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…
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
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Remember when you were first trying to figure out life after high school? People were expecting you to make all these life-altering decisions—like what college to go to, what major to choose, and what dream job to chase after. Somewhere along the way, you were probably sold the idea of…
Key takeaways When it comes to earning cash back on popular spending categories, such as dining and travel, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® are both strong choices. The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card could be a better long-term fit for…
Not sure which funds to invest in for retirement? We hear you. You’ve probably heard a lot about S&P 500 index funds. It’s a bit of an investing buzzword. But what are S&P 500 index funds and are they a good place to invest your money? Basically, the S&P 500…
Key takeaways Discover it® Chrome offers solid first-year value with its unlimited Cashback Match program. The card earns 2 percent cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1 percent), and 1 percent cash back on everything else. You can redeem…
Nothing says “I’ve reached adulthood” like opening up your own checking account. Maybe you just got your first real job and have to set one up for the direct deposit of your paycheck, or maybe you just realized you’re sick of carrying around your life’s savings in your sock all…
Key takeaways Wyndham Rewards members can earn points by staying at Wyndham properties, shopping with Wyndham partners, making purchases with an eligible hotel credit card and more. Members can redeem points for things like free and discounted stays at Wyndham locations around the world, transfers to airline partners, local tours…
Ahh, sweet summertime. I don’t know about you, but summer at my house is filled with snow cones, pool parties, trips to the lake and cookouts. When Winston and I decided to host our first cookout, I was a tad nervous. First off, I’m no grill master. And second .…
Key takeaways Getting approved for a credit card can be a fairly quick process — sometimes taking just seconds. But other times, it can be slower, with issuers making you wait up to 30 days. Once approved, you’ll typically receive your card within a week, though some issuers may send…
Did you know the national average cost of car insurance is $1,342 for full coverage?1 (That works out to about $112 for your monthly car insurance bill.) But remember, that’s the average. Car insurance costs vary a lot depending on a bunch of factors. So, how do insurance companies figure…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Overdraft fees are down slightly after increasing the previous year. The average fee is now $26.77, down 1 percent from the previous year. If you regularly incur high monthly maintenance fees, ATM fees and receive low interest rates on deposits,…
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