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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Banks have been loudly touting their multi-billion-dollar investments in artificial intelligence as a breakthrough for consumers. CEOs speak at conferences about AI-powered personalization. Marketing departments promise smarter, more tailored financial services. Annual reports highlight massive technology budgets. But there’s a disconnect between the AI hype and what’s actually happening in…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways A hedge offsets risk by adding an asset to your portfolio that moves differently than your core investments, helping to counter losses in your core investments. Hedging can help mitigate risk, limit losses and alleviate price uncertainty. On the other hand,…
Jacobs Stock Photography Ltd/Getty Images Key takeaways Homebuyers who are interested in properties not listed for sale may need to find out who the current owner is. In some cases, the info can be tracked down for free online or with a visit to a county clerk’s office or library.…
Key takeaways Student credit cards offer rewards and incentives geared toward students and may be easier to qualify for. Credit cards can be a valuable tool for college students to learn how to manage money and build credit. To use your credit card responsibly, spend only what you can pay…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Parent loans help pay for college expenses when students have exhausted scholarships, grants and federal student loan options. Borrowers can choose from federal or private loans, which come with different interest rates, repayment terms and eligibility requirements. The best options will…
Key takeaways The Citi Rewards+® Card offers a no-annual-fee option for earning Citi ThankYou points, which realize their best value when combined with rewards earned through a Citi travel credit card. The Citi Double Cash® Card rewards responsible credit card behavior by offering 1 percent cash back when you buy…
If you find yourself needing legal help or advice with regard to taxes — whether it’s to set up a business, manage your finances in a tax-smart way, create an estate plan, deal with an overdue tax debt or handle a tax dispute with the IRS — then a tax…
martin-dm / E+ / Getty Images Key takeaways The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card are both solid options for travelers. Both cards come without foreign transaction fees and earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.…
When I bought my “dream” home, I thought I’d made it. A four-bedroom house in an established neighborhood that I fully paid off before I turned 35 — the American dream, right? But a few years later, I did the unthinkable: I downsized well before the traditional retirement age. First…
Key takeaways A bank statement loan allows you to qualify for a mortgage using bank statements rather than tax returns. It’s most often used by self-employed borrowers. Not all mortgage lenders offer bank statement loans. You might need to work with a mortgage broker to find one. If you qualify…