Key takeaways Online banks usually carry the same FDIC insurance as traditional banks. Because they don’t carry the operating expenses of traditional banks, online banks can offer more competitive APYs and better rewards. Look for online banks with features that protect your data, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, fraud monitoring…
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),…
Personal Finance
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…
Featured Articles
It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled and scared, under some bushes in his yard as the Eaton fire ravaged his street. Firefighters and photojournalists in the area could…
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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Key takeways Before redeeming points for flights, a little research can help you understand the basics. Numerous programs exist that make searching for award inventory easier. If you’d rather not invest time or money into research and tools, consider hiring a concierge service to do it for you. Airline rewards…
Key takeaways The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card comes with an exceptionally long intro APR offer on balance transfers, making it one of the best balance transfer cards on the market. This card also includes an intro APR offer on purchases, which can be useful if you have a large purchase…
When purchasing car insurance, you might assume you can choose who is covered in the policy, but that isn’t always the case. One factor insurance companies evaluate when determining rates is household risk. Most companies assume that anyone living in your home, such as family members or roommates, has access…
As the calendar turns to January, it’s the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button on your financial habits. The beginning of a new year is often filled with possibilities and aspirations for personal growth, making it an ideal time to reevaluate and rejuvenate your financial strategy. Crafting a new…
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images If you’re looking for the best starter credit card to begin your credit journey, you’ll want to choose a card that helps you build your credit quickly while ideally adding features like rewards and purchase protections. Since you likely won’t have access to some of the top…
As you’re learning how to invest, one of the best strategies for advancing quickly is to learn from the masters. Rather than repeating the same old mistakes of new investors, it’s useful — and it saves money — to gain the insight and wisdom of the experts. For the cost…
This piece was last updated on Dec. 18, 2024, to reflect current credit card details. Key takeaways Adding a hotel credit card to your travel rewards strategy can be beneficial if you frequently stay in hotels, especially if you frequent certain hotel chains more than others. Hotel credit cards offer…
Key takeaways Hilton Honors Dining allows you to earn Hilton Honors bonus points when dining at participating restaurants, bars and clubs. To participate in Hilton Honors Dining, you’ll need to create a Hilton Honors account, sign up for the dining rewards program and link a credit or debit card. If…
Key takeaways IHG One Rewards Dine & Earn is the dining program for the IHG One Rewards hotel loyalty program, which used to be called the IHG Rewards Club. Select members earn 5 points for each dollar they spend. You can reach this tier by electing to receive email communications…
Key takeaways It’s entirely up to you whether to use a personal credit card for business expenses, but this approach has disadvantages and advantages. Personal cards are easier to qualify for, and if you don’t qualify for a business card, a personal card could help you build up credit so…