tax returns even longer. How long should you keep your tax returns? How long…
Our writers and editors used an in-house natural language generation platform to assist with portions of this article, allowing them to focus on adding information that is uniquely helpful. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication. While inflation has slowed, the increased costs…
Key Takeaways After you earn and redeem your credit card welcome bonus, you might be worried that you’ll never see that many points in your account again. A welcome bonus isn’t the only way to earn big when it comes to points or cash back rewards. You…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its new Explore Credit Cards tool this week, intended to allow consumers to compare more than 500 credit cards based on “unbiased, comprehensive data.” The launch of the new resource is one of a number of actions taken by the CFPB this year…
If you’re new to investing and don’t know where to start, the good news is that you have a ton of resources when it comes to learning how to invest. The bad news is that not all of those resources are helpful or accurate. In fact, some of that information…
Key takeaways A 1099 worker is a self-employed individual that performs tasks or provides services to a company. A W-2 employee is a worker employed by a company that has full control over how the employee performs their work. You might hire a 1099 worker when you need projects completed…
As the winter months approach, the allure of snow-covered landscapes, holiday festivities, and cozy nights by the fireplace can be captivating. However, the colder season also brings its own set of challenges that can strain your finances if you’re not prepared. From heating costs to unexpected home repairs, winter can…
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