No matter how often bank regulators, international standard setters, rating agencies, or financial reform advocates warn banks that climate change is serious, the frequency of disasters driven by climate change shows they are not heeding the warnings. Such disasters have significantly increased and intensified in the last several decades. According…
Home equity products turned in a slightly mixed performance ahead of the Federal Reserve’s first monetary policy meeting of 2025. The $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) was unchanged at 8.28 percent — its lowest level in a year and a half, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders.…
“I will commit that for this tax season … Direct File will be operative.” That was the word from Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, when asked about the program during his confirmation hearing. The controversial Direct File program allows eligible taxpayers to file taxes directly with…
As wildfires roar across southern California, these natural disasters are not only destroying homes but taking lives. Home insurance costs also are taking on a whole new dimension. Those fears are propagating into the way home buyers look at new properties, into the shopping and selection process and therefore the…
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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 A balance transfer fee is what credit card issuers charge when you transfer debt, usually credit card debt, to another credit card. Balance transfer fees are typically 3 percent or 5 percent of the total balance you transfer to your new card. It’s…
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…
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It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled…
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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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Key takeaways Capital gains tax is a levy imposed by the IRS on the profits made from selling an investment or asset, including real estate. Primary residences have different capital gains guidelines than rental and investment properties do. It’s possible to lower the capital gains tax you owe by taking…
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…
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