Key takeaways Deferred interest promotions can sound like a great deal at first, but they’re best avoided due to their high interest rates. Unlike many 0 percent introductory APR offers — which help you to avoid interest for a set period — deferred interest is retroactively charged, holding off until…

SingingMedia/Shutterstock Key takeaways Oklahoma Student Loan Authority (OSLA) is a third-party company that services federal student loan debt. OSLA handles Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loans. The U.S. Department of Education has recognized this loan servicer as an exceptional performer. The total amount of student loan…

Key takeaways Student loan debt, which impacts your debt-to-income ratio, can make it more difficult to get approved for a mortgage. Having student loan payments can also make it challenging to save for a down payment on a home. Loan options that require low or no down payment can provide…

What is the inheritance tax? An inheritance tax is levied when a beneficiary inherits assets from the estate of a deceased person. Unlike an estate tax, which is paid by the estate before assets are distributed, an inheritance tax is paid by the beneficiary on the asset’s value after receiving…

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Cavan Images/Getty Images Annuities are often popular with retirees and those looking to retire because of the steady income stream they can provide. But annuities tend to come with high costs and commissions for salespeople, often masquerading as financial advisors, that eat into investors’ returns.…

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Thomas Barwick/Stone/Getty Images Key takeaways Capital One Entertainment is a program that allows you to get exclusive access to special events as a Capital One cardholder. You can purchase tickets for concerts, sporting events, theater shows, comedy shows, dining experiences and even vacation getaways. To take full advantage of the…

Portra / DigitalVision / Getty Images Key takeaways You can close your Discover credit card account by sending a closure request in the mail or by calling the number on the back of your card and speaking with a representative. Before closing your card, you should pay off any balance…

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…