Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate You just found out that you’re getting a tax refund and are considering using it to make a lump-sum payment toward your credit card debt. Before you do, let’s make sure you are setting yourself up for long-term financial security — not just temporary…
This page was originally published in early 2022 and still contains relevant interview quotes from that time. The rest of the article is regularly updated. Key takeaways Secured credit cards are popular credit building tools, but not everyone opens them for the same reasons or uses them in the same…
A few years ago, I made what seemed like an impossible decision: I was going to pay off $300,000 in debt, including student loans and even my mortgage. No lottery winnings. No inheritance as a first generation Filipino-American millennial. The secret? A simple, repeatable one-hour monthly money routine on the…
Key takeaways Credit card fraud is the most common form of identity theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The four major credit card networks — Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover — offer $0 liability protection, AI-powered user authentication analysis, EMV chips and card identification numbers (CIDs or…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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Key takeaways Under current law, you do not have to be a U.S. citizen to buy a home in the U.S. The vast majority of non-resident buyers come from Canada, China, Mexico and India. Many mortgage lenders offer conventional and FHA home loans to non-U.S.…
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Level 2: Discover the Fastest Way to Pay Off Debt With Rules and Challenges When looking for the fastest way to pay off…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
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Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate There are many reasons married couples may want to file their taxes jointly: a larger standard deduction, eligibility for more tax credits, and higher income thresholds to qualify for various tax benefits are just some examples. But in some cases, it can make…
A margin call occurs when the value of securities in a brokerage account falls below a certain level, known as the maintenance margin, requiring the account holder to deposit additional cash or securities to meet the margin requirements. Margin calls only happen in accounts that have borrowed money to purchase…
South_agency/Getty Images Key takeaways Cash back cards that feature rotating bonus categories reward higher cash back rates for spending in select categories each quarter. Chase and Discover categories change each quarter and require activation in order to secure the higher rewards rate. While rotating bonus category cards don’t release their…
Key takeaways The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is worth it for frequent travelers and aspiring rewards earners with good credit. The Chase Sapphire Preferred isn’t worth it for spenders who may prefer going out and earning cash back. If you’re looking for a generous welcome bonus, partner deals and travel…
Tibor Bognar/Getty Images Apple (AAPL) shares dropped by about 8 percent in early trading Thursday after new tariffs announced by the Trump administration targeted countries where the tech titan produces its products. The stock decline was part of a broader sell-off that saw the S&P 500 down more than 4…
Maria Korneeva/Getty Images Key takeaways Discover’s rotating cash back categories offer cardholders the chance to earn 5 percent back (after activation) on up to $1,500 combined spending on qualifying purchases each quarter (then 1 percent). Categories tend to align with seasonal themes and common spending patterns, with multiple categories reappearing…
Key takeaways Although CDs offer great returns, there may be more lucrative options. Dividend stocks can offer better returns, as can bond funds. Consider your risk tolerance and investing horizon when making your choices. If you’re looking for a safe place to store your money while earning a return, you…
Key takeaways Refinancing a mortgage temporarily lowers your credit score. Refinancing can affect your credit score for up to one year while remaining on your credit report for up to two years. To best protect your credit, continue to make timely payments on your accounts and comparison shop within a…
General_4530/Getty Images Market volatility refers to the degree to which the price of a security or index changes over a period of time. Market volatility can occur for a variety of reasons, including economic news — such as tariffs — or an unexpected shock, such as the release of a…
Put options are a type of option that increases in value as a stock falls. A put allows the owner to lock in a predetermined price to sell a specific stock, while put sellers agree to buy the stock at that price. The appeal of puts is that they can…
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