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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Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Some business lenders require applicants to have a business checking account. A business checking account is recommended to track expenses, monitor spending and maximize business tax deductions. Business checking accounts often offer services like payroll processing and bookkeeping integrations to simplify business…
Key takeaways Your credit history is a record of how you have managed past debt and how you are handling ongoing debt. Your credit history is outlined in detail in your credit report, which also includes any liens, credit inquiries or bankruptcies. Credit history also…
With today’s high mortgage rates and home prices, coming up with enough money for a down payment is difficult for many potential buyers. In fact, 81 percent of Americans who would like to buy a house say closing costs and down payments are a “very significant” or “somewhat significant” hurdle…
More than five years ago, remote work was almost unheard of. I used to go into an office, sit in a cubicle and do the same work I do now, albeit with more chit-chat at the espresso machine. Now, I only have my dog to gossip with. Among employees whose…
Key takeaways VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses. VA loans can be used to purchase or build a primary residence, refinance a current mortgage or cover renovation costs. VA loans offer several benefits, including…
Key takeaways SBA loans are competitive and have a long application process, but are affordable with set maximum interest rates Conventional loans are available from banks, credit unions and online lenders You can find SBA loans from various lenders, including larger financial institutions and online lenders Many banks and credit…
Key takeaways Life insurance for LGBTQ+ couples can help provide a financial safety net for partners, particularly where legal protection may fall short. It’s important for couples to assess their insurance needs thoughtfully and explore various options from different insurers to secure optimal rates and terms. Transgender and non-binary individuals…
Are you looking to double your money? Even with interest rates remaining high, it’s hard to use a bank account to earn a substantial amount of money. For investors to double — or even triple — their money, they’ll often have to take on some risk for that potential reward.…
Tax fraud comes in a variety of forms, from falsifying documents and orchestrating elaborate tax schemes, to misrepresenting your financial situation and evading taxes. Tax fraud is a serious offense, punishable by fines and even jail time. Actor Wesley Snipes and musician Willie Nelson are just two examples of celebrities…
You’re likely to see the phrase “adjusted gross income,” or AGI, when you’re doing your taxes. Here’s why it matters: Figuring your AGI is a crucial step on the path to calculating your taxable income and, in turn, your tax bill. Your AGI determines your eligibility for a variety of…