Key takeaways Verify you’re on legitimate bank websites and apps before entering login information — hackers create convincing fake sites to steal credentials. Use strong, unique passwords for each financial account and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security. Be skeptical of urgent messages asking for personal information…
Hiya Images/Corbis/Getty Images Key takeaways A checking account is for managing your day-to-day finances, such as paying bills, making debit card transactions and writing checks. A savings account is for storing funds for emergencies or short-term goals, and the money typically earns a modest amount of interest. An effective money…
Photo courtesy of Karen Bennett; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Currently, you can lock in annual percentage yields (APYs) on certificates of deposit (CDs) at and slightly above 4% with many nationally available CDs. Only a select few financial institutions offer promotional CDs that earn a 5% APY or greater, and…
With less than a week to go before the big day, you’ve got the big bushy Christmas tree, the perfectly wrapped presents, the festive turkey with all the fixings, and all of the other details that come with the holidays. From dinner parties to dressing up and decorating the home,…
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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…
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Key takeaways Leasing an electric vehicle (EV) allows you to test out the driving experience without committing to full ownership. A lease will often have a lower monthly payment than an auto loan, and some leasing companies will offer an upfront discount that covers the…
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What Is the 4 Gift Rule for Christmas? A Financial Safety Net What the 4-gift rule for Christmas provides is a simple guide…
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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANKBankers wants to discuss AI strategy. They’re excited about chatbots, machine learning models, generative AI tools, and AI…
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Key takeaways Texas has the highest car loan balance of $7,920. While vehicle expenses vary across the country, drivers can still work to secure a competitive rate by improving their credit and comparing different lenders. Vehicle affordability is still a challenge for many drivers and has resulted in more auto…
Key takeaways Applying for a car loan with good to excellent credit may result in a more competitive interest rate from lenders. Disputing errors on your credit report and paying bills on time are some of the primary tactics that can help you build better credit. If you need quick…
Luis Alvarez/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways There is no minimum credit score required to buy a car, but most lenders have minimum requirements for financing. Most borrowers need a FICO score of at least 661 to get a competitive rate on an auto loan. If you have a…
With the costs of college and retirement increasing at breakneck speed, many parents are feeling the need to invest in their children’s futures as early as possible. Common options include 529 plans and custodial IRAs, with a new option emerging in 2026 dubbed “Trump accounts.” Created under the “One Big…
Key takeaways No-credit-check loans target borrowers with poor credit or limited credit history. These loans often carry sky-high interest rates, sometimes exceeding 100% APR. These loans should be approached with great caution and as a last-resort funding option. Obtaining a loan when you have bad credit can be challenging, as…
The short answer, while credit cards technically cost more in interest (if balances are carried), Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) often costs you more in monthly cash flow and budget flexibility. In most cases, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans cost your budget more in the new year than credit…
Key takeaways The amount you can afford for a car depends on whether you’re buying or leasing — the latter could be much cheaper and let you access more options. Your salary, debt-to-income ratio and credit profile could also affect how large of a car loan you’ll be offered. Be…
Key takeaways There are two main types of student loans: federal and private. Federal student loans are easier to qualify for and have more flexible repayment options than private loans, including far more paths to loan forgiveness. Private student loans may offer lower interest rates with higher loan limits for…
Key takeaways Your required minimum distribution (RMD) amount changes each year based on the IRS’s life expectancy calculation for your age. You calculate your RMD by dividing your year-end account value by the estimated remaining years in your lifetime, as per an IRS table. If you miss the RMD deadline,…
Rolf Bruderer/Getty Images Key takeaways Gap insurance covers the difference between your claim payout and your remaining loan or lease balance if your car is stolen or totaled in a covered claim. Gap insurance is typically less expensive when purchased as a policy endorsement through your insurance company rather than…
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