Key takeaways College graduates can make about 50% more than high school graduates. The highest upward salary trends are in the agriculture, business, engineering and computer science fields. Disparities still exist based on age, race and gender: women, racial minorities and older workers make less. This year’s college graduates face…

Key takeaways People can find travel credit cards that are co-branded with a specific airline or hotel loyalty program, as well as general travel credit cards that apply to most types of travel. Many frequent travelers sign up for a new travel credit card in order to score a big…

Delmaine Donson/Getty Images Many checking accounts don’t pay any interest, but if they do, it’s typically under 1 percent. However, a temporary promotion currently offered on Bask Bank’s high-interest checking account lets customers earn up to 4 percent annual percentage yield (APY) on their balance. Here’s how the it works: …

Key takeaways For young people, building a good credit score can open many doors, including renting an apartment and getting your own phone plan. There are multiple ways to start building credit as a student, such as becoming an authorized user, opening a student credit card or getting a cosigner.…

Key takeaways Predatory lending refers to any unfair practice that benefits the lender and makes it difficult for a borrower to repay debt. Signs of a predatory loan include language like “guaranteed” approval, an inflated interest rate, hidden fees and tacked-on financial products you didn’t ask for. Be sure to…

Key takeaways You can earn airline miles by spending on an airline credit card or travel credit card, so you shouldn’t typically need to purchase them. However, you might want to consider buying miles if you get a better deal than paying for a flight in cash, or if you’re…

Key takeaways Bump-up CDs allow you to raise your interest rate at least once during your CD term. Guidelines and restrictions on bump-up CDs vary between financial institutions. Bump-up CDs are generally most beneficial when interest rates are on the rise. When interest rates rise, a bump-up certificate of deposit…

Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock Key takeaways If you have an existing mortgage, and your mortgage company goes bankrupt, your loan will be sold to another company. If your loan has been sold, continue to make your mortgage payments. The terms of your loan will remain the same. If you’re in the midst…

Key takeaways ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that banks and credit unions use to screen account applicants. You can dispute errors in your report and settle any outstanding debts to improve your chances of opening a new bank account. If all else fails, you can consider a second-chance checking…

Key takeaways Home equity loans are second mortgages: Borrowers convert all or part of their homeownership stake into ready cash, with the home as collateral for the debt. Home improvement loans are unsecured personal loans geared to be large enough for renovation projects. Home equity loans carry longer terms and…