Credit Sesame explores how rising debt levels and stricter lending standards intensify the consequences of late payments for consumers. It’s never a good thing to be late on a debt payment. These days, though, the consequences of late payments are becoming increasingly severe for individual borrowers and all consumers. Late…
Azri Suratmin/Getty Images A hit-and-run can be something as dramatic as a driver fleeing from a terrible car accident they caused or as minor as a driver accidentally bumping the car behind them in the parking lot. While no one wants to be the victim of any type of hit-and-run,…
Making the decision to start investing is one of the best decisions you can make. Investing is an important step toward building wealth and achieving your financial goals. However, successful investing can be difficult and there are some key mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Here are the top seven investment…
When companies find themselves needing to cut costs, many choose to reduce payroll expenses by offering an early retirement package, also known as a voluntary separation or severance package. Companies typically offer these packages to senior management or employees who have been working for the organization the longest. If you’re…
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Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
The 2024 presidential election has ended, and Donald Trump is poised to retake the White House, with big implications for…
Donald Trump’s return to the White House combined with Republican control of the Senate, and perhaps the House, will place…
Undergrads and recent grads—young, healthy, and debt burdened—are being offered five figures to donate their eggs to other women undergoing…
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Key takeaways The Marriott Bonvoy program makes it easy to earn points through paid hotel stays, spending on co-branded credit cards and other qualifying activities. Program members can use their points for award nights at more than 8,900 properties worldwide and for other types of…
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Key takeaways Declaring bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your car. If you’re declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you could keep your vehicle if…
Banking
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency championed by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2011 to protect consumers against predatory financial…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways The Southwest Companion Pass is attainable by using Southwest credit card welcome bonuses to meet the 135,000-point requirement. Applying for a…
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Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways To get a 0 percent intro APR card, you typically need a FICO credit score of at least 670 or a VantageScore credit score of at least 661, putting you in the “good” and “prime” ranges, respectively. Having a FICO score…
Technology is becoming more integrated into daily life, and mobile banking apps are proof of that. Your bank’s app may offer advanced personal finance hubs, providing insights into spending habits, tracking savings progress and even making a budget for you. Unlike older systems of manually tracking and recording your expenses,…
10’000 Hours/ DigitalVision/ Getty Images Key takeaways If a credit card payment is returned, it is most likely due to insufficient funds or incorrect bank account information. A returned payment can result in fees from both the card issuer and the financial institution, potentially impacting your credit score. To avoid…
Key takeaways If you have poor credit and are interested in a new credit card, check your credit score first and consider which type of card would be best as you work toward using credit responsibly. Secured credit cards are typically accessible to those with lower credit scores. You can…
A smart personal finance strategy often involves earning some interest on your money while not taking on too much risk. These days, high-yield savings accounts are one viable option, as some are outpacing inflation. In addition to savings accounts, there are plenty of other relatively safe ways to get a return…
Key takeaways iBuyers are online companies that buy homes directly from the owner, typically in a quick all-cash transaction. Selling to an iBuyer speeds up the home-sale process considerably, making it a good choice if you’re in a rush or need the cash fast. However, they usually offer a much…
Drivers in Washington, D.C., already pay 11 percent more for full coverage car insurance than the national average. After a speeding ticket, their rate jumps even higher. A D.C. driver with a clean record pays an average of $2,719 per year for full coverage, but that climbs to $3,119 per…
Key takeaways Homeowners may need to purchase event liability insurance to provide additional coverage for private parties. Host liquor liability insurance can provide extra coverage for a party host if alcohol is served. Many states have social host liability laws, which can make the host liable for the actions of…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Any time you’re involved in an accident in Michigan, no matter how minor it may seem, you’re responsible for stopping to exchange information with other drivers. If you hit personal property, you should leave your information or seek out the owner to…
Luis Alvarez/Getty Images Key takeaways If you are just starting your credit journey, getting a secured credit card might be a good place to begin. Pay your secured card bills on time and maintain low credit utilization to aid your credit score. Even if you are able to upgrade to…
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