Pensions and 403(b) plans represent two distinct ways to save for retirement, each with its own structure and advantages. A pension provides a predictable income stream in retirement, usually funded and managed by an employer. A 403(b), on the other hand, relies on employee contributions and investment growth, giving individuals…
When you think about estate planning, wills, trusts and life insurance usually top the list. But annuities deserve a spot in the conversation, too. Beyond providing reliable income in retirement, annuities can ensure your spouse keeps receiving steady checks, transfer wealth to heirs and help sidestep probate. Still, annuities come…
I’m 63 With $1.35 Million in My IRA and a $2,200 Social Security Check. What’s My Retirement Budget?
By your 60s, most of your retirement foundation is already in place. While you may still have a few years to save, building significant new wealth is less likely unless you continue working during retirement. This stage typically shifts focus to taxes, withdrawals, Social Security and budgeting. To help you…
Getty Images / Win McNamee / Staff Key takeaways The Federal Reserve’s September rate cut is likely the beginning of lower yields on CDs and other deposit accounts. Locking in a CD now can secure today’s higher rates, which are still outpacing inflation. Don’t rush to put money into a…
Personal Finance
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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Life throws curveballs. And often those curveballs mean you’re spending your hard-earned savings or you’re borrowing money instead. It can feel like a catch-22: Creating savings should help you avoid costly borrowing, but spending it equals losing it and going back to square one. So…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways A divorce decree outlines which spouse is legally responsible for each debt after the divorce is completed. States either have community…
Banking
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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Key takeaways No-penalty CDs offer fixed rates with the added flexibility to withdraw funds without worrying about the early withdrawal penalties associated with standard CDs. No-penalty CDs still come with certain restrictions. You often won’t be able to make additional deposits once you open it, and if you do need…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Firstmark Services is a private student loan servicer. The company has less-than-ideal customer ratings and has received many complaints about its customer service and payment processing. If Firstmark services your student loan, you can make payments by phone, online or by…
Key takeaways Walmart+ and Amazon Prime are two of the most popular subscription shopping services available today. Both memberships let you get free shipping on eligible products, free grocery delivery and discounts on certain products and services. While Amazon Prime costs more than Walmart+, Prime memberships come with more entertainment…
Stephen Carter isn’t your typical car owner. Not only does he own five vehicles, but he rents them out on Turo (think Airbnb for cars). But last fall, Carter didn’t qualify for auto loan approval for that fifth vehicle. The other four were on his personal credit report, which meant…
Key takeaways While vehicle thefts have decreased, you still need to take steps to ensure you aren’t buying one of them. Check the VIN, buy a vehicle history report and do a title search to check for red flags before you buy. If you suspect a used vehicle was stolen,…
Key takeaways Scammers prey on innocent consumers who are in the market for a reliable, affordable used vehicle. After you purchase a car, you may become a target for car loan scams by the dealership or outside scammers. Always thoroughly read loan paperwork before signing off. Watch for fees and…
Key takeaways A business loan provides one-time funding to help start or grow a business Lines of credit cover short-term financing needs and let businesses borrow funds repeatedly Banks, online lenders and community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, may offer term loans and lines of credit A business loan offers…
Key takeaways A homeowners association, or HOA, is an organization that governs and maintains a housing community and sets rules for its residents. Residents in HOA communities pay fees to cover the cost of amenities and services provided, such as landscaping or a swimming pool. HOA rules are meant to…
Coinbase and Robinhood are two of the most popular platforms used to trade cryptocurrencies, but which one is better for you? The answer depends on your needs, especially on how much crypto trading you intend to do and the costs you’re willing to pay. Coinbase and Robinhood may appeal to…
Key takeaways In general, car dealers want to sell you a car honestly, but some may use tactics that disadvantage less-informed buyers. Understanding common sales tactics will help you spot red flags when shopping for your new vehicle. If a dealer is being shady or dishonest, it’s better to walk…