Mark Kantrowitz/Illustration by Bankrate Mark Kantrowitz is a nationally recognized expert on student financial aid and student loans. He often contributes comments on Bankrate’s student loan coverage (such as the recent court decision blocking the SAVE plan). Now, as a member of Bankrate’s Expert Contributor program, he will be penning…
You’ve heard about it often enough, most likely when choosing a 401(k) investment, but compound interest can multiply your money. The name of the game with compound interest is time, and the more of it you have, the bigger the payoff. That means if you’re a short-term investor, or looking…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Federal student loans may be transferred to the Small Business Administration if Congress gets on board with President Donald Trump’s order to shut down the Department of Education. Student loan terms will stay the same, for now. The transitions could cause…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate You just found out that you’re getting a tax refund and are considering using it to make a lump-sum payment toward your credit card debt. Before you do, let’s make sure you are setting yourself up for long-term financial security — not just temporary…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup April 19, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Consumer sentiment drops sharply across the boardNew York Fed survey shows worsening outlookU.S. credit scores dip slightly in early 2025Trump administration removes Democratic NCUA…
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Level 2: Discover the Fastest Way to Pay Off Debt With Rules and Challenges When looking for the fastest way to pay off…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
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Dragon Images/Shutterstock Key takeaways Student loans can be used to cover certain living expenses, but borrowers should use caution in doing so. Creating a budget and discerning wants from needs can help students to minimize debt and comply with borrowing guidelines. Misuse of student loan funds can result in serious…
Image by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways The best boat loan lender depends on your unique financial situation and personal preferences. Consider interest rates, repayment terms, eligibility requirements and vessel restrictions when evaluating lenders. Get prequalified with at least three lenders and compare quotes to find the most affordable loan. A…
With the staggering rise and fall of some cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, crypto traders may have serious tax questions on their minds. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is stepping up enforcement efforts, and even those who hold the currency — let alone trade it — need to make…
Key takeaways You may be eligible for a credit-builder loan with no credit history or a low credit score. Comparing options is important to ensure you choose the best option for your credit-building goals. Making your payments on time is important, even though you don’t receive all your loan funds…
Investing is more popular than ever, with many online brokerages competing for your business. That competition has driven fees down and led to perks like no commissions on stock and exchange-traded fund (ETF) trades, plus the option to buy fractional shares. If you’re stuck paying high fees at an older…
Silver Gold Bull’s IRA offers a way for newer investors without a sizable bankroll to get started with a precious metals IRA. The company lets you get started with no minimum account size or purchase amount. Meanwhile, the annual ongoing fees here (storage and maintenance) are right in line with…
Don’t let important tax filing deadlines sneak up on you. While personal taxes are due on April 15, 2025, certain types of business taxes have to be filed in March. Here’s what you should know about important 2025 business tax filing deadlines. Tax filing deadlines to know Different types of…
Key takeaways Discharge policies on public student loans mean the loan terminates when you die. Many private student loans are also discharged upon death, though you will have to check the loan agreement. If you have a cosigner, they may be responsible for the loan if the lender only discharges…
Jackyenjoyphotography/Getty Images Warren Buffett increased Berkshire Hathaway’s stakes in five Japanese trading houses, according to regulatory filings Monday. The move comes weeks after Buffett told Berkshire shareholders that its stakes in the diversified companies were likely to “increase somewhat” over time. Japanese stocks closed higher, with the Nikkei 225 index…
Key takeaways Debt consolidation can be accomplished with a personal loan or credit card, depending on your needs and financial goals. Competitive rates typically go to those with good to excellent credit — FICO credit scores of 670 or above. Look for an interest rate that’s lower than what you…
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