My property taxes have ballooned 134% over my 20 years of homeownership. It seems like every year I grumble about another increase, pay the bill and move on. Recent data, however, has me rethinking my approach — it turns out I might be leaving serious money on the table. More…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits in 2026, up slightly from this year’s 2.5% increase, reflecting the upward creep in inflation, the Social Security Administration announced today. Meanwhile, the maximum amount of a worker’s earnings subject…
Markets are soaring. Valuations are swelling. And enthusiasm for all things artificial intelligence is pumping hundreds of billions of dollars into the most transformational technology of the modern era. “AI isn’t just another theme; it’s the culmination of decades of evolution in computing,” Jon Markman, a Forbes contributor who analyzes…
The fundamental flaws in the way the Federal Reserve operates these days were on full display Wednesday when Jerome Powell talked to the media after the central bank’s key policymaking committee meeting. It confirmed why there must be a drastic overhaul of our central bank—as well as new leadership. The…
Personal Finance
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
Higher medical costs and insurance premiums are one of the unintended, unexpected effects of the new trade and tariff policies.That’s…
Featured Articles
The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut interest rates again at its October meeting, bringing its key borrowing rate down to a level last seen in late 2022. Don’t count on it to cure all of your financial woes. Like a line of falling…
Dept Managmnt
The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the…
Banking
Lawrence Golub, billionaire founder and CEO of private credit firm Golub Capital, emphatically dismissed fears that the rapid growth of private credit, specifically…
Credit Cards
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Key takeaways Debt consolidation can simplify your finances and potentially lower your interest rate. There may be upfront costs that can offset potential savings. People with good credit may qualify for better loan terms, making consolidation a good option. Debt consolidation involves combining several debts — such as credit cards,…
Wesley Lapointe/For The Washington Post / Getty Images The average Social Security recipient can expect to see a $648 annual raise in 2026. Though the final numbers will not be announced until October 24th, estimates point to the Social Security Administration’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increasing benefits by 2.7 percent starting…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates edged lower again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.26 percent, down from 6.35 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…
Key takeaways If your credit card was declined while you were trying to make a purchase, don’t panic — there are several reasons why this could’ve happened, many of which can be resolved quickly. Some common reasons your credit card might be declined include having the card’s credit limit maxed…
Key takeaways The Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card offers a flat 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases. (Earn an elevated 2 percent cash back on all purchases for the first year from account opening.) Bank of America Preferred Rewards members stand to get the…
Key takeaways The Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offers simplicity and low fees as a travel rewards starter card. The rewards rate and perks aren’t likely to appeal to people with robust travel rewards experience. The card does, however, offer an introductory APR period, which is uncommon among…
Andy Challenger is the person businesses call when it’s time to let workers go. And for the past year and a half, his phone hasn’t stopped ringing. A third-generation outplacement consultant at Challenger, Gray & Christmas — the firm his grandfather founded in the 1960s after his own layoff —…
Key takeaways Both the Bank of America® Premium Rewards® credit card and the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card offer flexible rewards points with multiple redemption options, a base rate of 1.5X points on regular purchases, no foreign transaction fees and a higher rewards potential if you’re a member…
If you have ever changed jobs or you have already started saving for retirement, you have likely encountered both Traditional IRAs and Rollover IRAs. However, these two similar-sounding accounts can play very different roles in your financial future. Knowing how each works can mean the difference between maximizing your tax…
Key takeaways You can make your mortgage payment through your lender’s website or mobile app, in person, by mail or over the phone. If you’re worried about remembering to make payments each month, setting up automated withdrawals can be a good solution. There are options for paying off your mortgage…
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