Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate There are many reasons married couples may want to file their taxes jointly: a larger standard deduction, eligibility for more tax credits, and higher income thresholds to qualify for various tax benefits are just some examples. But in some cases, it can make…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Not only can giving away items you no longer use provide happiness to others, but it can also help you lower your tax bill. That’s because you get a tax break for your charitable contributions if you donate to a qualifying organization and itemize your deductions. Here’s…
Key takeaways Refinancing a mortgage temporarily lowers your credit score. Refinancing can affect your credit score for up to one year while remaining on your credit report for up to two years. To best protect your credit, continue to make timely payments on your accounts and comparison shop within a…
Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate After years of high auto theft rates, the latest report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) shows a surprising turn of events — vehicle theft rates dropped by 17 percent in 2024. This decrease finally puts car theft rates back near pre-pandemic levels.…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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The deadline to file federal income tax returns this year, to report income earned in 2024, is April 15, 2025. Taxpayers who apply for an extension have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file their tax returns. But that extension doesn’t apply to your tax bill…
Dept Managmnt
Budgeting and Building an Emergency Fund for Rising Costs If rising costs are stressing you out, you may require adjustments to your budget…
Banking
Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Adding authorized users to your business credit card account can make it easier for you to complete purchases and earn rewards…
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Tesla (TSLA) just reported its first-quarter sales, and the company missed analysts’ estimate for deliveries by nearly 14 percent. It was the lowest total number of deliveries since the second quarter of 2022 for the electric vehicle specialist — and more disappointment may be on the way. Tesla has faced…
Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Key takeaways A part-time student is generally anyone who enrolls in half of the full-time course load, though definitions may vary. Part-time students can apply for a few types of federal student loans: direct subsidized, direct unsubsidized and direct plus loans. Private lenders also offer loans for…
Key takeaways Your 30s is a time to clarify your financial goals and start ramping up your savings, aiming to set aside 10-15 percent of your income. Choose the right tools — a workplace retirement plan and an IRA — to put your money to work. With decades until retirement…
The United States has the most roadways on the planet, with more than 4 million miles of open road. Across the 50 states, you can get virtually any type of driving experience: coastal highways, desert one-lanes, mountain roads, sprawling suburbs and bustling cities. However, some states offer more favorable driving…
Key takeaways If you have an existing VA loan, you can refinance it to get a better interest rate, change your loan term or tap into your home equity. To qualify for a VA mortgage refinance, you’ll need to meet specific service, income and credit score guidelines. The two primary…
Key takeaways The president can influence the stock market, but other factors can have a greater impact on share prices, such as consumer behavior, the Federal Reserve and global trade. President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements have been unpredictable and have negatively affected the stock market, at least temporarily. When stock…
MoMo Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Almost all workplace 401(k) plans let workers save extra money for the future, so long as you meet age requirements. Those age 50 or older can contribute an extra $7,500 per year. And, starting this year, individuals aged 60-63 can now make “super catch-up” contributions…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Snow and ice are covered by home insurance in some instances, like if your roof collapses or a tree falls on your home. When it comes to roof leaks, it will depend on scenario specifics. Some snow-related roof leaks will be…
Key takeaways Both 401(k)s and 403(b)s are tax-advantaged retirement savings plans. While 401(k)s are offered to workers in for-profits companies, 403(b)s are for not-for-profit and government workers. Both plans are subject to the same annual contribution limits, though 403(b)s have a special provision for long-term employees. If you’re looking at…
Key takeaways The earlier in the year you can contribute to your IRA, the more time your money has to grow. Make sure you’re aware of IRA contribution deadlines. Consider your expenses and needs when deciding how to time your IRA contributions. Contributing to an individual retirement account (IRA) each…
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