Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Semi-truck loan timelines range from 24 hours to up to 90 days, depending on the lender and loan type Banks and credit unions tend to take longer to fund semi-truck loans than online or direct lenders Check eligibility requirements and…

Buying a home is an expensive process, and one of the most significant expenses you’ll pay is often your real estate agent‘s commission. When you consider the fact that each agent involved in a transaction typically earns 2.5 to 3 percent of the home’s sale price, the total cost of…

Key takeaways Applying for preapproval can help you know how much you can afford and negotiate at the dealership. The higher your credit score is, the lower your interest rates may be. Lenders offer competitive terms to borrowers with good to excellent credit. Have a budget in mind and know…

Andrei Medvedev/Shutterstock Key takeaways A pocket listing is a home for sale that isn’t publicly listed on the multiple listing service (MLS). Sellers can work with agents to let them know they prefer to keep their home quiet and only make it available to serious buyers. Some agents love pocket…

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Key takeaways Cashback Monitor offers a snapshot of earning rates across dozens of shopping portals, so you can easily see which site offers the most cash back, points or miles. You can customize the Cashback Monitor site to show your preferred shopping portals and other…

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Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate My husband and I have owned our first home for a full year. In that year, we sharpened our painting skills, became frequent shoppers at The Home Depot and discovered just how much goes into owning a home versus renting an apartment. One…

Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Key takeaways The bid-ask spread is the difference between the highest price a buyer is willing to pay for a security (bid) and the lowest price a seller is willing to accept (ask). Bid-ask spreads can indicate the liquidity of a given security. Bid-ask spreads tend…

Key takeaways Despite their advantages, home equity loans come with risks: You could lose your home if you miss payments, owe more than your home’s worth, and your credit score could suffer. Home equity loans ideally should be used to finance home improvements or consolidate debt at a lower interest…

Easter is an opportunity for families to come together and engage in fun activities that spark imagination and foster connection. Crafting is an excellent way to celebrate the holiday, but trips to the craft store can add up. Here are some affordable Easter crafts that the whole family can enjoy,…

Key takeaways When your business earns interest in a business savings account, you’ll need to report those earnings on your company’s — and likely your personal — tax return. In addition to tracking your interest earnings, monitor every expense for your business to help lower your tax bill. Your tax…

Credit Sesame examines how Trump tariffs may strain household budgets, change credit behavior, and influence your credit score in unexpected ways. The link between Trump tariffs and your credit score At first glance, Trump tariffs and your credit score might seem unrelated. One involves international trade policy, and the other…

Key takeaways With Amazon’s Prime Day coming soon, now is a great time to sign up for an Amazon credit card. Among the options are cards that offer welcome bonuses upon approval and high ongoing rewards for everyday purchases. Choosing between the Amazon Prime Store Card and the Amazon Prime…

Key takeaways Some furniture stores offer interest-free financing if repaid within a specific period. Personal loans may come with lower interest rates than in-store financing. A personal loan is usually unsecured, which means you own your furniture outright. Store financing is typically secured, which means you risk losing the furniture…

Key takeaways Unsecured home improvement loans can provide quick funding when you don’t want to risk losing your home or dip into your savings to make renovations. These loans are issued based on the strength of your credit history and don’t require collateral. Before borrowing an unsecured home improvement loan,…