Alistair Berg/Getty Images Key takeaways Credit card extended warranties can provide coverage for purchases with manufacturer’s warranties, potentially saving thousands of dollars on repairs or replacements. The terms and coverage of extended warranties vary by credit card, so it is important to read the fine print and understand what is…

Launching a startup business is exciting, but it can also be stressful if you need external money to keep the momentum going. While the U.S. Small Business Administration offers several small business loans for established companies, there are also some loan options available to new ventures. This guide will cover…

Only one in five Americans has more emergency savings now than at the start of 2024, according to Bankrate’s most recent Emergency Savings Survey. If you’re one of those savers looking for ways to grow your emergency fund, help is on the way from an unlikely corner: Earning more interest…

Key takeaways Paying off student loans early can benefit you financially, but it should typically come second to building your emergency fund and retirement savings. People with private student loans or without other debt tend to benefit more from paying off student loans early. If you have federal student loans…

Pramote Polyamate/Getty Images Key takeaways Certificates of deposit (CDs) can be a good vehicle to grow funds that you know you won’t need for a certain period of time — as long as you don’t chip away at your earnings by paying early withdrawal penalties. Maintaining an emergency fund in…

wera Rodsawang/GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Options can be a blast, allowing you to make many times your money in a short period. But getting familiar with how options trading works can take some time – and if you’re using real money, it can be expensive. That’s where options simulators can…

Kiyoshi Hijiki/Getty Images Key takeaways Keeping up with your car’s maintenance can help you stop extensive — and expensive — damage in its tracks. It’s a good idea to take your vehicle to a mechanic for a basic inspection once per year. Regular maintenance can help you avoid accidents, breakdowns…

Key takeaways Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) have gained popularity as interest rates have risen. ARMs generally have slightly lower rates than fixed-rate mortgages. If you expect rates to fall, or plan to move before the initial fixed-rate period expires, getting an ARM can make sense. With mortgage rates holding steady at high…

Do you have a Kansas home you’re eager to sell? Most sellers list their home on the market through a real estate agent — but it can be a lengthy and complex process. If you don’t have any time to lose, or if you just want the cash from the…

Key takeaways While liability coverage often covers dog bites, some dog breeds are excluded. Insurance companies sometimes exclude specific dog breeds because the risk of insuring them is too high. Having dogs that are considered high-risk can raise your home insurance cost. If there is one thing Americans can’t get…