Finding the right insurance policy for your needs can be challenging. How do you know that a company is reputable and financially stable? How are insurance companies rated, and who does the rating? Fortunately, there are a handful of third-party ratings organizations that offer trustworthy assessments of a carrier’s quality.…

Bankruptcy is a legal process to help individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt. While it provides a path to financial relief, the decision to file bankruptcy requires careful scrutiny due to its lasting impact on credit, assets and future financial opportunities. The two most common types of bankruptcy for individuals…

It’s not easy to grow your savings. If you’re like most Americans, earning the highest interest rate on your deposit accounts would be very helpful this year. But in Bankrate’s recent Emergency Savings Survey, most Americans say they have less emergency savings now than they did at the beginning of 2024. Previously,…

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Key takeaways College aid may be given through need-based or merit-based aid. Need-based aid includes Pell Grants, work-study programs and Direct Subsidized Loans. Your FAFSA will determine your EFC, or expected family contribution. The FAFSA must be completed by June 30, 2026 for the 2025-26 academic year. Need-based financial aid…

Key takeaways Credit card addiction takes many different forms and could include compulsive buying and gambling disorders. If you feel like you’re making too many purchases you can’t afford, you may be able to get help by talking to a financial advisor or certified financial planner. If you worry that…

The best hotel credit cards offer perks for frequent travelers, such as automatic elite status, points for hotel stays and other spending and the potential to earn free hotel nights and elite status. Some hotel credit cards offer a free night as either an annual membership benefit or through spending…

If you have a low credit score, qualifying for a credit card can be challenging. At the same time, a new credit card can be essential to repairing your credit. In this catch-22 situation, your options may be limited. Concora Credit (formerly Genesis Financial Solutions) is one of the companies…

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup December 21, 2024. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. U.S. household wealth rises in Q3 2024 The total net worth of American households posted its fourth consecutive quarterly increase in the third quarter of 2024. Household wealth grew…

Key takeaways The job market has seen some cooling in 2024, but the outlook for recent graduates is still looking good. Consider looking for jobs in cities with lower unemployment rates and a better job outlook to have a better chance at finding a job when you graduate. Employers are…

Your medical expenses may be tax-deductible, meaning you could lower your total tax bill. You can deduct the cost of any medical bills you pay out of pocket once they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI), in a given year. However, you must itemize your deductions to…

Key takeaways A reverse mortgage allows homeowners who are 55 and older to tap their home’s equity for tax-free payments. The most common type of reverse mortgage is a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), which is available to borrowers 62 and older. Reverse mortgages can be complicated; ask a financial…

In a world that operates 24/7, we want to simplify our lives as much as possible. One way to do that is to use automated payments for credit cards, gym memberships, streaming services, rent and mortgage, subscriptions and more. However, the more automated payments we create, the harder it can…