Key takeaways You need proper identification to open a savings account, including your driver’s license or passport and your Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number. You’ll also need to provide some personal information, including your date of birth, proof of address and contact information. Most banking institutions allow you…
Key takeaways Startup loans are designed for businesses that have not been in operation for long or have little to no credit history Different types of business startup loans work best in different situations, so you’ll want to consider all your options. Types of startup business loans include bank loans,…
January is often viewed as a month of new beginnings. With the holiday season behind us, it’s the perfect time to set fresh goals and tackle lingering financial challenges such as credit card debt. For many individuals, consolidating debt might seem like the logical step toward financial recovery. But is…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key Takeaways A FICO score below 580 or a VantageScore of less than 601 is considered a bad credit score. If your score falls in the bad credit range, you will face less favorable outcomes with lenders (who may charge you higher…
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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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Key takeaways Multiple estimates on labor and parts can help you pick the most affordable repair shop. Work with your insurance to see if it has any discounts or options for in-network mechanics. Consider alternatives like a credit card or personal loan if the cost…
Dept Managmnt
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…
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 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…
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released its new Explore Credit Cards tool this week, intended to allow consumers to compare more than 500 credit cards based on “unbiased, comprehensive data.” The launch of the new resource is one of a number of actions taken by the CFPB this year…
If you’re new to investing and don’t know where to start, the good news is that you have a ton of resources when it comes to learning how to invest. The bad news is that not all of those resources are helpful or accurate. In fact, some of that information…
Key takeaways A 1099 worker is a self-employed individual that performs tasks or provides services to a company. A W-2 employee is a worker employed by a company that has full control over how the employee performs their work. You might hire a 1099 worker when you need projects completed…
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