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…
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…
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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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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…
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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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Key takeaways The Federal Reserve chose to hold its benchmark rate steady last week, which could spell continued stability for high-yield savings account (HYSA) rates. Savers can choose from a handful of HYSAs currently offering the top rate of 4.30% APY. Although higher APYs exist, the ones on Bankrate’s editorial…
Financial security shouldn’t just be nice to have — ideally, it should be attainable for all Americans. But as high prices, tariffs and economic uncertainty reignite concerns of a recession, the majority of U.S. adults (77 percent) today say they aren’t completely financially secure, according to Bankrate’s new Financial Freedom…
If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle, now may be the time to act. A sweeping Republican-led proposal, referred to as the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” is charging through Congress and threatens to wipe out the popular electric vehicle (EV) tax credit for most vehicles in 2025. The credit was…
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup June 21, 2025. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Retail sales took a hit in May 2025Fed dampens expectations for rate cuts againTariff fears eroded household wealth in Q1 2025U.S. workforce faces labor shortageFirst-time buyers now spend nearly…
Key takeaways There are several ways to finance home renovations, including renovation mortgages, home equity loans and personal loans. Borrowing makes the most sense when repairs are urgent or when improvements will increase your home’s value. Compare loan options carefully, especially considering interest rates, fees and the amount of home…
Key takeaways Students under 21 can only report personal income, allowances from family members and residual scholarship/grant money after tuition and college expenses. Students over 21 can also report income from self-employment, household income and other financial aid. Unemployed students can choose alternatives, including becoming an authorized user,…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Using a credit card to purchase lottery tickets is legal in over 20 states, although credit card users should exercise caution. In states where it is legal, individual retailers are usually allowed to determine whether they will accept credit cards for lottery…
Key takeaways A statement credit is money that a card issuer applies to your account for making specific purchases. It can help bring down your card balance, even though it can’t substitute for your minimum payment, which you are still responsible for making. You can also redeem a…
Gorica Poturak/Getty Images Key takeaways The OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card doesn’t require a credit check for applicants, making it a good option for people looking to open a credit card without a hard inquiry. The issuer reports to all three major credit bureaus, so responsible card use can have…
Key takeaways To prepare for getting a mortgage, figure out what you can realistically afford, how much you’ll have saved for a down payment and if you need to improve your credit score before applying. Comparing offers from multiple lenders — at least three — could save you a significant…
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