Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate When it comes to saving for retirement, setting aside money early in your career is generally the best approach. That money has more time to compound and grow than money you save when you’re older. But in reality, many people aren’t able to save…
Key takeaways Business bank loans offer flexible terms and attractive interest rates Businesses should expect longer waiting periods for approval and slower funding times when applying for a business bank loan Types of business bank loans include term loans, equipment loans, microloans and lines of credit Business bank loans are…
Key takeaways A good credit card APR is a rate that’s at or below the national average, which currently sits above 20 percent. While there are credit cards with APRs below 10 percent, they are most often found at credit unions or small local banks. If you don’t have good…
Logo courtesy of Gainbridge; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Gainbridge, a relatively new player in the annuity market, offers different annuity products designed to cater to different needs. Gainbridge aims to make these complex financial products more accessible to everyday investors while taking a digital-first approach on a small slate of…
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Twenty-two years before he bet his company on bitcoin, MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor sat down for a long interview with…
A perfect storm is brewing for millions of federal student loan borrowers, who may experience dramatic increases in their monthly…
When most people think of identity theft, they envision criminals and other miscreants using their private data to open new…
Republican lawmakers in Congress are circulating a number of proposals to cut federal spending as part of a massive bill…
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I experienced a few ups and downs this past year, including purchasing my first house and replacing my car when it was unexpectedly totaled. As you might expect after such events, my budget went a bit haywire. So, I was going to challenge myself to…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways As of March 2025, new federal rules will remove all medical debt from consumer credit reports, including unpaid balances over $500.…
Banking
No matter how often bank regulators, international standard setters, rating agencies, or financial reform advocates warn banks that climate change is serious, the…
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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Lost income: If you have to temporarily close your business while repairs are made, equipment breakdown insurance will cover lost business income. Additional expenses: Equipment breakdown will cover additional expenses you might face after a claim, like mandatory inspections. Food spoilage: For food and beverage businesses, equipment breakdown insurance covers…
Key Takeaways A no-doc mortgage offers a way to get a home loan without some of the income and employment verification paperwork lenders traditionally require, like W-2s and pay stubs. Post-Great Recession, no-doc mortgage loans are much harder to come by. No-doc loans often require higher credit scores and larger…
The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great rewards card to have in your wallet if you’re all about food, travel and entertainment. But is it the best fit for you overall, or could one of the other top cash back credit cards suit your needs better?…
Key takeaways Online banks usually carry the same FDIC insurance as traditional banks. Because they don’t carry the operating expenses of traditional banks, online banks can offer more competitive APYs and better rewards. Look for online banks with features that protect your data, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, fraud monitoring…
Key takeaways Construction loans are short-term loans that you can use to build a home. Some construction loans can be converted to mortgages after your home is finished. Construction loans typically have tougher criteria and higher interest rates than conventional mortgages for existing homes. If you can’t find the right…
An annuity can provide you with a steady stream of income, ensuring that you have money when you need it. That’s why many people turn to annuities during retirement, to be sure that they have cash flow when they’re no longer working. If you’re looking to buy an annuity, you’ll…
Key takeaways Zombie debt refers to old or expired debts you’ve either forgotten about or never knew about that debt collectors try to resurrect and collect. The most common types of zombie debt include discharged or settled debts, time-barred debt (debt that is past the statute of limitations for collecting),…
Key takeaways If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to keep your home, especially if you have a relatively low amount of equity. If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’re more likely to keep your home, provided you can make any missed payments along with…
Key takeaways Donald Trump’s plan to raise federal revenue using tariffs will likely drive up prices for construction materials Higher home repair and replacement costs could put pressure on insurers to increase home insurance premiums China, Canada and Mexico, the top providers of building material imports in the U.S., are…
Key takeaways The Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card and Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card are unsecured cards with no annual fee designed to help you access and build credit. Petal considers more than your credit score for approval, also analyzing your banking…