standret/GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Stocks are volatile. That much is understood by most investors, but what exactly is volatility and how is it measured for the overall stock market? You may have seen references to something called the VIX, an index that measures volatility, during times of extreme financial stress.…
Chase Freedom Flex vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred spending example To understand what that means, take a look at the following example. Let’s say you want to use your Chase credit card for all your regular spending, from groceries to miscellaneous purchases, and that you hope to earn the highest rate…
In today’s fast-paced world, managing finances can be overwhelming, especially when faced with mounting debt. Credit counseling emerges as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to regain control over their financial health. Offered typically by nonprofit organizations, credit counseling provides a structured approach to overcoming debt and achieving financial…
In the wake of the stock market’s downturn to start 2025 — spurred by a slowing economy and U.S. President Donald Trump’s embrace of global tariffs — investors may be worried about a possible stock market crash or even a recession. Stocks can rise or fall on any given day,…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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PM Images/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Credit unions are not-for-profit, member-owned institutions that commonly offer savings accounts with above-average rates, low minimum deposit requirements and low (or no) fees. While some credit unions restrict membership to those of a certain location or occupation, others make…
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Budgeting and Building an Emergency Fund for Rising Costs If rising costs are stressing you out, you may require adjustments to your budget…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
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Key takeaways Adding authorized users to your business credit card account can make it easier for you to complete purchases and earn rewards…
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The United States has the most roadways on the planet, with more than 4 million miles of open road. Across the 50 states, you can get virtually any type of driving experience: coastal highways, desert one-lanes, mountain roads, sprawling suburbs and bustling cities. However, some states offer more favorable driving…
Key takeaways If you have an existing VA loan, you can refinance it to get a better interest rate, change your loan term or tap into your home equity. To qualify for a VA mortgage refinance, you’ll need to meet specific service, income and credit score guidelines. The two primary…
Key takeaways The president can influence the stock market, but other factors can have a greater impact on share prices, such as consumer behavior, the Federal Reserve and global trade. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements have been unpredictable and have negatively affected the stock market, at least temporarily. When stock…
MoMo Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Almost all workplace 401(k) plans let workers save extra money for the future, so long as you meet age requirements. Those age 50 or older can contribute an extra $7,500 per year. And, starting this year, individuals aged 60-63 can now make “super catch-up” contributions…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Snow and ice are covered by home insurance in some instances, like if your roof collapses or a tree falls on your home. When it comes to roof leaks, it will depend on scenario specifics. Some snow-related roof leaks will be…
Key takeaways Both 401(k)s and 403(b)s are tax-advantaged retirement savings plans. While 401(k)s are offered to workers in for-profits companies, 403(b)s are for not-for-profit and government workers. Both plans are subject to the same annual contribution limits, though 403(b)s have a special provision for long-term employees. If you’re looking at…
Key takeaways The earlier in the year you can contribute to your IRA, the more time your money has to grow. Make sure you’re aware of IRA contribution deadlines. Consider your expenses and needs when deciding how to time your IRA contributions. Contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA) each…
Buying your first home can be an exciting yet expensive process, especially if that home is in Arizona. As of February 2025, the state’s median home price was $455,100, according to Redfin, well above the national median. Fortunately, there are easy trails that can lead to owning a home in…
Key takeaways Credit card issuers may choose to reject your application even if you have a good or excellent credit score. Factors like previous credit mistakes, too many applications and too many cards can affect your approval odds. If you were denied a credit card with good or excellent credit,…
Key takeaways Seasoning, for mortgage-related purposes, refers to the amount of time you’ve had funds in your bank account — specifically, the money to cover the down payment and closing costs. For mortgages, money becomes “seasoned” after it’s been in an established account from 60 to 90 days. Seasoning requirements…
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