Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate The Federal Reserve doesn’t set mortgage rates outright, but its decisions do play a role in the percentages lenders offer would-be homeowners. And even if the Fed keeps its benchmark rate unchanged, mortgage rates can still fluctuate. Here’s how the Fed’s monetary policy…
Looking for the best apps for stock trading to get your money invested in the market? There’s a growing list of apps to choose from, which can make the search intimidating, especially if you’re just starting to invest. The best stock market apps let you quickly trade, track your account…
A dashboard-mounted camera (or “dash cam”) won’t typically lower the cost of your auto insurance automatically. Almost no U.S. auto insurers offer a direct discount for installing a dash cam, but having one in your car could still have positive payoffs. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team looked into the technology and…
While Bitcoin spent the last decade soaring and making millionaires out of many people, other owners of the world’s largest cryptocurrency have missed out. Why? One major reason: They’ve lost access to their account. In fact, more than $400 billion in Bitcoin is estimated to be lost — but some…
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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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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…
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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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President Donald Trump advocated for the elimination of federal income taxes on Social Security benefits during his 2024 campaign. However, the tax legislation recently passed by the House—known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill“—does not include this provision. The exclusion stems from Senate rules governing the budget reconciliation process, which…
The new Trump tax plan could significantly reshape how families are taxed, especially with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the end of 2025. On May 22, 2025, House Republicans passed a major Trump-backed bill, officially titled the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” by a…
ImagePixel/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate A cashier’s check is a secure form of payment since it’s paid for upfront and an authentic official bank check can’t bounce like a personal check. The bank may require you to wait up to 90 days before reissuing the check to allow time…
Credit Sesame explains how a slowing job market could influence your credit score through potential income disruption, increased reliance on credit, and other financial pressures. Increased financial stress for households The U.S. job market is showing signs of strain. In May 2025, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that…
Key takeaways The major advantage of credit-building products is the potential to improve or establish your credit score. Higher rates and restrictions on how and when you receive funds are common drawbacks of credit-builder loans. Your local bank or credit union may offer small-dollar loans at much lower rates than…
Key takeaways A secured credit card requires you to deposit to offset the risk that you will not make your payment. These cards typically come with low credit lines and high interest rates. Using your secured credit card responsibly, including keeping your balance low and making on-time payments, will help…
Key takeaways A chargeback is a disputed charge on a credit card that allows consumers to seek a credit from their credit card issuer instead of directly from the merchant. Chargebacks are different from traditional refunds, which are issued by the merchant, and involve multiple parties, including the card issuer…
Key takeaways The World of Hyatt rewards program has over 1,300 properties across 76 countries. Members can earn points through hotel stays, spending with Hyatt partners, hosting meetings or events and credit card spending. Points can be used toward free night stays, room upgrades, hotel credits and with Hyatt partners.…
Key takeaways A SEP IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account that’s an especially attractive option for workers who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored plan. The annual contribution limits for an SEP IRA are significantly higher than those of traditional and Roth IRAs. A SEP IRA could be an ideal…
Key takeaways Your credit report is a comprehensive document of your credit history that dictates your credit score and influences financial decisions made by lenders. Understanding your credit report can guide your spending and borrowing choices, leading to a better credit score. Regular scrutiny of your credit report is essential…
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