Getty Images/Illustration by Bankrate Many investors look to gold as a way to preserve wealth against economic uncertainty and inflation. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to gain exposure to the precious metal, such as gold ETFs and physical gold. Another way to add gold exposure…
Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images Key takeaways Secured loans are popular for startups because they can be easier to qualify for and come with lower interest rates Unsecured loans are harder to obtain for new businesses and often require a personal guarantee Alternative financing options such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, business grants,…
Key takeaways Debt consolidation may allow you to repay your debt faster and at a lower cost, simplifying your finances. The upfront costs associated with debt consolidation can eat into the savings associated with taking this step. If you have a good credit score or better, want to simplify your…
Key takeaways Millions of homeowners with high mortgage rates are hoping for rates to come down so they can refinance. Rate movement is notoriously difficult to predict, though, especially in today’s volatile economic environment. If you’re anxiously awaiting lower rates, here are some economic bellwethers to keep an eye on.…
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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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To the average Americans I interact with daily, the economy feels unpredictable, with job loss, tariffs, inflation and rising costs on everything from milk to housing. I coach people across the country every Sunday — the anxiety is real and pervasive. Instead of panicking, now is…
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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…
Banking
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 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…
Key takeaways You can get funds within one business day with some types of emergency loans. Payday loans or car title loans may be your only emergency loan choice if you can’t qualify based on your credit. Even if you’re in a hurry, make sure you compare each lender and…
Key takeaways Surplus lines insurance can provide coverage for homes that are uninsurable in the standard market. E&S insurance must be purchased through a licensed surplus lines broker. Since surplus lines insurance is not state-regulated, homeowners should pay special attention to the terms and conditions of their policy. Rates for…
Key takeaways Economic uncertainty makes recessions a tricky time to buy — or sell — a house. Slower hiring, layoffs and belt-tightening make it harder for some buyers to qualify for a mortgage. However, as long as your employment and finances remain stable, buying a house during a recession can…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Both home equity loans and lines of credit notched gains for the week. The average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) climbed two basis points this week to 8.02 percent, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders. Home equity loans…
kate_sept2004/Getty Images. Key takeaways Short-term business loans are a quick way to get funds for your business, with repayment terms typically lasting between three to 18 months. Short-terms are often offered by online lenders, who can process applications and disburse funds faster than most traditional lenders. Common reasons for taking…
Key takeaways Renegotiating your loan terms, refinancing or making extra payments can help lower your car payment. You can also sell your current car and buy one with a more budget-friendly payment but watch out for high interest rates. Before you buy, shop around and save for a large down…
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