Key takeaways Zombie debt refers to old or expired debts you’ve either forgotten about or never knew about that debt collectors try to resurrect and collect. The most common types of zombie debt include discharged or settled debts, time-barred debt (debt that is past the statute of limitations for collecting),…

Key takeaways If you file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, you may be able to keep your home, especially if you have a relatively low amount of equity. If you file for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you’re more likely to keep your home, provided you can make any missed payments along with…

Key takeaways Donald Trump’s plan to raise federal revenue using tariffs will likely drive up prices for construction materials Higher home repair and replacement costs could put pressure on insurers to increase home insurance premiums China, Canada and Mexico, the top providers of building material imports in the U.S., are…

Key takeaways The Petal® 1 “No Annual Fee” Visa® Credit Card and Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Credit Card are unsecured cards with no annual fee designed to help you access and build credit. Petal considers more than your credit score for approval, also analyzing your banking…

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Water damage can cause serious harm to your home, rapidly totaling thousands of dollars in damage and requiring months of reconstruction. You may think it won’t happen to you, but no matter where your home is located or how recently it was built, water damage…

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Credit Sesame discusses the proposed CFBP rule on medical debt and whether it can ever come to fruition. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has approved a rule banning reporting agencies from including medical debt on credit reports. As a result, that debt would no longer directly affect people’s credit…

Key takeaways You are considered personally liable with recourse loans if you default. Mortgages and auto loans are often recourse loans, though this may differ between lenders. Lenders may seize personal assets not listed in the loan agreement in addition to any collateral. This downside may be offset by lower…

valiantsin suprunovich/Getty Images Key takeaways A covenant serves as a written contract between two parties, like a lender and borrower. If that covenant is broken, it is known as a breach of covenant and can result in a lawsuit. There are a few primary types of covenants, including positive or…

Delmaine Donson/Getty Images Most Americans carry a combination of revolving and installment debt during their financial lifetimes. The journey often starts with a revolving credit card, but it doesn’t end there. The ubiquitous nature of credit cards is hard to understate. According to Bankrate’s Credit Card Debt Survey data, 50…

Key takeaways The Trump administration will likely terminate the SAVE plan and may seek to end other forgiveness plans. Student loan borrowers should review their current repayment options to see if they should take action. The cost of college is a bipartisan issue, as tuition has increased more than 37…

Key takeaways What is a student loan? A student loan is money borrowed to help pay for post-secondary educational expenses such as tuition, room and board and books.  Knowing the key terms associated with student loans can better prepare you to pursue financial aid to pay for your education. Some…

If you’re looking for ways to contribute to a loved one’s future success, the good news is there are plenty of options. One of those ways is contributing to a child’s education fund.  Here’s a look at how you can contribute to a godchild’s education savings fund and what to…

Key takeaways Student loan forgiveness and repayment programs can erase some or all of your federal student loan debt for law school and possibly even private student loan debt. Income-driven repayment plans, while not specific to the law field, will cancel your remaining federal student loan debt after 10 to…

Key takeaways Consider your lifestyle when deciding which vehicle is best for you after graduation. Factor in your daily commute, budget, preferred tech and necessary safety features. When finding what vehicle you can afford, consider all the costs, including potential trips to the gas station and mechanic. Getting preapproved for…

Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Index funds are one of the most popular types of investments because of their simplicity, low cost and diversification benefits. In general, index funds seek to replicate the performance of an underlying index comprised of stocks or bonds, which means they aren’t managed…