Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways A business credit score is like your personal credit score, only it applies to the financial health of your business. Business credit scores help separate your personal and business finances, lower insurance rates and make business financing more accessible. Business credit scores…
While most personal loan interest rates are fixed, federal rate changes and inflation do impact interest rates for new loan borrowers, although indirectly. As the cost of living rises and more Americans take on personal loan debt, it is important for consumers to understand how inflation and federal rate changes…
The idea of investing can be intimidating for many beginner investors who are just starting out, but it’s an important part of saving for various financial goals and building wealth. You’ll encounter many different market environments throughout your investing life, so don’t get too caught up in whether right now…
Is this method of consolidating debts a good idea? If you are considering using a credit card as a debt consolidation option here is what you need to know. A low interest credit card often comes with strings attached, so be very cautious if you’re considering applying for a new…
Spotlight This Week
More ArticlesPersonal Finance
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…
Featured Articles
In this do-it-yourself digital age, home sellers and buyers alike might wonder if they really need real estate agents — or, more precisely, if they need to pay agent fees. Just how crucial are these agents to a successful real estate transaction? Well, a good…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways An automatic stay prevents creditors from taking action to collect on certain debts when you file for bankruptcy. Automatic stays can…
Banking
When it comes to selling coconut water to the health obsessed, New York’s Vita Coco has served up a master class, schooling even…
Credit Cards

All News
Marie C Fields/Shutterstock Key takeaways It’s fine to get rid of monthly mortgage statements, but you should keep all your mortgage documents, including proof of title insurance and the promissory note, until your loan is paid off. Having your mortgage documents handy can be beneficial when filing home insurance claims,…
Key takeaways Damage from mine subsidence isn’t normally covered through standard homeowners insurance. There are two main types of mine subsidence — pit and sag — that are classified based on the shape and depth of the depression in the ground. Mine subsidence coverage may be a beneficial addition to…
Alcohol-impaired driving carries steep costs that extend far beyond the initial fine. A single DUI conviction in Pennsylvania drives up the average cost of car insurance by 103 percent — and DUI surcharges could remain on your record for years. To help drivers understand what happens if you get a…
“Location, location, location” has long been the golden rule of real estate. But in today’s challenging housing market, a new mantra is developing: “Insurance, insurance, insurance.” As homeowners insurance premiums rise across the country, buyers are facing a double hit — soaring home prices and costly insurance, which is required…
traveler1116/Getty Images Key takeaways Many market watchers expect the Federal Reserve to lower its benchmark rate when policymakers meet in mid-September. Such a move could spur lower rates on high-yield savings accounts. For now, competitive savings accounts continue to earn rates above 4 percent APY, after the top APY peaked…
Usually you should plan to keep your tax returns for a minimum of three years from the date you filed your original return. But there are situations where you should keep your tax returns even longer. How long you should keep these documents varies based on a few factors. Keep…
Key takeaways You may be eligible for a bad credit personal loan with a score below 580. Personal loan lenders specializing in bad credit loans will likely scrutinize your income and employment history more closely. A bad credit loan can be useful tool to put you on a path to…
Each year, millions of taxpayers file an extension so they can get extra time to file. Now the Oct. 15 deadline is fast approaching. Tax extensions are filed for a variety of reasons, and a common one is delayed paperwork. “We use them often when a taxpayer does not have…
Key takeaways Personal loans can be an excellent tool to consolidate debt and simplify your bill-paying schedule to avoid credit-damaging missed payments. The installment nature of personal loans can be aligned with other financially freeing goals since the payments don’t change. Because most personal loans are unsecured, you avoid borrowing…
Planning for retirement can feel overwhelming, but fortunately, there are several savings tools available to help take the sting out of the process. By utilizing these tools, you can create a financial strategy that helps you save for retirement. Two common options are deferred compensation plans and 401(k)s. While both…