Key takeaways Figuring your AGI is a crucial step on the path to calculating your taxable income and, in turn, your tax bill. Your AGI determines your eligibility for a variety of tax deductions and tax credits. (Sometimes, your modified adjusted gross income comes into play — more on that…
Key takeaways The standard deduction is a specific dollar amount that you can use to reduce your taxable income. You have to choose between claiming the standard deduction and itemizing (that is, claiming expenses that you paid). The standard deduction amount usually increases each year for inflation. Also, the standard…
Key takeaways The deadline to file federal income tax returns this year — to report income earned in 2025 — is April 15, 2026. If you file an extension, you have until Oct. 15 to file your federal tax return. If you file an extension you have until Oct. 15…
If financial stress has been weighing you down, you aren’t alone. Around 43% of Americans cite money as a factor negatively impacting their mental health, according to a recent Bankrate survey. January is the perfect time to reset your financial mindset and create routines that bring peace of mind all year long. By building good money…
Trending
Spotlight This Week
More Articles
Personal Finance
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…
Featured Articles
Key takeaways Savings accounts are deposit accounts available at banks and credit unions. They allow you to keep your money safe while it earns interest. Online banks tend to offer the highest interest rates for savings accounts. You can withdraw your money from a savings…
Dept Managmnt
Tip 3: Learn How to Create a Better ‘To Do’ List When we make resolutions, we tend to resolve to do certain things.…
Banking
These entrepreneurs, traders and investors are making an outsized impact in fintech, crypto and traditional financial services.By Jeff Kauflin, Hank Tucker and Nina…
Credit Cards
All News
Key takeaways The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers simplicity and low fees as a travel rewards starter card. The rewards rate and perks aren’t likely to appeal to people with robust travel rewards experience. The card does, however, offer an introductory APR period, which is uncommon among…
Key takeaways Both the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offer flexible rewards points with multiple redemption options, a base rate of 1.5X points on regular purchases, no foreign transaction fees and a higher rewards potential if you’re a member…
If you have ever changed jobs or you have already started saving for retirement, you have likely encountered both Traditional IRAs and Rollover IRAs. However, these two similar-sounding accounts can play very different roles in your financial future. Knowing how each works can mean the difference between maximizing your tax…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Unsecured loans are debt products that do not require collateral but may come with higher interest rates and stricter credit requirements. There are various unsecured loans, including personal loans, student loans, and credit cards. When determining eligibility for an unsecured loan, lenders…
Key takeaways A high credit score and income are crucial to qualifying for the lowest rates on a personal loan. Improving your score before applying for a personal loan could help you secure a lower rate. Shopping for the best rates with at least three lenders or on a marketplace…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways The draw period is the initial phase of a home equity line of credit (HELOC), during which you can withdraw funds up to your credit limit. The draw period typically lasts up to 10 years. During this time, you’re usually required…
PeopleImages/Getty Images Key takeaways You can add trusted sources to your Google preferred publishers list to see more of our stories in your search results. It’s simple to add trusted sources using direct links or with a few clicks directly from your Google search results. Adding trusted publishers helps ensure…
The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the most beneficial. This includes credit cards, which often have the highest interest rates, auto loans and personal loans. From there, you’ll need to choose whether you want…
Halloween has evolved into a major holiday for many Americans, celebrated with enthusiasm and creativity. But it comes with a hefty price tag. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), Americans are planning to shell out a staggering $13.1 billion this Halloween. This figure covers everything from elaborate decorations to…
A mini retirement is a planned, extended break from full-time work that’s taken before traditional retirement age. Unlike a vacation or employer-sponsored sabbatical, a mini retirement is self-funded and typically lasts a few months to a few years. People often consider a mini retirement during career transitions, periods of burnout…
Editor's Pick
