The U.S. public safety net can be a catch-22: These services act as a lifeline for people with disabilities, but it bars people from meaningfully saving, investing and building personal wealth. Money stashed in a retirement account or brokerage account counts against the small, strict asset limits imposed by certain…
Key Takeaways Focus on essential needs like food, housing, and utilities while reducing unnecessary purchases. Establish a structured budget to prioritize needs vs wants and stick to it. Consider community resources and government assistance that provide help with food, housing, and utilities. Investigate professional credit counseling from a non-profit agency…
Sarah-Jane Joel/Getty Images Key takeaways A deed of trust is a legal agreement used in real estate transactions in which a third party — the trustee — holds the title to the property until the borrower repays the mortgage. A mortgage is a similar agreement, but it doesn’t involve a…
Dependent life insurance is a type of life insurance you may not have encountered, but which could be good to investigate. Life insurance is designed to provide financial resources in the event that the insured person — often the policyholder — dies while the policy is in force. Dependent life…
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Many people in economics, finance, business, and regular consumer life have been waiting for the forecast inflation, the tariff shock,…
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The Trump administration is clamping down on federal student loan defaults; at the same time, Republican lawmakers in Congress just…
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Five years ago, Taylor Gothard, 41, and his spouse found themselves staring at $100,000 in credit card debt spread out over 17 maxed-out credit cards. When it comes to debt like this, they’re not alone. Nearly 40 percent of cardholders have maxed out a credit…
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Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate When you’re working hard to build financial security, deciding to spend thousands of dollars on a…
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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANK JPMorgan Chase notified fintech data aggregators that, starting later this year, it plans to charge for access…
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Key takeaways The Chase Slate Edge℠ can help you pay off credit card debt, with a no-interest purchase and balance transfer option for 18 months. After the introductory period ends, an 18.99% – 28.99% Variable APR applies. The Chase Freedom Flex®* card also comes with a purchase and balance transfer…
Whether you are buying a home or selling one, the process can be more complex and costly than you anticipate. A real estate transaction involves more than just the home’s sale price: You also have to factor in closing costs, which are the various fees, taxes and expenses that both…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Federal student loans are offered by the federal government. Their low eligibility requirements and unique borrower protections make them the better option for most borrowers. Private student loans can help bridge funding gaps or offer better terms for professional or graduate students,…
Much has been made about how buy now, pay later (BNPL) debt will impact consumer credit, but the rising popularity of this accessible loan could have another meaningful effect: an increased demand for debt consolidation. Debt consolidation loans — personal loans used to group multiple debt balances — could become…
For many Americans, Social Security is a foundational source of income in retirement. And knowing how much you can expect to receive, such as what the average Social Security check is at age 65, can help you plan ahead. It’s also important to note that claiming Social Security at 65…
Key takeaways Rewards credit cards provide benefits in the form of cash back, points or miles. You can earn credit card rewards through eligible spending or promotional offers, such as welcome bonuses or a referral bonus. Cash back cards are usually better for earning rewards on everyday spending. Cards that…
Many people start the year with ambitious goals: Pay down debt, invest more and save for an emergency fund. But without the right help and resources, achieving those goals can feel nearly impossible. And halfway through the year, you may feel like you’re falling behind. Thankfully, you don’t have to…
Monty Rakusen/Getty Images Key takeaways A dental loan is a type of unsecured personal loan designed to cover dental expenses. This form of financing often has a more competitive APR than most credit cards. It’s possible to secure funding with bad credit, but you’ll likely pay more interest and fees.…
Knowing what the average Social Security check is at age 64 can help you decide when to retire and create a plan for your income in retirement. Collecting Social Security at 64 does mean you’re claiming benefits before your full retirement age (FRA), which still means a permanent reduction to…
Photography by Getty Images Key takeaways Chase, American Express, Capital One and other issuers allow you to redeem rewards for travel through proprietary travel portals. The best credit card travel portals get stronger value with your rewards and earn boosted rewards on bookings. But your card’s portal may not offer…
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