Morsa Images/Getty Images Opening a traditional or Roth IRA is one of the best things you can do to boost your retirement savings. Both are vehicles for tax-free growth, but you’ll have to pay taxes on withdrawals from a traditional IRA during retirement, whereas retirement withdrawals from a Roth IRA…
Do you ever wish you could just tune out the noise of this crazy world? Whether it’s anxiety caused by coronavirus, your financial situation, strained relationships or anything else, I’ve seen firsthand the difference keeping a journal can make. Journaling will help you put the focus back on your life instead…
Key takeaways A 0% introductory APR card can help you pay off a large purchase over time without interest. These cards can also help you consolidate debt and pay it down faster — if you’re willing to pay a balance transfer fee and stay disciplined in how you use them.…
As your timeshare costs grow, you may be wondering how it all fits into your tax picture. The good news is that some of your timeshare costs are tax deductible. But others are not. To be sure you know what can and can’t be written off, let’s break down the…
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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…
Donald Trump’s return to the White House combined with Republican control of the Senate, and perhaps the House, will place…
Undergrads and recent grads—young, healthy, and debt burdened—are being offered five figures to donate their eggs to other women undergoing…
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If Club Med has turned into Club Dread, then you’re in good company. A whopping 85% of people who purchase a timeshare regret their decision.1 But getting out of a timeshare agreement isn’t easy. Smooth-talking salespeople are trained to keep you in your contract, or…
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Key takeaways Declaring bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose your car. If you’re declaring Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you could keep your vehicle if…
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal agency championed by Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren in 2011 to protect consumers against predatory financial…
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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 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…
Key takeaways The idea of using home equity for investment is appealing, especially given the current rise in home values and the stock market’s strong performance. But it comes with significant risks, including investment volatility, potential for substantial monetary losses, and even the loss of your home. Factors to consider…
picture alliance / Contributor / Getty Images Public companies need to meet certain requirements for their stocks to be traded — or listed — on stock exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq. If a company fails to meet those requirements, the stock can be delisted…
Key takeaways Holiday shoppers are shifting their habits in light of inflation and other economic challenges. Small businesses can attract customers and weather the slump by addressing consumer concerns and playing to their strengths. Businesses should offer unique services, branch out their presence and offer a wide range of prices…
Ashley Mclauchlan never expected to pay more for preschool than on her mortgage. But Maclauchlan and her husband, who pay almost $20,000 a year for daycare, are making it work — just like parents around the country. “Whenever I was concerned about the costs of raising a kid, my parents…
MoMo Productions/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways VA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses. VA loans can be used to purchase or build a primary residence, refinance a current mortgage or cover…
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