You may already know about the tax advantages of investing for retirement with a Roth retirement account. Tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals in retirement? Sign us up for that every time! And if your money gets to grow from the start in a Roth account, all the better. But you…
An index fund is a kind of mutual fund that mirrors a financial market index, like the S&P 500. So an S&P 500 index fund would invest in companies included in the S&P 500 index, and the fund’s performance would keep pace with the index. Index funds have a reputation…
While your 401(k) at work and a Roth IRA are the best ways to save for retirement, they’re not the only ways to invest. That’s where a brokerage account comes in. Under the right circumstances, brokerage accounts (or taxable investment accounts) can give your nest egg a bigger boost beyond your tax-advantaged retirement accounts.…
Although student loans are advertised as the easiest way to pay for college, they’re actually a huge burden on your financial future. It’s important to plan for your children to go to college debt-free. (And yes—it’s totally possible!) So, let’s dig into all that 529 plans have to offer. What…
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Last year, on the day before Tax Day, my mom was scheduled to fly into Philadelphia International Airport to stay…
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
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You know that feeling you get when you find $20 in your pocket? Imagine finding $500! And if you can find that kind of money without cutting the budget, that’s even better, right? So, what’s the trick? It’s quick and easy—all you have to do…
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How the Zero Based Budgeting Method Works The zero based budgeting application is more straightforward than it sounds. Start by writing down your…
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For fintech startups, the first five years of the decade have been a roller-coaster ride. At the outset, companies were awash in easy…
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Governance failures rarely announce themselves. They don’t begin with arguments, fines, or hearings. I didn’t expect to see these patterns in a small lakeside community governed by a Home Owners Association (HOA). Yet the familiar signs emerged. They start in the quiet corners where authority meets procedure and where small…
Like other value investing stalwarts, $35 billion Hotchkis & Wiley made its name filling its funds with cheap, unloved stocks. Here’s how manager David Green is keeping the old-school philosophy alive in a market dominated by a handful of AI giants.Ina market obsessed with artificial intelligence, longtime portfolio manager David…
Year-end bonuses can provide a much-needed financial boost, and using that money wisely can make a meaningful difference in your financial health. But deciding whether to put your bonus toward paying down debt or saving can be challenging. Both options offer strong benefits, and the best choice ultimately depends on…
Photo from Getty Images / Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Linking bank accounts makes it easier to transfer funds, automate savings, split direct deposits and potentially avoid certain fees such as overdraft or maintenance charges. Banks typically use strong security measures to protect your information when accounts are linked, including…
After a run of more than 230 years, the U.S. is done producing the penny. While the death of the little copper coin leaves many feeling nostalgic, producing it simply isn’t worth it for the U.S. Mint at 3.69 cents a pop — an increase of 1.42 cents over the…
Financial misinformation isn’t new, but today, it’s supercharged. The 24/7 news cycle fueled by social media virality means you’re more likely than ever to consume inaccurate or misleading information every day. Sometimes these narratives, no matter how false, seep into our collective consciousness and give a false impression of our…
Key takeaways New car loans had an average interest rate under 7%, while used car loan rates averaged nearly 12% in the second quarter of 2025. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your interest rate, but other factors such as the lender, amount borrowed, length of the…
Key takeaways Bad credit auto loans are offered by banks, credit unions, online lenders and dealerships. Shop around to find the best deal on an auto loan for your budget and credit profile. If approved, an auto loan can help improve your credit — provided you keep up with the…
Key takeaways An auto loan can make car ownership possible by spreading out the purchase cost over years. It can help you afford a more reliable vehicle and increase your credit score. Auto loans also have their drawbacks, including high monthly payments, financial risk, vehicle depreciation and being stuck with…
Experience with the Program: How Debt Management Helped a First-Time Renter Katie’s journey shows clearly how debt management helped her regain control over her finances and reduce her anxiety. Her counsellor carefully reviewed all her debts and expenses and quickly set up a repayment plan that Katie could manage on…
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