You’ve heard about it often enough, most likely when choosing a 401(k) investment, but compound interest can multiply your money. The name of the game with compound interest is time, and the more of it you have, the bigger the payoff. That means if you’re a short-term investor, or looking…
Debt doesn’t mean you have to send all your extra cash toward repayments and stop enjoying your life. It is possible to carry debt while still traveling, replacing worn-out clothes and spending time with loved ones on the weekends. Nobody wants debt freedom at the expense of their joy. But…
Key takeaways Foreclosure happens when a homeowner defaults on their mortgage payments and the lender takes control of the property. U.S. foreclosure rates are currently at record low levels, decreasing by 10 percent in 2024. Experts, who had expected foreclosures to return to pre-pandemic levels by now, have struggled to…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate You just found out that you’re getting a tax refund and are considering using it to make a lump-sum payment toward your credit card debt. Before you do, let’s make sure you are setting yourself up for long-term financial security — not just temporary…
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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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Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup April 19, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Consumer sentiment drops sharply across the boardNew York Fed survey shows worsening outlookU.S. credit scores dip slightly in early 2025Trump administration removes Democratic NCUA…
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NBC / Contributor / Getty Images This is part 1 of 2 of Bankrate’s ’90s era lessons miniseries. Stay tuned later this month…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
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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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Key takeaways When your business earns interest in a business savings account, you’ll need to report those earnings on your company’s — and likely your personal — tax return. In addition to tracking your interest earnings, monitor every expense for your business to help lower your tax bill. Your tax…
Key takeaways In North Carolina, full coverage car insurance rates increase an average of 49 percent after a single speeding ticket, the highest of any state. In contrast, New York has the most expensive average rate for car insurance, but drivers only see a 7 percent rate increase on average…
Credit Sesame examines how Trump tariffs may strain household budgets, change credit behavior, and influence your credit score in unexpected ways. The link between Trump tariffs and your credit score At first glance, Trump tariffs and your credit score might seem unrelated. One involves international trade policy, and the other…
Key takeaways The Citi Custom Cash® Card offers automatic cash back rewards on your top spending category each billing cycle, with one category being travel. Further, you can earn a generous welcome bonus for use toward travel purchases through Citi’s portal. If you have a costly trip coming up, you…
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Key takeaways Visa Signature cards can offer a suite of benefits beyond rewards and perks, such as zero fraud liability, roadside dispatch and emergency card replacement. Visa Signature falls between traditional Visa and Visa Infinite cards in terms of perks, providing more benefits than traditional Visa but…
Key takeaways With Amazon’s Prime Day coming soon, now is a great time to sign up for an Amazon credit card. Among the options are cards that offer welcome bonuses upon approval and high ongoing rewards for everyday purchases. Choosing between the Amazon Prime Store Card and the Amazon Prime…
Key takeaways To find the best FHA lender, shop around with at least three lenders and compare their loan offers and terms. Ask FHA lenders about their current rates, if they offer down payment assistance and a rate lock and what kinds of FHA loans they offer, among other questions.…
Key takeaways Some furniture stores offer interest-free financing if repaid within a specific period. Personal loans may come with lower interest rates than in-store financing. A personal loan is usually unsecured, which means you own your furniture outright. Store financing is typically secured, which means you risk losing the furniture…
Key takeaways Unsecured home improvement loans can provide quick funding when you don’t want to risk losing your home or dip into your savings to make renovations. These loans are issued based on the strength of your credit history and don’t require collateral. Before borrowing an unsecured home improvement loan,…
Key takeaways Personal loans provide fixed rates and stable monthly payments. The most common reason to take out a personal loan is to consolidate debt. Fast funding times make personal loans a good choice for some emergency expenses or large purchases, as long as you have a low debt-to-income ratio…
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