When Jessye Kass Karlin asked for a raise, she didn’t just need one person to say “yes.” She needed eight.  A director of programs at a women’s shelter in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Karlin was in her mid-twenties, making around $60,000 per year. She sought a $20,000 salary increase and a new…

In the heart of every community, first responders stand as pillars of strength, protection, and safety. Firefighters, police officers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel dedicate their lives to protecting the public, often putting their own safety at risk. Yet many of these everyday heroes face a growing challenge outside the…

Key takeaways Unsecured business loans don’t require you to back the loan with valuable assets Making on-time payments and building payments into your budget can help you effectively manage the unsecured business loan If you’re struggling to make repayments, talk to your lender and consider refinancing to help you meet…

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Key takeaways Money market accounts earn competitive interest rates — currently 0.46% on average, with top accounts offering 4%+ APY according to Bankrate data as of November 2025. These accounts combine checking account flexibility (check-writing, debit cards) with higher interest rates that you may…

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Key takeaways The Federal Reserve’s key borrowing benchmark is currently in a target range of 3.75-4 percent. The Fed’s monetary policy has shifted significantly over the years, from combating high inflation in the 1980s to dealing with recessions and financial crises in the 2000s and 2010s. The current era is…

Key takeaways The ongoing impact of inflation in recent years has left many Americans tightening their wallets. One surprising solution for combating the negative impacts of high prices may be opening a new credit card that allows you to offset higher costs with cash back savings and other rewards. But…

Fixed-rate HELOCs are the talk of the town lately among home equity lenders and industry insiders.  Home equity isn’t the flashiest corner of consumer finance, so it’s noteworthy when a buzzy new trend emerges. I talk with home lending experts all the time, and they keep telling me the same…

Key takeaways To qualify for a home equity loan or line of credit, you’ll typically need to maintain at least 20 percent equity in your home (including both your existing mortgage and the new equity loan or line of credit). Some lenders allow 15 percent. You’ll also need a solid…

Key takeaways Most checks clear within 2 business days, though some banks may hold funds for up to 7 days depending on the check amount and type. The first $225 of any check deposit must be available by the next business day, as required by federal law. Government checks, cashier’s…

Key takeaways A bump-up CD allows you to increase your interest rate one or more times during the CD’s term if rates rise, typically on 2-3 year terms. Bump-up CDs typically start with APYs that are 0.10-0.25 percentage points lower than traditional CDs of the same term, according to Bankrate…

Key takeaways Monthly maintenance fees for non-interest checking accounts average $5.47, costing you over $65 annually, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Checking Account Survey. You can avoid these fees through direct deposit, maintaining minimum balances or switching to a fee-free checking account. According to Bankrate data, 47 percent of non-interest checking…

Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Refinancing your mortgage typically costs between 2 percent and 6 percent of the new loan amount. These closing costs can include fees for origination, a home appraisal and more. You can save on the cost of refinancing by boosting your…

Most of us have lent money to a friend or family member or paid a group bill with the expectation of being paid back. Unfortunately, these situations don’t always go smoothly and often result in lost money or hurt feelings — sometimes both. About seven in 10 U.S. adults (70…

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