That job didn’t work out like I thought it would.   Ugh, I didn’t expect that to get canceled.  My dad promised he would show up this time.  Disappointment comes in all shapes and sizes. It could be that your spouse canceled date night at the last minute because something…

When you decide to get serious about saving for your retirement, it’s important to know your options. And trust us, there are a lot of options out there to choose from. You need to know what to invest in and what to stay away from. From time to time, you…

U.S. home prices just keep setting new records, although the pace of growth has slowed a bit. S&P CoreLogic’s latest Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index, released Nov. 26, 2024, shows annual home-price growth increased in September 2024 by 3.9 percent. That’s a slight decrease from August’s 4.2 percent,…

Key Takeaways Having an EIN can be helpful when applying for business loans, opening business bank accounts and for other business tasks. Obtaining an EIN is free of charge and can be done online, by mail, fax or via telephone. If an EIN is lost or misplaced, it is not…

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So you’re thinking about buying a timeshare. Hey, we get it! It’s your dream vacation spot, and you can enjoy all the benefits of a vacation home, without the hassle of owning one. It’ll be great! Yeah, right. That’s what timeshare companies want you to…

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Cue the silver bells, because shopping for gifts (and coming up with gift ideas) just got a lot easier! Instead of sitting in holiday traffic and burning the gas you paid an arm and a leg for, check out these gift ideas that can make a big impact on everyone…

Key takeaways There are apps for just about every aspect of the home improvement process — including design or room refurbishing. Some mobile apps are free to download but will charge a monthly or a one-time fee to use some of its features. Most of the apps provide a one-stop…

Speculation is a common term in finance that often carries negative connotations. For many, it evokes images of risky behavior and sudden financial loss, but speculation is a nuanced concept.  What is speculation? Speculation revolves around market volatility. It involves buying or trading an asset to generate a significant return…

Are you being hounded by debt collectors? The constant phone calls, harsh language and threats to sue can be overwhelming and downright scary. Unfortunately, you also have to watch out for debt collectors who try to trick you into paying for a debt that’s already been paid or a debt…

Exchanging currency is vital to international travel, whether you’re visiting for leisure or business. Understanding the nuances of currency exchange can help you avoid costly mistakes and make the most of your travel budget.  Before you exchange money, you should know how to choose the right place to exchange your…

Key takeaways Most debt eventually disappears from your credit reports, but some debts stay on your reports for longer than others. Some of the debt on your credit reports demonstrates longevity, which can be positive for your credit score. Removing debt from your credit reports is almost impossible unless the…

kate_sept2004/Getty Images S&P 500 index funds allow you to invest in the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, a collection of stocks that includes America’s largest and most successful companies. The S&P 500 index has returned an average of about 10 percent annually over time, making it an attractive investment. Here…

James Devaney / Contributor / Getty Images Filmmakers have been creating movies about finance for years. Some, like “Trading Places,” comically depict the mayhem of the trading floor. Others, like “The Wizard of Lies,” are sobering representations of real events.  While these films are entertaining to watch, few contain actionable…

A low-cost index fund can be a great way for both beginning and advanced investors to invest in the stock market. Index funds can reduce your risks compared to investing in individual stocks, and they’re a great choice if you want to minimize the time and money you spend investing,…

irina88w/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an extra fee for a conventional mortgage for borrowers putting less than 20 percent down. The amount you’ll pay for PMI depends on your loan and down payment size, whether it’s a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage and your…