Fund Credit Pros

Key takeaways Dealership car loans offer convenience, but you’ll likely find better deals on interest rates by getting a loan from a bank, credit union or online lender. To secure the best auto loan rate, whether at the dealership or elsewhere, it is essential to arrange financing before visiting the…

When you score that great mail-in offer or discount, you might wonder: Do you have to pay taxes on rebates? The answer isn’t always straightforward. Generally, the IRS doesn’t consider most consumer rebates as taxable income. When a manufacturer’s rebate reduces the purchase price, that’s typically not a taxable event.…

Key takeaways Federal Reserve interest rate changes are the primary driver of CD rates, with yields typically moving up and down alongside the Fed funds rate. The CD term length affects rates, with longer terms typically paying higher rates than shorter terms. Bank competition for deposits can push CD…

Not long ago, I received a letter from an insurance company offering to lower my homeowners premium to just $44 per month — less than 10 percent of what I currently pay. It sounded appealing — until I looked closer. The policy’s low coverage limits, paired with a coinsurance requirement,…

Key takeaways Kids who learn about investing early in their lives reap multiple benefits, including establishing healthy financial habits that they will use into adulthood. Aside from the behavioral benefits that kids receive from having a strong financial education, their money also has more time to compound the earlier they…

Key takeaways Specific savings goals work better than vague intentions to “save more money” — define exactly what you’re saving for. Setting deadlines and breaking large goals into smaller monthly targets makes them more achievable. Creating separate accounts for each goal helps you track progress and avoid spending savings on…

Key takeaways Interest checking accounts pay interest on your balance, unlike traditional checking accounts that typically earn nothing. These accounts often require higher minimum balances or specific requirements like direct deposits to earn the advertised rates. Average monthly fees are higher ($15.45) than regular checking accounts, but you can often…

Gold has long been a popular way to invest, and the shiny yellow metal has delivered periods of attractive returns, especially during times of economic stress. Gold’s ability to act as a store of value is well known, but it’s also gone through periods — even decades — where the…

Social Security is a key source of income for millions of retirees. And knowing what the average Social Security check looks like at age 66 can help you plan more effectively. For those born before 1960, their full retirement age (FRA) is between 66 and 67. While those born after…

Key Takeaways Mobile check deposit lets you deposit checks by taking photos with your smartphone instead of visiting a bank branch or ATM. Most major banks offer this feature through their mobile apps, including Chase, Bank of America and Capital One. Banks typically set daily or monthly limits on mobile…