Spring is the season for renewal, a perfect time to perform a “deep clean” of your financial profile. While March marks National Credit Education Month, the real goal is gaining the freedom that comes with a top-tier credit rating. Whether you’re planning to buy a home, finance a car, or…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates moved up again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.19%, up from 6.15% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low…
Debt settlement companies technically aren’t allowed to charge fees until after lowering a consumer’s debt. But a loophole in the Telemarketing Sales Rule — and a mish-mash of federal and state laws — allows predatory firms the opportunity for exploitation. A growing corner of the $23 billion debt relief industry…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate No movement for home equity rates in the latest week. The $30,000 home equity line and the five-year $30,000 home equity loan were unchanged, holding at 7.18% and 7.84%, respectively, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. As home equity rates remain at their lowest…
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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…
With Republicans ending the Grad Plus program, private lenders are eyeing billions in new business, while some students could be…
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Key takeaways A cashier’s check is guaranteed by the issuing bank’s own funds, making it one of the most secure forms of payment for large transactions. Cashier’s checks cost $8 to $15 at most major banks, though many premium checking accounts and credit unions waive…
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Paying off Debt on a Fixed Income: Making Sacrifices and Learning Patience Paying off debt on a fixed income requires discipline. Jill emphasizes…
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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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We’ve all heard that money is a leading cause of friction in relationships, but it’s rarely just about the math. It’s about what that money represents: security, freedom, power, or even fear. How we manage money, create financial goals, and communicate about financial matters can significantly affect the health and…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Home equity rates fell this week, reaching their lowest levels in about three years. The $30,000 home equity line of credit fell one basis point to 7.31%, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Meanwhile, the five-year $30,000 home equity loan fell three basis points…
Traditionally, all tip income was taxable, and workers had to report any cash tips exceeding $20 per month to their employer. But in 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill introduced temporary exemptions: individuals can deduct up to $25,000 in tips from their income if they meet all the qualifications (though…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates fell again this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.09%, down from 6.16% last week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average 52-week low 30-year…
Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, the mortgage interest deduction limits established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act were made permanent. For loans taken out after December 15, 2017, taxpayers may deduct interest on up to $750,000 of combined mortgage debt across primary and secondary residences. Mortgages…
Retiring at 60 with $1 million is possible for some people, but the outcome depends on how long the money needs to last, how much is withdrawn each year and what other income sources are available. A portfolio of that size may support annual withdrawals of roughly $40,000 to $50,000,…
The topic of money can often be the invisible wedge that divides couples, creating strain, tension, and misunderstandings. In fact, 41% of couples argue about money according to a Ramsey survey. However, with the right approach, you can navigate these choppy waters together and even come out stronger. This guide…
The 15 largest consumer banks held a combined total of around $12 trillion in domestic assets as of September 2025. That means that a lot of people and businesses are keeping their money with a big bank. Most of the biggest banks have been around for a century-plus and many…
Capital gains count as taxable income and can affect your tax bracket, deductions and rates. They are taxed as short-term or long-term gains depending on how long you owned the asset and your total income. Short-term gains are taxed at regular income rates, while long-term gains often have lower rates.…
Experian, the consumer credit reporting agency, has introduced a savings account for its members that earns 2% to 4% annual percentage yield (APY). The account, called the Smart Money Digital Savings Account, has a tiered-rate structure that’s based on customers’ Experian membership level. The savings account doesn’t have a set minimum…
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