Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate Key takeaways Federal student loans are, for many students, the best option for covering postsecondary education and related expenses. With fixed interest rates, clear grace periods and forbearance options, federal loans offer predictable repayment schedules. Some borrowers may even qualify for loan forgiveness…
ferrantraite/Getty Images Key takeaways Student loans can help boost your credit score over time if you make the monthly payments on time and in full. Having student loans also diversifies your credit mix, which can help improve your credit score. If you miss payments on your student loans, it may…
Key takeaways College aid may be given through need-based or merit-based aid. Need-based aid includes Pell Grants, work-study programs and Direct Subsidized Loans. Your FAFSA will determine your EFC, or expected family contribution. The FAFSA must be completed by June 30, 2026 for the 2025-26 academic year. Need-based financial aid…
If you have a low credit score, qualifying for a credit card can be challenging. At the same time, a new credit card can be essential to repairing your credit. In this catch-22 situation, your options may be limited. Concora Credit (formerly Genesis Financial Solutions) is one of the companies…
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TomoCredit, a five-year-old San Francisco startup that claims it boosts consumers’ credit scores, is facing a growing number of problems,…
This founder built his brand on a simple idea: Forget about changing the world. Get rich doing mundane and even…
The 2024 presidential election has ended, and Donald Trump is poised to retake the White House, with big implications for…
Voters in Washington State have decided to keep the state’s first-in-the-nation public long term care insurance program. On Tuesday, they…
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Historically, selling your home meant paying the commission of not just your own real estate agent, but also the buyer’s agent. The cost of commissions for both agents involved in the transaction typically amounted to somewhere between 5 and 6 percent of the home’s selling…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways A lien serves as an official notice that you owe a creditor for unpaid property. If you do not pay, the…
Banking
With interest rates easing and inflation cooling, small businesses are getting a much-needed break. A change to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) refinancing…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Actively using a credit card responsibly can help improve your credit score over time. Using your credit card like a debit…
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Credit Sesame’s 2025 inflation forecast discusses the economic forces at work that could result in a resurgence of inflation. As the end of 2024 approaches, people may reflect on what went right or wrong over the past year. One thing that mostly went well was the Federal Reserve’s mission to…
Crypto is big money — and there’s potentially free money in it for you if you’re looking to try out a different crypto exchange or new to investing in crypto. Worldwide, the crypto market cap is $3.75 trillion as of Dec. 16, with Bitcoin holding about $2 trillion of that…
10’000 Hours/Getty Images Adjusted gross income, or AGI, is your total gross income (before taxes) minus certain tax deductions, known as adjustments. Gross income includes wages, dividends, interest, government benefits, retirement distributions, capital gains and more. To calculate adjusted gross income, you subtract from gross income any above-the-line deductions, or…
Key takeaways Many term life policies let you switch to permanent coverage, like whole life or universal life, without undergoing a medical exam. Your conversion window won’t stay open forever, so grab your policy or call your insurer to check the details and deadlines before it’s too late. Some policies…
Key takeaways Both the Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Cards and Discover it® Student Cash Back are good options for students who want to build credit and earn rewards. The Capital One Savor Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is great for those who spend more on groceries and…
Key Takeaways The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on purchases, making it one of the best flat-rate cards available. This card also features an easy-to-earn welcome bonus, a cellphone protection benefit and introductory APR offers on both purchases and qualifying balance transfers. …
Key takeaways Cruises can be easy to budget and plan for since most of the costs involved are fixed, meaning you know what you’re paying upfront. Not only do cruises include your lodging and transportation in the cruise fare, but you get unlimited meals and snacks as well. Credit card…
Key takeaways The Chase Freedom Flex® is best suited for those who want to earn boosted rewards on rotating categories without paying an annual fee. Along with a solid welcome offer, the Chase Freedom Flex also comes with an intro APR offer on both purchases and…
Saving for your grandchildren can help to minimize the financial burdens they may encounter as they mature. Whether it’s paying for college, buying a first home or providing a safety net in an uncertain job market, these funds can make a significant difference. Here are the best ways to build…
Key takeaways The United States maintains a unique credit scoring framework. Other countries use different scoring systems, so you need to start fresh if you move internationally. The financial habits that help you build good credit in the U.S. can serve you well anywhere you go. In the United States,…
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