Hispanolistic/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Offered by many financial institutions, online bill pay is typically a free, secure service that enables consumers to make various types of payments electronically. Payments made via online bill pay can be made using a website or an app. Keep track of your…
Michigan car insurance laws state clearly that drivers in the Great Lake State must have a certain amount of car insurance to drive legally on public roads. Failure to do so can lead to fines and other penalties—and higher coverage rates down the line. Michigan is a no-fault state, which…
Key takeaways There are several ways to finance home renovations, including renovation mortgages, home equity loans and personal loans. Borrowing makes the most sense when repairs are urgent or when improvements will increase your home’s value. Compare loan options carefully, considering interest rates, fees and the amount of home equity…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Non-qualified mortgages, known as non-QM loans, are an option for those who might struggle to qualify for a standard mortgage, such as self-employed borrowers and gig workers. Non-QM loans have more flexible income and credit standards, but they require higher down payments…
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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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Credit: Nate Hovee/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate California home prices are some of the highest in the country, with the median home price in December 2025 hitting $850,680, according to the California Association of Realtors. That means most buyers will need a mortgage to…
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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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These entrepreneurs, traders and investors are making an outsized impact in fintech, crypto and traditional financial services.By Jeff Kauflin, Hank Tucker and Nina…
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Key takeaways CD rates are beginning to fall as the Federal Reserve shifts toward rate cuts. Locking in competitive yields now or laddering your CDs can protect against lower future rates. Savers should also consider high-yield savings or money market accounts for more flexibility and liquidity. Certificates of deposit (CDs)…
Key takeaways Joint checking accounts let two people manage shared expenses with equal access to funds — ideal for couples, parents with teens, or adult children helping aging parents. The best joint checking accounts offer no monthly fees, competitive APYs and features like overdraft protection and mobile banking tools. Before…
Key takeaways Opening a bank account online takes 10-15 minutes if you have your documents ready — you’ll need your Social Security number, government ID and proof of address. Online banks typically offer higher interest rates (currently up to 4.20% APY on savings) and lower fees than traditional banks because…
Key takeaways Writing a check requires six simple steps: date, payee name, amount in numbers, amount in words, memo (optional) and your signature. Always use blue or black pen — never pencil — to prevent alterations and fraud. The number amount and written amount must match exactly, or banks may…
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images Key takeaways Zelle is an easy tool for sending money between friends or different bank accounts, but transfers are subject to daily and monthly limitations. Depending on the issuing bank, daily limits for Zelle transactions range from $500 or less to $10,000 or more. Aggregate monthly transfer…
Key takeaways The best consolidation loans allow you to save money on interest, pay off debt more quickly and replace multiple debts with one new loan and payment. There are many options to consolidate debt, including balance transfer credit cards, home equity loans, debt consolidation loans and peer-to-peer loans. The…
Key takeaways Emergency loans for bad credit tend to have higher interest rates and fees than traditional loans. Payday alternative loans and credit card cash advances are emergency loan options available to most borrowers — even with imperfect credit. Payday and title loans are also options, but these are much…
An individual retirement account (IRA) is one of the most popular ways to invest for retirement. Not only are you saving for your future, but you’re also getting a generous tax advantage to do so, courtesy of the U.S. government. If you’re looking to get off to a fast start…
By Garrett Johnson BNPL loyalty programs Canada started as simple tools that let users split purchases into interest-free installments. Over time, these apps have evolved into full-fledged programs with loyalty rewards, points systems, membership tiers, and interactive features. Instead of just choosing “pay later” at checkout, users can now earn…
Key Takeaways Understand the Terms: Always read and understand the terms of any “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) service before committing, including interest rates, fees, and payment schedules. Budget Wisely: Ensure that any BNPL commitments fit comfortably within your monthly budget to avoid future stress. Educate Yourself: Use resources from…
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