Bitcoin gets all the headlines when people talk about cryptocurrencies, but there are literally thousands of other options when it comes to these digital currencies. In fact, cryptos that aren’t Bitcoin are usually considered an “also-ran” — what are called “altcoins,” or alternatives to Bitcoin. While Bitcoin may have been…

Key takeaways The ongoing impact of inflation in recent years has left many Americans tightening their wallets. One surprising solution for combating the negative impacts of high prices may be opening a new credit card that allows you to offset higher costs with cash back savings and other rewards. But…

Key takeaways Investing in an S&P 500 index fund is an easy way to get instant exposure to hundreds of the largest companies in the U.S. in one investment vehicle. All S&P 500 funds are fundamentally invested in the same stocks, so choosing the “cheapest” one (the one with the…

The Federal Reserve voted on Wednesday to keep interest rates steady for the third consecutive meeting even while acknowledging that unemployment could increase, a decision that signals officials are more concerned about inflation than the possibility of a recession. The announcement means the key interest rate that influences how much…

Higher interest rates played out on stocks, cryptocurrency and commodities such as oil over the past few years. But now that short-term rates are declining, what can investors expect from here, and how long will the shifting rate environment impact markets? After lowering interest rates by 25 basis points at…

Key takeaways In emergencies, it may be necessary to break typical credit card rules, such as never carrying a balance or applying for multiple cards, to avoid financial disaster. While credit cards can be used as an emergency fund alternative, it should not be the go-to option. Having a…

Investors remain worried about how inflation could impact their portfolios. While inflation has come down off its multi-decade highs, it remains elevated, despite the efforts of the Federal Reserve to rein it in. New tariffs from the Trump administration threaten to push prices higher for some goods yet again, so…

You’ve saved, invested and planned — and now you’re finally ready to retire. But in some ways, the hard work is far from over because you still need to answer a very important question: How do you turn that nest egg into sustainable income without running out of money? One…

A speeding ticket in North Carolina can cost as little as $10 to $50 in fines for minor violations — or $250 if you’re caught speeding in a school or work zone. But the real price often shows up later, when your car insurance renews. After just one speeding ticket,…

Key takeaways The Federal Reserve sets interest rates for banks to borrow from each other, which in turn sets interest rates for business loans and lines of credit. The Fed’s rate sets the pace for borrowing costs, making it easier or harder for businesses to get approved for loans. …