Key takeaways Debts taken on during the marriage are often shared, while those incurred before or after may remain the responsibility of the individual who created them. Whether you live in a community property or a common law state determines how marital debt is split after divorce. If one spouse…

Key takeaways A 0 percent APR credit card can be a great financial tool, but there are debt traps to be aware of when using one. Always make the minimum payments on your credit card to avoid consequences like late fees, damaged credit and penalty APRs. Pay attention to when…

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,…

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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…

Key takeaways The average cost of a house in the U.S. is about $359,892, whereas financing a camper van starts at just $130,000 for a new model. The cost of purchasing a van varies significantly depending on the make and model and whether it needs to be converted. Current van…

As a small business owner, financing backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) represents some of the most affordable types of business loans available. SBA loans are a popular option for both startups and established businesses alike. These loans tend to feature low interest rates, higher loan amounts, and…

rbkomar/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways It is essential to prepare your car for winter weather before it starts snowing. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit so you remain safe if you have vehicle issues while traveling. If it snows where you live, put on your winter…

Bond investors deploying new money have enjoyed rising interest rates in recent years. Bonds are offering higher yields than they have in years, making the bond market more attractive. So investors are on the hunt for the best broker for bonds, and some new upstart brokers even allow you to…

Cash-back receipt apps help you earn money or other rewards when you use a mobile app to scan your receipts. Many apps accept receipts from many retailers, including grocery stores, department stores, convenience stores and gas stations. In exchange for sharing your receipts with the app, you’ll earn rewards —…

Images by GettyImages; illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Options trading can be complex, and the trading jargon may confuse even experienced investors and traders. Two of the most common options contracts to understand are call and put options. Here’s what options traders should know about these popular contracts. What are call…

Key takeaways Even minor adjustments to your finances, like canceling subscriptions or paying with cash, can add up quickly. Consider automating both your savings and bill payments to keep your budget in check. Regularly evaluate your spending, from bank fees to energy consumption, to uncover opportunities for quick wins. Our…

Diversification is a key strategy when it comes to investing, and one of the most common ways to diversify a portfolio is through bonds. As a form of government-issued debt, Treasury bonds can be a useful addition to a balanced investment portfolio, especially as you near retirement, offering stability, regular…