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 Social Security is a federal program that provides income to retirees, survivors of deceased workers and disabled people. The average Social Security check for retirees is around $2,000 per month — slightly higher than the average benefit for survivors and people with disabilities. How many years worked, how…
How long it takes to get a 401(k) loan can vary depending on your employer, plan administrator and whether your plan offers an online portal or requires paperwork. In some cases, the process may take just a few days. In others, you may need to wait a couple of weeks…
If you’ve gotten a job interview in today’s crazy job market, then you should be proud of yourself! That alone is a big deal because it means your resumé really stood out to the hiring manager. Now it’s time to ace the next step: the interview. Ready to get started?…
Key takeaways International students can get credit cards, but you’ll likely need an ITIN or someone who’ll let you become an authorized user on their card. A U.S. bank account can help, too. If you’re under 21, you’ll need an adult co-signer or a way to prove you can repay…
STUDY SUMMARY Americans rank personal finances and money as their number one cause of significant stress. Thirty-four percent (34%) of Americans don’t believe they’ll recover from the financial setback of the pandemic. Of those who received a stimulus check in the last year, 41% used it to pay for necessities…
FG Trade/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Federal law requires mortgage lenders to automatically cancel private mortgage insurance (PMI) when the mortgage balance drops to 78 percent of the home’s purchase price, or when the loan term reaches its halfway point, whichever comes first. You can also ask for…
The awkward transition from childhood to adulthood known as adolescence is wonderful and mind-boggling and terrifying . . . for both kids and parents. It’s full of endless changes, ridiculous pressures to perform and raging hormones. No wonder the National Institute of Mental Health states that nearly one in three…
Key takeaways Your starting credit score depends on your initial credit activity; there is no standard starting point. You need at least one open account with one to six months of activity reported to receive a FICO score or VantageScore. Building healthy credit habits early on will help you start…
Tim Robberts/Getty Images Key takeaways Business loans are available from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders. Banks and credit unions are ideal for established businesses with good to excellent credit. Compared to traditional lenders, online lenders and nonprofits are more willing to work with businesses…
Getting car insurance is a no-brainer. In fact, the law says you’ve got to have it. (Unless you live in Virginia or New Hampshire, that is.) But figuring out how to get car insurance? Yeah, that takes a little more brain power. From deciding on where you’ll get your car insurance, to what type of coverage you need,…
Editor's Pick
