If you’ve got an upside-down car loan, you’re not alone. In fact, the number of drivers who owe more on their car than it’s worth continues to go up.1 Pay off debt fast and save more money with Financial Peace University. But no matter how underwater you are on your…
Every four years, citizens across our country head to the polls to choose the next president of the United States. Together, we make a critical decision about the future of our country. And after months of ruthless banter, an onslaught of toxic social media, and deafening political commentary, we stand in…
Your thoughts are racing, you haven’t slept soundly for a week, and your stomach is in knots—all because of a trip to the grocery store or a look at your checking account. If these anxious responses to money situations seem familiar, you might be dealing with financial stress. But don’t…
6. List Your House and Do Home Showings Listing your house is simple if you’re working with an experienced real estate agent. Your agent will help you get professional photos taken and will get your home listed on multiple platforms for maximum exposure. Once your listing is up and running,…
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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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Saving for a house is no walk in the park—unless that park is a mountain. In fact, 3 of every 10 first-time home buyers say the most difficult step in the home-buying process is saving for a down payment.1 But once you set a clear goal, you’ll…
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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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Key takeaways Getting the lowest mortgage rate possible can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan. An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) could land you a lower rate temporarily, but the rate will likely adjust upward after the introductory period ends. To be eligible for the…
Federal employees receive a retirement benefit package that includes a pension, a tax-advantaged savings plan and Social Security. But many do not fully understand how these benefits work, and that can mean leaving money behind. The FERS pension, the Thrift Savings Plan and Social Security each come with their own…
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life. It goes a long way toward determining whether you’re approved for loans, along with the interest rates you’re charged. That impact is most significant for mortgages given that it costs a lot of money to buy…
Illustration by Grant Crowder/Bankrate Key takeaways First, take a look at your finances and decide what type of mortgage you need — loan programs vary widely. Next, find a few different lenders who offer the type of loan that suits you. Finally, compare rates and fees by getting a preapproval…
Tax scams are becoming more sophisticated each year, especially during tax season when millions of Americans are filing and expecting refunds. Scammers take advantage of this urgency by posing as the IRS, offering false promises of larger refunds, or pressuring individuals into sharing sensitive information. Falling victim to a tax…
Does your grocery store hike the price of milk during your hurried commute home? Is it raising the cost of ice cream during a July heat wave? Are you seeing “personalized” prices based on your income or shopping history? As technology advances, these scenarios are becoming increasingly realistic. Put simply,…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Contrary to popular belief, you don’t actually have to put down 20% of a home’s price to get a mortgage. Some mortgages don’t require any down payment at all, and you can get a conventional mortgage with as little as…
Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate While most 24-year-olds are preparing to leave the warm embrace of their parents’ health insurance, Jocelyn Becerra had something else in mind — becoming a homeowner. Two years ago, Becerra bought her house in Bentonville, Ark., after a year of buckling down to save up. She…
Key takeaways A first-time homebuyer is someone who has never owned a home or who has not owned a home in the last three years. Buying a new house involves many steps, from securing a mortgage to negotiating with sellers and navigating the underwriting process. First-time homebuyer programs offer mortgages…
Physicians tend to start earning later than most professionals after years of training, and many carry significant student debt by the time they begin practicing. Once they reach attending-level income, however, they often move into higher tax brackets quickly. Whether a doctor works as a hospital employee or runs a…
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