Key takeaways Banks typically provide better exchange rates compared to airport kiosks or tourist areas. Understanding fees, spreads and rates helps you maximize your currency exchange value. Planning ahead typically saves three to five percent on conversion costs. Most banks require you to be an account holder to exchange currency.…
Key takeaways Bankrate’s analysis finds that cost of living impacts the average worker’s wages most in the San Francisco metro area, where high living costs effectively cut their buying power by more than 15 percent. Other places where workers lose the most ground on their wages are Los Angeles (13.4…
Key takeaways Sapphire Lounges by The Club offer complimentary food and beverages in exclusive spaces where visitors can relax and unwind before a flight. Eligible card members, such as those with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, enjoy unlimited visits to Chase lounges, while other Priority Pass Select members can take…
Our writers and editors used an in-house natural language generation platform to assist with portions of this article, allowing them to focus on adding information that is uniquely helpful. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by our editorial staff prior to publication. When building your savings, it is important…
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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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Pekic/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways Debt collectors can pursue old debts with the threat of lawsuit until the statute of limitations expires. The statute of limitation varies by state and debt type. Once the statute of limitations expires, debt collectors can no…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Zombie debt refers to old or expired debts you’ve either forgotten about or never knew about that debt collectors try to…
Banking
It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled…
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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The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, delicious food, and togetherness. However, it can also bring financial stress, as the costs of gifts, events, feasts, and travel can quickly add up. The good news is that with a bit of planning and creativity, you can enjoy the…
The IRS Direct File program, which lets taxpayers file their federal income tax return directly with the IRS for free, is doubling its reach to 24 states for the 2025 tax season, up from 12 states in 2024, the program’s pilot year. The Direct File program will also accept more…
Retirement plans for the self-employed range from the good to the outrageously good, and can allow you to save much more than you ever could with a traditional employer plan. A well-chosen retirement plan can allow entrepreneurs and the self-employed to bankroll a bright retirement. The self-employed have several plan…
The stock market has shrugged off a wave of investor concerns in recent years, hitting several all-time highs in 2024. The Dow Jones Industrial Average crossed 45,000 in December, while the S&P 500 is up around 26 percent so far in 2024, following a 26 percent gain in 2023. Big…
Credit Sesame uses the 12 Days of Christmas to inspire better credit health in 2025. The holidays are a time of joy, generosity, and, unfortunately, often a spike in credit card bills. But with a little planning and smart credit habits, you can enjoy the season without the dreaded January…
Brooklyn Lowery / Bankrate The Chase Freedom Flex® bonus categories have been announced for the first quarter of 2025, and they should be winners for most cardholders. The categories are grocery stores (excluding Walmart and Target); fitness clubs and gym memberships; hair, nail and spa services; and Norwegian Cruise Lines.…
Investing is a critical part of building wealth and achieving your financial goals, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. There are plenty of mistakes you can make along the way that could derail your progress and keep you from achieving your goals, such as retirement. (If you’re just starting out,…
Once you file your taxes, you should plan to keep your tax returns for a minimum of three years from the date you filed your original return. But there are situations where you should keep your tax returns even longer. How long should you keep your tax returns? How long…
Key Takeaways After you earn and redeem your credit card welcome bonus, you might be worried that you’ll never see that many points in your account again. A welcome bonus isn’t the only way to earn big when it comes to points or cash back rewards. You…
Key takeaways You don’t need to know everything about credit cards to find the best fit for your needs. Rewards credit cards are best for everyday purchases, earning you cash back or points on your spending. Travel credit cards are a solid fit for frequent travelers and include co-branded airline…