Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate The consequences of a speeding ticket in the Golden State extend far beyond the initial fine. In addition to penalties ranging from $35 to $200, California drivers see their average full coverage car insurance premiums jump by $1,215 per year after a…
Key takeaways You can responsibly use a credit card for large purchases if you pay off the balance before it starts accruing interest. Using a credit card to pay for large but predictable expenses — like groceries, travel and appliances — can help you earn rewards and access additional benefits.…
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images New technology has changed the way many people get around. Ridesharing has become an incredibly popular transportation option, and that’s especially true in big cities where Uber and Lyft drivers are easy to find. With just your smartphone and a few taps of your finger, you can…
Pet ownership can be expensive, with recurring expenses like food, supplies and veterinary care. A rewards credit card can help offset these costs, but finding the right card is tricky since bonus categories typically don’t include everyday pet expenses. Here are some of the better options available to help you…
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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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Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate If you’re rethinking whether to spread the holiday cheer by tipping this year, you might not be alone. Fewer Americans are planning to tip their service providers this holiday season compared to last year — from their housekeepers, trash…
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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…
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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 A home equity loan can be a good option to consolidate debt, as it usually carries lower interest rates and longer terms than other financing options. Advantages of using home equity loans or HELOCs to pay off debts include having fewer bills to pay and lower monthly payments…
Key Takeaways: You don’t need to borrow more money to get out of debt. Alternatives like budgeting, prioritizing debts, negotiating with creditors, and seeking nonprofit credit counseling can be more effective. Household debt reached $18.59 trillion in Q3 2025making structured, sustainable repayment strategies more important than ever. Two powerful payoff…
Key takeaways The issuing bank often cashes checks for non-customers for $5-$8 — your cheapest option if you have a government ID. Walmart charges flat fees of $4-$8 to cash most checks, making it more affordable than check-cashing stores that charge up to 10%. Check-cashing stores are the most expensive…
Key takeaways CDs earning 4% APY provide guaranteed returns with FDIC insurance up to $250,000 — making them one of the safest investments available. A $10,000 CD at 4% APY earns $400 in one year, while a 5-year CD at 4% APY generates $2,166 in total interest. CD laddering spreads…
Prapass Pulsub/Getty Images Key takeaways You can check your bank account balance via your bank’s mobile app, online bank website, ATM, over the phone, via your bank statement or through an in-branch visit. Mobile apps check your balance in under 10 seconds and offer real-time alerts. Desktop banking provides detailed…
SeBrina Bibb’s husband died in 2020, thrusting her into the role of single mom to 3 young kids. Money challenges quickly piled atop her grief. Income, child care and basic household labor all fell to her. At one point, Bibb and her children were homeless, sleeping on the couches of…
Turning 65 doesn’t just mark a milestone in life, it can also unlock valuable tax savings. The IRS grants seniors an extra standard deduction. This deduction can lower taxable income by thousands of dollars, helping stretch retirement savings further. Whether you’re newly retired or planning ahead, understanding how this deduction…
One of the biggest tax decisions that a couple can make is whether to take the standard deduction or itemize. The standard deduction offers a straightforward way to reduce your taxable income. In 2025 it’s more valuable than ever thanks to inflation adjustments and new provisions for older taxpayers. Understanding…
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) might be right for you if you recognize yourself in any of these situations: You have multiple high-interest credit cards and want one simplified monthly payment. You can afford to pay something each month, but you need lower interest rates to make progress. You’re falling…
Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, but one of the most important decisions you’ll make is also one of the simplest: whether to take the standard deduction. For single filers, this deduction offers a powerful way to lower your taxable income without diving into piles of receipts or complicated calculations. Knowing…
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