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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In its fourth meeting of 2025, the Federal Reserve announced today that it will again leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. These pauses follow the three consecutive rate cuts that closed out 2024, by half a percentage point in September and a quarter-point in both November and December. What the…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Choosing the right business structure can significantly impact your tax liability. Small business owners can reduce taxes through deductions, credits and strategic expense timing. Proper documentation and compliance with tax laws prevent costly mistakes. Contributing to retirement plans and using healthcare…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates moved down this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.86 percent, compared to 6.90 percent the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average…
Rising interest rates have impacted almost every facet of the economy, from the price of eggs to the amount you pay for a loan. And while the Federal Reserve held rates steady in the June meeting, rates increased a total of 11 times between 2022 and 2023 and the range…
Recessions mess with even the most disciplined and experienced investors. When stocks tank, layoffs spike, and headlines scream economic uncertainty, it’s natural to reach for anything that feels safe. For some, annuities look like shelter from the storm. These insurance-based financial products promise a steady income stream in exchange for an…
Key takeaways You can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 620, 580 or even 500, depending on the type of loan. While you might be eligible for a mortgage with a low credit score, you’ll pay a higher interest rate for the loan. Some mortgage lenders…
Key takeaways This card offers customizable cash back that allows you to earn a generous 5 percent cash back — but you must select your top two spending categories each quarter. You can also earn 2 percent cash back in such everyday categories as gas and groceries. While the U.S.…
Key takeaways The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card offers a significantly higher welcome bonus and more opportunities for cardholders to earn rewards. The Citi Rewards+® Card* doesn’t charge annual fees and provides a unique round-up feature for point earning. Citi Strata Premier offers more valuable benefits, but the $95 annual fee…
Credit Sesame examines how a new large-scale study links mental health and credit scores and why the connection may matter more than you think. Being in control of your finances, regardless of your income level, may help ward off negative mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety. That is…
Twenty-five million Americans have an unsecured personal loan, double the number from a decade ago, says TransUnion senior vice president Josh Turnbull. “So the unsecured personal loan is increasingly a powerful tool in the variety of financial products available to and used by consumers… up and down the credit spectrum,”…
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