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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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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MoMo Productions/Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Whether interest rates are rising, falling, or holding steady, long-term certificates of deposit (CDs) can play a valuable role in your financial strategy. While timing the market perfectly is impossible, understanding the benefits of long-term CDs can help you make better decisions about…
By Monika Ritchie These days, getting yourself financially prepared for anything that comes your way may feel overwhelming, to say the least. You might have come across the saying, “May you live in interesting times.” The phrase was once meant to be a curse, implying that those “interesting times”…
Key takeaways Filing an insurance claim for bumper damage can increase your premiums and require you to pay out of pocket for your deductible. Generally, you should file a claim if another driver was involved, someone was injured or the repair costs will exceed your deductible. You might consider skipping…
Financial planning is any type of strategizing around the monetary aspects of your financial life. These areas range from the basics — such as budgeting, saving and paying off debt — to more complex areas, such as investing for retirement and estate planning. In short, if it involves your personal…
Key takeaways The division of home equity during divorce typically depends on various factors, including any pre- or postnuptial agreements, state laws and the couple’s specific circumstances. In community property states, the home and its equity are typically split 50/50 between spouses; in equitable distribution states, property acquired during the…
JenniferPhotographyImaging/Getty Images A speeding ticket in Colorado might seem like a minor financial hassle, but it can really pack a punch when it comes to your auto insurance rates. Speeding ticket costs in Colorado range from $30 to $300, depending on the severity of the violation. On top of state…
Key takeaways If your car insurance claim is denied for any reason, you will receive a claim denial letter from the insurer. Your claim could be denied because your policy is lapsed, you don’t have enough coverage or for some other reason. If your claim is denied, you can appeal…
Key takeaways A 401(k) match allows an employee to receive “free” money from their employer for contributing to their retirement plan. The amount of the match can vary with the employer’s contribution being a full or partial match up to some percentage of the employee’s salary. A 401(k) match is…
In 2024, I completed a “perfect year,” maximizing all of the quarterly bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex®* card for the first time since signing up in 2011. I’ve fallen off the pace in 2025, however, and I’m not confident that the card’s third-quarter bonus categories are going to get…
The Standard & Poor’s 500 – the S&P 500 – is the benchmark stock index in the United States, and it’s come to symbolize the stock market as a whole. The S&P 500 has a strong record of returns, averaging about 10 percent per year over long periods, and it’s…
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