If you haven’t checked your bank account in the last few days, it might be worth your time to take a look. The U.S. Treasury Department started sending out the $600 second stimulus payments by direct deposit on December 29, so there’s a good chance yours has already arrived. Payments…

New to budgeting and on Baby Step 1? We’re so glad you’re here! This guide will help you start your first monthly budget. Right now, you’re trading the short-term rush of immediate gratification for the peace of financial success over the long term. And that’s hard work. So, keep in…

So you want to buy or sell a house, but, well . . . coronavirus. This pandemic has probably kept you from doing a lot of things you want to do: You can’t go to a concert, you can’t watch sports live (in most places), you can’t travel for fun…

Key takeaways Medical school costs upwards of $64,000 a year in tuition, fees and health insurance for a resident going to a public institution. 71 percent of students borrow money to pay for medical school, with an average balance exceeding $210,000. Applying for state assistance, income-driven repayment programs or refinancing…

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The awkward transition from childhood to adulthood known as adolescence is wonderful and mind-boggling and terrifying . . . for both kids and parents. It’s full of endless changes, ridiculous pressures to perform and raging hormones. No wonder the National Institute of Mental Health states…

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Key takeaways Ask your agent which type of life insurance, term or permanent, best suits your needs. Confirm with your agent if your policy offers living benefits, like access to cash value or critical illness riders. Discuss potential exclusions, like the contestability period or high-risk activity exclusions, so there are…

Key takeaways Accident and illness pet insurance plans do not include coverage for vaccines. You’ll need to add a wellness or preventive care plan to cover vaccinations and other routine care services. Most wellness plans cover a limited number of core vaccines, but non-core vaccines often require…

Key takeaways Black Friday can be an excellent time to buy a car — if you can manage to find incentives for the car you want. Increased vehicle inventory will make it easier to find holiday car deals this year compared to last. If you want to save money and…

Key takeaways Maintaining a good credit score after college is an important part of managing personal finances for recent graduates. A good credit score can make it easier to obtain loans, buy a car or rent an apartment. Creating and following a budget establishes the foundation for good financial health.…

Key takeaways There are many reasons why you might lose financial aid, including unsatisfactory academic progress, not being enrolled in enough classes and an increase in parental income. In some cases, it may be possible to regain your financial aid, but it depends on the specific circumstances. Other options to…

SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Older adult students can access scholarships and grants to help pay for the cost of higher education. Opportunities for older students also include potential school-provided funds, federal student aid and private funds, including assistance that may be offered by their employer. Students with work experience…

ImagePixel/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways As a cosigner on an auto loan, your credit suffers if the vehicle is repossessed. You may also be responsible for paying more on the loan even after repossession. You have options for avoiding repossession, including working with the lender to come…

Key takeaways Dealer financing lets you secure an auto loan in house through a partner lender or a financing company owned by the dealership or vehicle manufacturer. It helps make the purchasing process more convenient, but generally isn’t recommended unless you qualify for 0 percent financing or can’t get approved…

Credit Sesame discusses credit in 2024–trends, tools, products, and outlook. Credit remained a cornerstone of financial activity in the United States throughout 2024, but significant shifts occurred due to economic trends, technological advancements, and evolving consumer behaviors. 1. The economy and trends in credit in 2024 The U.S. economy in…

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup November 16, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 50% of retirees find retirement savings inadequateConsumer debt grew faster pace in Q3 2024Over 75% middle-income Americans save for retirementConsumer credit delinquencies continue to riseInflation continues to rise at…