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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As travelers begin to plan for the summer travel season, the travel industry is hoping for strong results despite ongoing challenges with inflation and high fuel costs. The potential for a strong travel economy has prompted some investors to consider getting behind airlines, cruise lines and other transportation-related stocks once…
Marko Geber/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Replacement cost value and actual cash value coverage, or RCV and ACV, are two different ways your insurance company assesses and pays out claims. RCV pays to repair or replace your damaged property with a new version — without depreciation factored…
Gemini has something to offer for both big-money cryptocurrency traders, as well as those who are new to the space. Its ActiveTrader trading platform will be valued by professionals, while beginners will be able to learn from educational resources such as its Cryptopedia site. Given the high-risk nature of crypto…
Key takeaways Using the right credit cards can help businesses and individual business travelers save money on travel expenses. In addition to earning points and miles that can be redeemed for travel, many credit cards offer travel perks like free checked bags, business lounge access and free hotel stays. Choosing…
Key takeaways Gap insurance is an endorsement that covers the “gap” between the amount owed on a vehicle and its actual cash value in the event of a total loss or theft. Gap insurance is often required by lenders or leasing companies for new or nearly new vehicles. The cost…
Key takeaways For a startup that doesn’t have a business credit history, lenders will look at your personal credit history to gauge business risk. You should pay off old debts and keep personal and business expenses separate. Build your business credit history by applying for a small…
The stock market turned in another solid performance last year, making it two years in a row with strong returns for investors. The bellwether S&P 500 index rose 22.7 percent in 2024, after putting up a stellar 22.3 percent gain the year before. Will 2025 finally be the year for…
Americans have a love-hate relationship with their credit cards. Though many people try their best to pay their cards off in full, a large percentage of American credit cardholders are carrying a balance from month — and it’s proving costly. After over a year of record-high interest rates, the Federal…
Key takeaways Eligible active-duty military members can score valuable credit card benefits thanks to the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which was signed into law in 2003. This federal law sets guidelines for how debt incurred before a soldier goes on active duty must be handled, including rules for reducing interest…
Key takeaways The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium rewards card that earns me heightened rewards on various travel purchases, as well as on dining. I can score 50 percent more value for my points when I redeem them toward travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, and Chase…
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