The term government shutdown sounds freaking scary. We don’t know about you, but putting those two words together makes us think that all laws just get thrown out the window (cue the chaos breaking out in the streets!). Of course, that’s not what happens. In fact, if you’re reading this,…

Key takeaways The 2009 Credit CARD Act requires credit card companies to check borrowers’ ability to pay back their debts before giving them a card or raising their credit limit. You aren’t obligated to provide information about your income to a credit card issuer unless you apply for a new…

If you rent, you need renters insurance! No ifs, ands or buts about it. Unless you’re a minimalist whose entire life could fit in a suitcase, your belongings are worth a lot more than you realize. Actually, most people underestimate how much their stuff is worth. But don’t leave yourself exposed. If…

Key takeaways Usury laws set limits on the amount of interest lenders can charge on loans and are typically set at the state level. There is no federally mandated maximum interest rate for credit cards. For credit cards, the CARD Act offers various protections and provides more transparency when it…

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Larry Washburn/Getty Images Any accident in Alabama where the perpetrator leaves the scene of the crime without exchanging information is considered a hit-and-run. It is also possible to have a hit-and-run on a parked car or stationary object. Alabama law has strict penalties for anyone…

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Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images The option Greeks are key metrics that you need to know if you’re trading options. The Greeks help traders understand how options prices will move in response to changes in major factors such as the stock price and time — vital information for traders anticipating option movements. Here’s…

When it comes to money, you’re either a spender or a saver, a free spirit or a nerd, an experience junkie or a lover of things . . . these are all tendencies that show up in the way we deal with our money. And while it helps to know…

Key takeaways Life insurance is possible for people with criminal records, but approval varies by insurer. Recent or severe convictions may limit options to guaranteed issue policies, which don’t require background checks but offer limited coverage. Working with an insurance broker can help identify companies that are more likely to…

There’s an old saying—caveat emptor, or “let the buyer beware” in Latin. What exactly should you beware of? Well, whether you know it or not, you’re being targeted every day by companies who want you to buy now and think later. And they’ve come up with some pretty clever ways…

Key takeaways Advertising on social media has ramped up in recent years, making impulse shopping easier than ever. Social media shopping and travel expenses during the holidays can lead to debt for some Americans. Try waiting before making a purchase, unfollowing influencers and finding travel hacks to avoid overspending this…

Bitcoin is one kind of digital currency or cryptocurrency, a medium of exchange that exists exclusively online. The currency broke into mainstream consciousness in 2017, as its price ran up thousands of dollars over the course of the year. More recently, after plummeting massively in 2022, the crypto soared in…

Hey, have you heard? Navient is canceling a bunch of student loans! But don’t blast that celebration playlist just yet. Not everyone gets a piece of this pie. If you’re wondering, Will Navient cancel my student loans? keep reading. We’re breaking down exactly what’s happening with the latest Navient student…

Key takeaways A credit card co-signer is someone who agrees to be legally responsible for repayment of a debt. However, few credit card issuers actually allow co-signers on their card products. Authorized users get access to their own physical card they can use, yet they are not legally responsible for…

I want to talk about the kind of shopping you don’t talk about with your friends. It’s a type of spending that’s especially dangerous because it makes you feel better in the moment but causes shame and regret later on. It’s called retail therapy, and it might be costing you more than you…

Doing the dishes, making doctor’s appointments, taking out the trash. These are just some things you have to do as an adult—and taxes fall in that have-to category. If you fall behind on your taxes, it doesn’t take long for the IRS to start breathing down your neck. Yeah, it’s…