kate_sept2004/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways When you assume a mortgage, you take over payment for a loan at its existing interest rate and terms. Most government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA loans, are assumable. Most conventional mortgages aren’t. An assumable mortgage can offer a better interest rate…
If you were to invest $10,000 in a good stock and get a 20 percent return, you’d make $2,000. But what if you could have borrowed another $10,000 to buy more stock and doubled your profits? When investors borrow money, or buy on margin, they’re going for these types of…
Key takeaways A balance transfer can be a helpful tool for paying off high-interest credit card debt interest-free for an extended period of time. It’s essential to research and compare offers from different credit card issuers to find the best balance transfer card for your needs and financial situation. Before…
This page was originally published in late 2024 and reflects the author’s financial decisions during that time. Key takeaways Pairing the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card allows me to earn 50% more miles. I use the Savor card for…
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New York startup Casap has raised $25 million in new funding to help banks tackle the thorny problem of credit…
Many people in economics, finance, business, and regular consumer life have been waiting for the forecast inflation, the tariff shock,…
President Trump’s 2026 budget would freeze spending for many services for older adults, deeply cut others, continue his efforts to…
The Trump administration is clamping down on federal student loan defaults; at the same time, Republican lawmakers in Congress just…
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Three years ago, when inflation was rising at the fastest pace in almost half a century, Lori Schkufza could still see the silver-linings. She had a full-time job with benefits as a digital animator. Even though her expenses had grown, her income had increased, too.…
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Smart Shopping for School Supplies and Clothes Buy only the essentials immediately, and purchase remaining items as last year’s supplies are used up.…
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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANK In 2022, President Biden signed an executive order directing the government to develop a framework for digital…
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Key takeaways Secured loans are loans that require collateral (assets) to back, or insure, the loan. Lenders may offer lower interest rates and larger borrowing limits on secured loans. Common examples of secured loans are auto loans, mortgages and business financing. A lender can repossess the collateral if you fail…
Back-to-school shoppers are feeling better, but still not great, about what has become the second-biggest event on the annual retail calendar. This year, 30 percent of back-to-school shoppers say inflation is changing the way they shop, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey. On the positive side, that figure is down…
Tony Anderson/Getty Images If you’re like most people, you have more than one financial goal you’re working toward. Saving enough money to retire is often the top financial goal that people think of, but there are often other competing goals that come up during your life. If you end up…
Key takeaways Not all damages are covered by a home insurance policy; common exclusions include floods, earthquakes, landslides, pests and mold. Homeowners can purchase endorsements or additional policies to cover excluded risks, such as coverage for high-value items or flood insurance. Each insurance company may have different exclusions, so it’s…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Contents insurance, also called personal property insurance, provides coverage for your personal belongings up to your policy limits. Most home insurance policies include home contents insurance at 50-70 percent of the dwelling coverage amount that’s listed on your policy. Most insurance…
Car buyers may now benefit from a new tax break that allows them to deduct up to $10,000 in auto loan interest each year from their federal income taxes — reducing their taxable income. The provision, which is in effect for new cars purchased from 2025 through 2028, is part…
Key takeaways Crypto rewards cards allow users to earn a percentage of their purchases back in cryptocurrency or to convert U.S. dollars to crypto directly. The appeal of these cards lies in the potential for the cryptocurrency to increase in value, but there is also the risk of it decreasing…
How to Support a Partner With Debt – Ask Them: Are You Open to Advice or Support? Not everyone wants help, but if you’re looking for how to support a partner with debt, there are some helpful ways to provide support — whether it’s budgeting together, finding affordable ways to…
If you’ve opened a Roth IRA, you’ve already laid the foundation for one of the most important parts of your life: putting money away for your post-working years. However, opening a Roth IRA is only the first step to a smart retirement saving strategy. Optimizing your Roth IRA to its…
Citi is an advertising partner. Key takeaways Balance transfer credit cards allow cardholders to move debt to a new credit card while saving money on interest payments with an introductory APR offer. The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card has a longer-than-typical intro APR offer, giving you more time to make inroads…
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