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,…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
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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…
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…
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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 Leasing a car requires less money upfront and has lower payments, but there are typically mileage restrictions and additional costs. Buying can mean more expensive monthly payments and long-term maintenance costs, but you have greater control over its use and lower costs in the long run. With leasing,…
eclipse_images/Getty Images Key takeaways Just because you’ve retired doesn’t mean your income is tax-free. How a state taxes various forms of retirement income can have a big impact on your spending plans. States can have major differences in how they tax capital gains, Social Security and retirement plan distributions. When…
Key takeaways Yes, most ATMs at major banks accept cash deposits, though not all machines have this capability. You can typically only deposit cash at ATMs owned by your bank or partner networks. Cash deposits usually become available within one business day, but some banks offer instant availability. Yes, you…
Banking with one of the most popular banks can mean having access to more locations, better digital features, and nationwide convenience when you travel. The largest banks typically offer highly rated mobile apps with features like mobile check deposits and extensive ATM networks that can save you money on fees.…
While taxable income and adjusted gross income (AGI) might sound similar, they refer to different stages of your income after certain deductions and adjustments have been applied. AGI starts with your gross income and subtracts specific adjustments, such as retirement contributions or student loan interest, to arrive at a baseline…
Congratulations on graduating! As you start your career, one of your smartest financial moves is opening a high-yield savings account. These accounts earn significantly more than traditional savings accounts while keeping your money safe and accessible. The best savings accounts for new grads combine high interest rates with practical features…
Arbitrage is the process of taking advantage of a price difference in different markets in order to earn a low-risk profit. In the classic example, an investor buys the asset in the lower-priced market and sells it in the higher-priced market. More likely than not, the price difference is small.…
Key takeaways A backup offer is an offer that’s submitted even though the seller has already accepted an offer from another buyer. Accepting a backup offer as a seller means you have a fall-back in case the buyer in first position falls through. Making a backup offer as a buyer…
Real estate in general — and buying or selling a home in particular — is rife with jargon and slang that’s probably unfamiliar to many. Here’s a glossary of some of the most common terms, with their real estate definitions. General real estate definitions Closing costs: Homebuyers and sellers both…
Key Insights Interest rates directly affect borrowing, saving, and investing decisions. Higher rates make loans more expensive but reward savers. Mortgage payments, credit card debt, and access to credit can shift quickly. Staying informed and adjusting your strategy helps protect your financial health. American Consumer Credit Counseling (ACCC) can guide…
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