If we have long been guilty of over-borrowing student loans for college, perhaps part of the solution is using a different — but similar — private financial product. Annual student loan borrowing has tripled since the 1990s And yet, average net tuition has increased by only 46 percent over the…
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…
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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 Your starting credit score depends on your initial credit activity; there is no standard starting point. You need at least one open account with one to six months of activity reported to receive a FICO score or VantageScore. Building healthy credit habits early…
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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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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…
Ever wonder if our society is going completely cashless? Maybe you’ve noticed more and more businesses are only accepting digital payments. So, what’s the deal with all this cashless society hype? Are cash and coins going away for good? And does a cashless society really look all that different than the…
Hispanolistic/Getty Images Key takeaways The purpose of your loan can impact the amount, terms and interest rates you’re offered. Some lenders also place restrictions on how you can use the proceeds. Prequalifying with multiple lenders can help you find the best loan offer for your intended purpose, without hurting your…
Being a freelancer means being your own boss, which can feel pretty stinkin’ awesome. And you’re not alone. In fact, a recent study found that in 2023 about 64 million Americans did some form of freelance work—making up 38% of the labor force and contributing $1.2 trillion to the U.S.…
FG Trade/iStock/Getty Images Key takeaways Storing your credit card information makes it easier for merchants to facilitate future and recurring transactions. For data security or consumer privacy purposes, however, you may not want merchants to retain your credit card details. State laws, card industry security standards, FTC guidance…
Guys, we’ve all been there: You’re scrolling through social media when you get hit with an ad for some jeans that you just have to have. You tap the link, and your heart skips a beat—$120 for a pair of jeans? They’re marketed as “the last pair of jeans you’ll ever buy.” Here’s…
Key Takeaways An interest-only home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows borrowers to pay back just the interest on their withdrawals during the draw period, between the first five to 15 years. An interest-only HELOC can make borrowing more affordable initially. But sticker shock can ensue when the draw period…
Everyone needs insurance, right? And nobody should exploit that need to line their own pockets. Sadly, that’s just what many insurance companies do! So you have to be on the lookout for the sneaky expenses they slide into their packages that drive up your insurance bill. By making a few…
Charles Schwab and Interactive Brokers are two of the most well-regarded online brokers, and they offer tons of features to help long-term investors and short-term traders thrive in the market. Schwab and Interactive Brokers score among the best performers in Bankrate’s annual brokerage reviews, and both regularly earn five-star ratings for…
Imagine. Mary Poppins floats down onto your front lawn to attend a party. She snaps shut her umbrella and strolls in for some games and hors d’oeuvres. But before she can even reach the charcuterie board, she trips on a stray croquet ball and smashes her tailbone, shouting supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Next thing you…
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