Key takeaways Business credit cards offer unique benefits such as the ability to build business credit and better access to record-keeping tools and employee spending tracking. Personal credit cards allow you to build personal credit, offer long 0 percent intro APR periods and consumer protections. Both personal and business cards…

While most personal loan interest rates are fixed, federal rate changes and inflation do impact interest rates for new loan borrowers, although indirectly. As the cost of living rises and more Americans take on personal loan debt, it is important for consumers to understand how inflation and federal rate changes…

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Stewart Cohen/Getty Images Key Takeaways Home values have consistently hit record highs in recent years, which has created a surge in more equity-rich homeowners. To be considered “equity rich”, a property’s outstanding mortgage balance should be less than half of its market value. Being equity…

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Key takeaways Fannie Mae, officially the Federal National Mortgage Association, is a government-sponsored enterprise that helps maintain liquidity in the mortgage market. It does not offer mortgages directly to consumers; rather, it sponsors various loan programs that can be obtained through approved lenders. Since its establishment in 1938, Fannie Mae…

Key takeaways To get the best mortgage rate, boost your credit score, lower your debt and save up a sizable down payment. Getting the best mortgage rate can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. Shop around for the best mortgage rate with at…

Key takeaways An add-on CD allows you to deposit additional funds after your initial deposit, unlike traditional CDs that only permit one deposit. You can continuously add money to your account throughout the CD’s term while earning the same fixed rate on all your deposits. Add-on CDs typically offer APYs…

Key takeaways When a CD matures, you have 5-14 days (grace period) to decide your next move without penalties. Banks automatically renew CDs at current rates, which may not be competitive for existing customers. Your main options include renewing, shopping for better rates, exploring other savings accounts, investing elsewhere or…

Key takeaways Small changes like meal prepping and canceling unused subscriptions can save $100 to $300 monthly. Automating savings into a high-yield account ensures you make consistent progress, even on limited income. The 50/30/20 budgeting rule helps allocate income: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt repayment. Bank fees, subscription services…

Key takeaways Start by identifying your primary banking needs: checking, savings, CDs or specialized services. Online banks typically offer higher APYs, but fewer physical branches. Avoid banks with excessive fees — average overdraft fees are $26.77, but many banks offer fee-free options. Consider both traditional banks and credit unions, which…

Thinking about picking up some kind of extra work to make some extra cash? You’re not alone. Bankrate’s most recent Side Hustle Survey shows that 27 percent of American adults have some kind of work in addition to their full-time occupation. There are plenty of reasons to try to boost…

Key takeaways Full coverage car insurance coverage typically refers to a policy that includes state-mandated coverage types, plus comprehensive and collision insurance. Your state will not require you to have comprehensive auto insurance coverage, but your lender may. Comprehensive auto insurance is add-on coverage that provides financial protection for your…

Key takeaways The Citi Double Cash® Card and Chase Freedom Unlimited® both offer cash back without an annual fee. Chase Freedom Unlimited offers boosted rewards in a number of categories, while the Citi Double Cash earns a flat rate on all purchases. Both cards are great for earning rewards on…

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