With 2024 winding down, that means it’s time to think about resolutions for the coming year. As the year has seen an easing of inflation, the aftermath of increased costs has left a lasting impact on our savings and financial wellbeing. Almost half of Americans (47 percent) said in a…
Key takeaways Closing on a house is a complex process that takes several weeks and involves many steps for you and your lender. On closing day, you’ll sign a stack of documents, pay closing costs and receive the keys to your house. Several issues can delay closing, including a low…
Key takeaways Stocks and options are two very different ways that you can invest. With stocks, you take an ownership stake in the company. An option is a side bet among traders over what the price of a stock will be at a certain time. There are pros and cons…
Credit Sesame discusses expectations for interest rate cuts in 2025 and the effect on the stock market. The Federal Reserve delivered one of the most unpopular rate cuts in recent history at the December 18 meeting, the last in 2024. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced a 0.25% rate…
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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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ImagePixel/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Renting your home on Airbnb may not be covered by your homeowners insurance if it is considered a business activity. Airbnb offers a free insurance plan called AirCover, but it may not cover all potential damages or…
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…
Banking
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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10’000 Hours/Getty Images Adjusted gross income, or AGI, is your total gross income (before taxes) minus certain tax deductions, known as adjustments. Gross income includes wages, dividends, interest, government benefits, retirement distributions, capital gains and more. To calculate adjusted gross income, you subtract from gross income any above-the-line deductions, or…
Key takeaways Many term life policies let you switch to permanent coverage, like whole life or universal life, without undergoing a medical exam. Your conversion window won’t stay open forever, so grab your policy or call your insurer to check the details and deadlines before it’s too late. Some policies…
Key takeaways Both the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Cards and Discover it® Student Cash Back are good options for students who want to build credit and earn rewards. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for those who spend more on groceries and…
Key Takeaways The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases, making it one of the best flat-rate cards available. This card also features an easy-to-earn welcome bonus, a cellphone protection benefit and introductory APR offers on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers. …
Key takeaways Cruises can be easy to budget and plan for since most of the costs involved are fixed, meaning you know what you’re paying upfront. Not only do cruises include your lodging and transportation in the cruise fare, but you get unlimited meals and snacks as well. Credit card…
Key takeaways The Chase Freedom Flex® is best suited for those who want to earn boosted rewards on rotating categories without paying an annual fee. Along with a solid welcome offer, the Chase Freedom Flex also comes with an intro APR offer on both purchases and…
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they may encounter as they mature. Whether it’s paying for college, buying a first home or providing a safety net in an uncertain job market, these funds can make a significant difference. Here are the best ways to build…
Key takeaways The United States maintains a unique credit scoring framework. Other countries use different scoring systems, so you need to start fresh if you move internationally. The financial habits that help you build good credit in the U.S. can serve you well anywhere you go. In the United States,…
Key takeaways Credit repair courses teach important skills such as how to access and read credit reports, identify errors and file disputes. A credit repair class is not a quick fix and doesn’t guarantee success, especially if the negative marks on your credit report are accurate. Before choosing a credit…
Oleksandra Yagello/Getty Images Cred.ai is a credit-building service that describes itself as a “high-tech and premium card spending experience.” Its main product is the Unicorn Card, which it says is a “life-changing debit card replacement” that will help you build credit automatically. If you want to build or establish credit…