Practical Money Tricks That Lead to Real Treats Getting out of debt doesn’t happen overnight, but small, consistent actions can help you regain confidence and control. Here are a few tried-and-true strategies: Budget like a pro: Track every dollar for a month to see where your money really goes. Focus…
Key takeaways Credit unions typically offer better rates on savings and lower rates on loans compared to traditional banks. Membership is required and may have specific eligibility requirements based on location, employer or affiliation. Your deposits are federally insured up to $250,000, just like at banks, providing the same level…
Key takeaways A home equity line of credit (HELOC) on an investment property is a loan taken out against a piece of real estate that generates income or a financial return. Lenders will consider both the borrower’s creditworthiness and the property’s financials when evaluating an investment property HELOC application. These…
Key takeaways While your home’s value is determined by many factors, some home improvements could help increase its worth. There are multiple ways to pay for upgrades, including cash-out refinancing, a home equity loan or home improvement loan. If you plan to sell your home, it’s important to determine not…
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The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
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Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways A debt consolidation loan replaces multiple streams of debt with one new loan at a fixed rate and monthly payment. A personal loan for debt consolidation is typically a fast and simple way to consolidate all…
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The decision of which debt to start paying off first is a personal one, but starting with high-interest debt is generally considered the…
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Lawrence Golub, billionaire founder and CEO of private credit firm Golub Capital, emphatically dismissed fears that the rapid growth of private credit, specifically…
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Key takeaways Investing both time and cash could score you free cryptocurrency and NFTs. Cryptocurrency developers sometimes offer free coins or NFTs to promote their projects, though you’ll need to watch out for scams. You can leverage financial tools like savings accounts, brokerage accounts and credit cards to get crypto…
Key takeaways A divorce decree outlines which spouse is legally responsible for each debt after the divorce is completed. States either have community property or common law marriages, and these laws determine how marital debt is split after divorce. The divorce settlement agreement doesn’t override your legal obligation to a…
Key takeaways Financial consultants develop strategic financial plans for clients based on their specific needs and goals. If you have a more complex financial situation or need help with important money matters, a financial consultant may be a good fit for you. Be sure to verify credentials, fee structure and…
Key takeaways Variable annuities offer regular payouts in exchange for a lump sum or series of premium payments. These annuities pay a different amount each month depending on the performance of their underlying investments. While they offer growth potential, variable annuities carry increased risk compared to fixed annuities. Variable annuities…
Ariel Skelley/Getty Images Key Takeaways Only 8% of Americans visited bank branches as their primary banking method in 2024, but 66% still value having branches in their neighborhoods. Physical branches offer unique services like safe deposit boxes, notary services, and large cash deposits that online banks can’t match. Face-to-face relationships…
Key takeaways Based on the 28/36 rule, you should aim to spend a maximum of $2,333 per month on your housing costs if you earn $100,000 each year. If you’re trying to budget for buying a home on a $100,000 salary, pay close attention to how much of your earnings…
Key takeaways Significant home renovations can impact the value of your home, and you may need to adjust your homeowners insurance accordingly. Adding square footage or valuable upgrades could increase your insurance premium. Renovations that reduce your risk of a claim, like a roof replacement or new security system, could…
StacieStauffSmith Photos/Shutterstock Key takeaways An easement is a legal right to use part of someone else’s property for a specific purpose, such as a shared driveway or utility access. Easements are typically documented in property records and often remain in place even if the property changes owners. Easements can be…
kelvn/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate The airport is usually not an enjoyable place to spend time, especially when delays spring up. You can easily spend an entire day at a crowded airport gate, shelling out significant money on food and drinks while you wait for your flight. Having airport lounge…
Key takeaways If you want to boost your chances of getting a credit card, knowing where your credit score falls on the spectrum can help. If you have limited credit history or no credit, you may have to start your credit-building journey with a secured credit card. Keeping your credit…
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