For the first time in nine months, the Federal Reserve looks ready to cut interest rates. It might not be the cure to painfully high borrowing costs that many Americans have been waiting for. Policymakers are expected to trim their key borrowing rate by a quarter of a percentage point…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Prequalification lets you view your predicted loan rates and approval odds without impacting your credit score. Review each lender’s minimum acceptance criteria and loan terms prior to filling out the application to increase your chances of prequalifying. Prequalify with multiple lenders…
Planning for retirement often comes with questions about when and how you can tap into your savings. One such question many people ask is, “Can I withdraw from my 457 while still employed?” Unlike other retirement accounts, 457 plans (also known as 457(b) plans) have their specific rules and exceptions…
The Show-Me State has a little something for everyone, whether it’s the barbecue scene of Kansas City, the historic charm of St. Louis or the natural beauty of the Ozarks. And unlike many states, Missouri’s housing market still offers a level of affordability that can make homeownership a reality. As…
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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…
If a society is going to make intelligent choices in policy, it helps to understand reality, which includes facts and…
New York startup Casap has raised $25 million in new funding to help banks tackle the thorny problem of credit…
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Key takeaways In most cases, homeowners insurance policies do not cover mold damage as it’s often tied to home maintenance. Homeowners insurance policies may provide coverage to remove the mold as part of the mitigation effort to restore your property from a covered peril. Mold…
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Key takeaways A divorce decree outlines which spouse is legally responsible for each debt after the divorce is completed. States either have community…
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When it comes to selling coconut water to the health obsessed, New York’s Vita Coco has served up a master class, schooling even…
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It’s the end of the month, and you’re out of money—again. It’s a hopeless feeling scrambling to see which bills you can pay late and scrounging around in the pantry for food until your next paycheck. If that’s you, hear this: You aren’t alone. In fact, 78% of Americans live…
These days, most people have heard enough horror stories about timeshares to know you should run for the hills whenever someone tries to sell you one. When it comes to vacation clubs and travel clubs, though, things are a little different. Those programs have started popping up a lot over…
Key takeaways Adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) loan requirements vary by the type of loan you get — whether conventional or government-backed — as well as the lender. You’ll need to meet credit score, debt-to-income ratio and down payment requirements to qualify for an ARM home loan. An ARM could be worth…
Earn 3% cash back. Get 20,000 bonus points. Gain more sky miles with each swipe! Credit card points are the main way credit card companies reel you in. After all, who doesn’t love free stuff? But all those “free” rewards actually come at a cost—and either you’re the one paying…
Oleksandra Yagello/Getty Images The average credit card interest rate is 20.13 percent, down from a record-high 20.79 percent set on Aug. 14, 2024. Current credit card interest rates Weekly national averages Variable 7/9/2025 20.13% 7/2/2025 20.13% 6/25/2025 20.15% 6/18/2025 20.12% 6/11/2025 20.12% 6/4/2025 20.12% 5/28/2025 20.12% 5/21/2025 20.12% 5/14/2025 20.12%…
Wedding bells are ringing! Do you hear them? Soon, you’ll be celebrating love, stuffing your face with wedding cake, and doing the chicken dance in front of family and friends. But first—you have to shop for a wedding gift. That part isn’t always easy. You’ve got to think about your budget…
Key takeaways The Chase Freedom Unlimited® credit card offers a welcome bonus of $200 to new cardholders who meet the spending requirement. Unfortunately, the current sign-up bonus is a downgrade from the previous one. You could earn up to $300 via boosted rewards rates on purchases within the first year…
Emergencies hit you out of nowhere. And if you don’t have a buffer of cash between you and all the twists and turns of life, things can get tricky fast. That’s where an emergency fund comes to the rescue—it’s your financial safety net when things go south. An emergency fund…
Key takeaways Before choosing a credit card, find out how it ranks for customer service, because that will be a significant part of your card experience. A J.D. Power survey ranked card issuers for overall customer satisfaction based on factors such as account management, benefits, rewards, terms and customer service.…
Americans are more burdened by debt than ever before. According to Bankrate’s 2025 Credit Card Debt Report, 48 percent of credit cardholders report having a credit card balance — but credit cards aren’t the only concern. From payday loans to buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps, predatory financial services are…
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