Key takeaways Although CDs offer great returns, there may be more lucrative options. Dividend stocks can offer better returns, as can bond funds. Consider your risk tolerance and investing horizon when making your choices. If you’re looking for a safe place to store your money while earning a return, you…

A margin call occurs when the value of securities in a brokerage account falls below a certain level, known as the maintenance margin, requiring the account holder to deposit additional cash or securities to meet the margin requirements. Margin calls only happen in accounts that have borrowed money to purchase…

South_agency/Getty Images Key takeaways Cash back cards that feature rotating bonus categories reward higher cash back rates for spending in select categories each quarter. Chase and Discover categories change each quarter and require activation in order to secure the higher rewards rate. While rotating bonus category cards don’t release their…

Key takeaways The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is worth it for frequent travelers and aspiring rewards earners with good credit. The Chase Sapphire Preferred isn’t worth it for spenders who may prefer going out and earning cash back. If you’re looking for a generous welcome bonus, partner deals and travel…

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Key takeaways The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card rewards structure makes it one of the most generous travel credit cards on the market today, especially when you consider its $95 annual fee. The card’s lucrative sign-up bonus only adds to the allure for cardholders who are…

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Key takeaways The safest way to send money isn’t always the most obvious one. Before choosing a method, weigh security, cost and accessibility based on your needs. Hidden fees and exchange rate markups can add up fast. Always compare both — not just one or the other. Speed vs. cost…

Understanding your car’s actual cash value (ACV) might be necessary when you are buying or selling a car, refinancing or need to know the car insurance market value for a claim. If needed, your insurance company will generally use its own proprietary calculations to determine ACV, but the formula is…

Key takeaways The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is the government agency that insures deposits at member credit unions. When your money is in a share account with a federally insured credit union, it’s protected by up to $250,000 per depositor, per federally insured credit union, per ownership category. For…

Key takeaways Money orders are safe, prepaid forms of payment that can be used in place of cash or checks. You can purchase money orders from post offices, grocery stores, banks and check-cashing stores for a small fee. Money orders are a safe alternative to checks or cash. These paper…

Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup March 15, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 2024 credit card debt and spending surgeConsumer debt growth slows in February 2025Government delays new tariffs on Mexico and CanadaConsumer confidence declines amid economic concernsJob openings hold steady, but…

Key takeaways Refinancing can help make your student loan payments more affordable, and you can possibly save on interest. You’re not limited to banks and online lenders, as some credit unions also offer competitive terms on student loan refinancing. Shop around and get prequalified to find the best deal. Refinancing your…

SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways The price tag for a college degree has risen dramatically over the years due to increasing overhead for schools and overall inflation. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition and fees plus room and board at public, in-state four-year schools came to $24,920 annually. Out-of-state students…

SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Even though enrollment numbers are up, many college students don’t graduate. Nearly two-thirds of college students who enroll will complete their degrees within six years. The rest — about 40 percent — will leave school without graduating. Many students who enroll in college don’t graduate.…

Key takeaways Women have faced discrimination in the housing and mortgage industry throughout history, but legislation such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act have helped to level the playing field. As of 2024, single females represent one-fifth of all homebuyers, while single men comprise only…