This page was originally published in late 2023 and reflects the author’s financial decisions during that time. The card details have since been updated. Key takeaways You don’t have to feel ashamed for using your credit card for something fun, like a trip, even if that fun thing results in…
Carlina Teteris/Getty Images Key takeaways A balance transfer is a good way to eliminate existing credit card debt over a set number of months, usually at a lower interest rate. After completing your balance transfer, have a plan in place to pay off the balance comfortably within the introductory period.…
Key takeaways Small business loans work by giving you money to use for business purchases that you then repay over a set term with interest Approval for a small business loan typically requires a good credit score, solid business revenue and a personal guarantee or collateral There are many types…
Key takeaways Giving a child a debit card can teach them financial responsibility and budgeting skills at a young age. Most banks offer checking accounts and debit cards for teens as young as 13 years old. The decision to give a child a debit card should be based on their…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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Have you been thinking about buying a home? People make this life-changing decision for many different reasons. Whether you’re looking for a new home that’s big enough to raise a family or planning to downsize, these tips will help make the entire process easier. Here…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Social Security benefits are generally protected from creditors, but exceptions exist for federal debts, child support and legal judgments. The IRS…
Banking
Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Adding authorized users to your business credit card account can make it easier for you to complete purchases and earn rewards…
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Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup for March 8, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. February 2025 job growth sub-parPCE index still elevatedAutomakers warn of steep price hikes due to tariffsGender pay gap narrows a littleMortgage rates fall again for seventh weekUS productivity…
Key takeaways Many lenders offer no-closing-cost mortgages, meaning you don’t need to pay the closing costs upfront when you buy a new home. Instead, closing costs are rolled into the loan balance or compensated for in the form of a higher interest rate. On the plus side, no-closing cost mortgages…
Key takeaways Experts debate the impact of a diminished CFPB, with some saying the responsibility of consumer financial protection could shift to state governments. Some consumer credit protections, such as medical debt reporting and buy now, pay later (BNPL) safety nets, may be scaled back or eliminated with new CFPB…
Key takeaways The benefits of debt consolidation include saving money on interest, paying off debt more quickly and streamlining your finances. There are many options to consolidate debt, including balance transfer credit cards, home equity loans, debt consolidation loans and peer-to-peer loans. To choose the best product, assess your credit…
Key takeaways It is possible to have multiple personal loans as long as you have the income and credit score to qualify. Lenders typically limit how many personal loans you can have with them at the same time. Having multiple personal loans could become unaffordable if you experience a sudden…
Key takeaways Installment loans can help improve your credit score over time with regular payments. Missing a payment can cause a dip in your score. If you do not need an installment loan, there are other, less risky ways to build credit. It is possible for installment loans to build…
Car insurance is a necessary expense for every driver — but what you pay for coverage may be very different from your friend or neighbor. That’s because car insurance companies use a complex set of calculations to evaluate the risk each driver presents based on the traits they share with…
Key takeaways The American Express Membership Rewards program has 18 airline partners and three hotel partners to choose from. Transfer ratios for Amex travel partners vary, yet most of them can be transferred at a rate of 1:1. Remember that not all American Express credit cards earn Membership Rewards, and…
Key takeaways The average auto loan interest rate for new cars in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 6.35 percent, while the average used car loan interest rate was 11.62 percent. Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your interest rate, but other factors such as the lender,…
Real estate investing is perennially popular, and while high interest rates may be softening the market now, investors are likely to storm back to real estate with a vengeance, if and when rates fall. In fact, 24 percent of Americans said that real estate was their top pick for investing…
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