The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency championed by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2011 to protect consumers against predatory financial services, has ramped up enforcement actions against fintech and financial services companies under President Biden. In 2023, it ordered $3.1 billion in fines and refunds for consumer…
Key takeaways Getting preapproved for financing is important because it gives you negotiating power — and could help you get an auto loan with more competitive terms. Before heading to the dealership, it’s best to identify exactly what you want in a vehicle and a maximum purchase price. When you…
There are plenty of conversational landmines to avoid around the holiday dinner table. Money leads the way, according to a recent Bankrate survey. We found that only 38 percent of U.S. adults are comfortable discussing their bank account balances with family members and close friends. Fewer than half (47 percent)…
Key takeaways Scammers prey on holiday shoppers looking for gifts like puppies and popular toys online. Other scams come in the form of smishing or phishing and may claim you have an undelivered package or a message from your bank. You can protect your personal information this holiday season by…
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The 2024 presidential election has ended, and Donald Trump is poised to retake the White House, with big implications for…
Voters in Washington State have decided to keep the state’s first-in-the-nation public long term care insurance program. On Tuesday, they…
Undergrads and recent grads—young, healthy, and debt burdened—are being offered five figures to donate their eggs to other women undergoing…
Wharton emeritus professor and WisdomTree senior economist Jeremy Siegel sees upward momentum for markets going into next year, adding that…
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Key takeaways Advertising on social media has ramped up in recent years, making impulse shopping easier than ever. Social media shopping and travel expenses during the holidays can lead to debt for some Americans. Try waiting before making a purchase, unfollowing influencers and finding travel…
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Use Party Planning to Help Your Child Learn Financial Literacy Concepts Kids are only as expensive as we make them, and when it…
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Donald Trump’s presidential victory and Republicans’ gains in Congress will undoubtedly have implications for the financial technology industry. Forbes spoke with policy experts…
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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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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…
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…
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