Key takeaways Always try to make at least the minimum monthly payment on every outstanding balance. When deciding which debt to pay off first, consider its type, interest rate, outstanding balance and impact on your credit score. Some strategies to pay off debt include the “highest interest first” strategy, the…
Brothers91/GettyImages; illustration by Bankrate The IRS left contribution limits to traditional and Roth IRAs unchanged for 2025, keeping them at their 2024 level of $7,000. Those age 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. The income ranges on IRAs increased for 2025, allowing you to earn more money and…
Google parent Alphabet (GOOG) reported strong first-quarter results, with both revenue and earnings coming in ahead of analyst estimates thanks to solid growth in its advertising business. The company also announced a 5 percent increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.21 per share, as well as a new $70 billion…
DavidPinoPhotography/Shutterstock Key takeaways If you’re facing foreclosure, the right of redemption gives you a legal pathway to keep or regain your home, by paying back the entire outstanding loan, plus interest and fees. The right of redemption is rarely exercised, as it can be difficult for homeowners to come up…
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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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Key takeaways While American Express credit cards offer generous rewards for all types of purchases, the card issuer also offers perks that are easy to overlook. Some Amex cards feature benefits like free shipping, travel insurance concierge services and even automatic elite status with hotel…
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This is part 2 of 2 of Bankrate’s ’90s era lessons miniseries, focusing on loans. Key takeaways When it comes to applying for…
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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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Key takeaways While digital payments are common, there are times when writing a check is the best, or only, option. Fill out checks clearly and carefully. Mistakes can delay payments or cause the check to be rejected. These days, it’s easy to swipe a card or send money electronically. But…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Many Americans are intimidated by the stock market, Bankrate surveys have found. Learning about stocks and how they fit into your overall financial plan can help you gain confidence as an investor. Stock market volatility is to be expected, so prepare…
Recent tariffs on imports, combined with ongoing inflation, will likely make the cost of everyday essentials skyrocket. According to research from The Budget Lab at Yale University, tariffs may increase expenses for the typical American household by as much as $3,800 in 2025. If you feel like your paycheck doesn’t stretch as…
Key takeaways The concept of vesting sometimes sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple — it refers to how much of your employer’s retirement plan match is actually owned by you. There are several different types of vesting that dictate the vesting period, like immediate vesting, grade vesting and cliff…
If you’re looking for a sign that interest in crypto has gone mainstream, it’s here: Fidelity — the longtime behemoth of retirement plans — now allows customers to invest directly in cryptocurrencies in a Roth IRA, traditional IRA or rollover IRA. We’re not talking about dabbling in crypto-related ETFs (funds…
No one wants to be in trouble with the tax man. If you missed this year’s filing deadline, don’t panic. But also…? Act fast. The deadline for most taxpayers to submit their 2024 tax return was April 15 — except for those who get some extra time to file because…
Target-date funds are an increasingly popular way for Americans to invest for the future. In fact, more than $3.5 trillion was invested in target-date funds at the end of 2023, according to Morningstar. And they’re especially popular in 401(k) plans, helping workers manage their retirement finances. Here’s what a target-date…
Our writers and editors used an in-house natural language generation platform to assist with portions of this article, allowing them to focus on adding information that is uniquely helpful. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication. Key takeaways Skimming is a type of…
Key takeaways The only way to know if you can share your credit card legally is to review your credit card agreement. Even if sharing is permitted, it’s not encouraged or suggested. Letting someone use your credit card with permission could put you at risk for unexpected charges and complications…
Key takeaways PayPal offers a simple and secure way to make online purchases as well as send and receive money from family and friends. Customers can use their bank account, credit card, debit card or PayPal balance to send money or make purchases. Sending money domestically is typically free of…
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