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…
Practical Money Tricks That Lead to Real Treats Getting out of debt doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent actions can help you regain confidence and control. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies: Budget like a pro: Track every dollar for a month to see where your money really goes. Focus…
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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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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…
Dept Managmnt
The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the…
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Lawrence Golub, billionaire founder and CEO of private credit firm Golub Capital, emphatically dismissed fears that the rapid growth of private credit, specifically…
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As millions of Americans head home for the holidays, Bankrate’s latest survey finds that there’s one dinner topic that will likely generate more heartburn than the typical conversation taboos about politics or religion: it’s money. The national opinion poll found that about 3 in 5 U.S. adults (61 percent) said…
What’s worse: a weak job market or stubborn inflation? Most people would say they don’t want either. Rising prices make it harder to afford the things you need, even when you’re working. A weak job market makes it tougher to ask for a raise, find a better position or land…
Key takeaways Three percent down mortgages are exactly what they sound like — they require only a 3 percent down payment. The lower down payment can make it easier to afford a home, but it will mean higher mortgage payments. These mortgages are often part of a program, and borrowers…
Dean Mitchell/E+/Getty Images Key takeaways Your credit utilization ratio is determined by taking the amount you owe on a credit card and dividing it by your credit limit. Credit utilization is an important factor in your credit score. Most experts recommend keeping this ratio below 30 percent for the best…
KenWiedemann/Getty Images Key takeaways HomeReady mortgages are a type of conventional loan for lower-income borrowers, backed by Fannie Mae. To qualify for a HomeReady loan, your income can’t exceed more than 80 percent of your area’s median income. The program offers a low 3 percent down payment minimum and reduced…
Key takeaways Inflation is a sustained increase in prices of goods and services, which can negatively impact your purchasing power and stretch your budget. The Federal Reserve targets a 2% annual inflation rate as a sign of a healthy economy. Inflation can be caused by a variety of factors, such…
If you remember the turmoil of the global financial crisis, hearing that foreclosure activity is up might make your knees weak and palms sweaty. I know I can’t help it. After reading recent reports of climbing foreclosures, I spoke with experts ranging from real estate data companies to non-profit debt…
Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images Key takeaways The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) cannot issue new flood insurance policies during a government shutdown. Existing NFIP policies remain valid if issued on or before September 30, 2025 and paid within the 30-day grace period. Policy changes, cancellations and endorsements are paused…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates edged lower again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.26 percent, down from 6.35 percent the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week…
Key takeaways If your credit card was declined while you were trying to make a purchase, don’t panic — there are several reasons why this could’ve happened, many of which can be resolved quickly. Some common reasons your credit card might be declined include having the card’s credit limit maxed…
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