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…
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Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
TomoCredit, a five-year-old San Francisco startup that claims it boosts consumers’ credit scores, is facing a growing number of problems,…
Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
The 2024 presidential election has ended, and Donald Trump is poised to retake the White House, with big implications for…
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PayPal was one of the 5 percent cash back bonus categories on the Chase Freedom Flex® card during the final three months of 2024, so I made every effort to maximize my PayPal spending. I had to get creative to hit the $1,500 spending limit…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Credit repair is a term used to describe the process of restoring your credit rating. You can hire a credit repair…
Banking
Thanks to more than a decade of Dodd-Frank and Basel III regulations, the Trump administration inherits a well-capitalized and liquid banking system. Squandering…
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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Whether you’re looking to pay down debt, cover an unexpected expense or just add a little cushion to your bank account, there are numerous ways to make $100 fast. From leveraging your skills to utilizing apps and services, these methods can help you achieve that goal without a major time…
Fidelity Investments is well-known for being an investor-friendly outfit, with low-cost and even no-cost mutual funds. But the company also has a range of about 75 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that investors may want to consider adding to their portfolio. While most of these ETFs are small or relatively new –…
Key Takeaways A semi-truck loan, lease or line of credit are all options for business owners who need financing to buy a semi truck. Your credit score will play a significant role in your ability to qualify for a loan, but you can find loans for bad credit from specific…
Trading options after hours can seem like an appealing strategy. Instead of limiting yourself to trading while the markets are open, trading options after hours would allow you to place orders around the clock. Despite the appeal, trading outside regular market hours generally isn’t possible. However, there are a few…
Americans have amassed $450 billion for educational expenses in 529 plans as of August 2024, according to the Education Data Initiative. That amounts to around an average of $27,741 for the estimated 16 million families participating in 529 plans. With so much money on the table and college costs ever…
Images by Getty Images; illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate When you file your federal income tax return, you have a choice to make: claim the standard deduction or itemize your deductions. The standard deduction is a dollar amount set by the IRS, while itemizing your deductions means you add up your…
Key takeaways The Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card is an attractive option as a credit-building card thanks to perks like no late or returned payment fees, budgeting tools and a dedicated pathway for increasing your credit line. Cardholders also appreciate the ability to increase the card’s…
Key takeaways Selling a home with a mortgage is common and generally not a problem. However, it can become problematic if the homeowner owes more on their mortgage than the home is worth. When selling a home with a mortgage, the seller must settle the outstanding loan balance during the…
kate_sept2004/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways A personal loan is money you can borrow in a lump sum with a fixed payment to finance large purchases, consolidate debt, invest in yourself or cover emergency expenses. Interest rates, monthly payments and repayment terms vary based on creditworthiness, income and other…
Key takeaways Financial consultants can help you develop a financial plan for retirement, estate planning, tax strategies and debt management. Financial consultants are similar to financial advisors and the two terms are often synonymous. You might need a financial consultant if you have a high net worth or complex finances.…