ljubaphoto/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways The interest rate on a mortgage indicates how much interest you’ll pay for the amount you borrow. The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate plus additional fees and any points. When comparing loan offers, it’s best to compare APRs to…
Christina Zelow Lundquist/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, bigger one. The borrower receives the difference between the two balances in cash. The terms of your refinanced mortgage might differ from your original loan, including a new interest…
Money is an uncomfortable topic for many, yet it’s an important ongoing conversation to have in a relationship. Financial secrets undermine trust. And for many, it may even feel like betrayal. More than 2 in 5 U.S. adults (43%) believe keeping financial secrets is at least as bad as physical…
Key takeaways Decisions made by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark rate do not directly impact auto loans but rather the cost for banks to lend. The higher the Fed sets rates, the higher auto loan rates will likely be. The Fed made its third and last rate cut…
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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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Key takeaways CD early withdrawal penalties typically cost 60 to 365 days of interest, with longer terms carrying steeper penalties. Breaking a CD early may be worth it if you need funds to avoid high-interest debt, make a major down payment, or lock in significantly…
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2. Coaching and Tutoring Take stock of your areas of expertise – maybe you speak a second language or solving math equations comes…
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OBSERVATIONS FROM THE FINTECH SNARK TANKBankers wants to discuss AI strategy. They’re excited about chatbots, machine learning models, generative AI tools, and AI…
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AleksandarNakic/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Selling a home comes with a lot of paperwork, most of which you’ll gather before listing the property on the market. One important document is the seller net sheet, which will detail your all-in costs and potential profit. Keep records of…
A financial advisor can be a wonderful resource for getting your finances in order, offering you expert advice across a range of financial matters. But financial advisors are not all created equal, and those looking for an advisor must understand the potential drawbacks of using one. Key takeaways A financial…
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…
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…
Roberto Westbrook/Getty Images Key takeaways Regulation E limits your liability for unauthorized electronic transfers to $50 if reported within two business days, or $500 if reported within 60 days. The regulation covers debit cards, ATM transactions, direct deposits and P2P payments like Zelle, but not credit cards or wire transfers.…






































