Getty Images/Illustration by Bankrate Many investors look to gold as a way to preserve wealth against economic uncertainty and inflation. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to gain exposure to the precious metal, such as gold ETFs and physical gold. Another way to add gold exposure…
Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images Key takeaways Secured loans are popular for startups because they can be easier to qualify for and come with lower interest rates Unsecured loans are harder to obtain for new businesses and often require a personal guarantee Alternative financing options such as crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, business grants,…
Key takeaways Popular assumptions about credit and repayment are often wrong. Interest rate changes do not affect loan payments as much as you might think. Student loan consolidation and refinancing your student loans aren’t always financially beneficial. Most students need a cosigner to qualify for private student loans. Many misconceptions…
This is part 2 of 2 of Bankrate’s ’90s era lessons miniseries, focusing on loans. Key takeaways When it comes to applying for any type of loan, preparation is key. Improving your credit, lowering your DTI and decreasing the amount you need to borrow can help you qualify for a…
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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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To the average Americans I interact with daily, the economy feels unpredictable, with job loss, tariffs, inflation and rising costs on everything from milk to housing. I coach people across the country every Sunday — the anxiety is real and pervasive. Instead of panicking, now is…
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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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Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup March 15, 2025. Stories, news, politics, and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 2024 credit card debt and spending surgeConsumer debt growth slows in February 2025Government delays new tariffs on Mexico and CanadaConsumer confidence declines amid economic concernsJob openings hold steady, but…
Key takeaways Refinancing can help make your student loan payments more affordable, and you can possibly save on interest. You’re not limited to banks and online lenders, as some credit unions also offer competitive terms on student loan refinancing. Shop around and get prequalified to find the best deal. Refinancing your…
SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways The price tag for a college degree has risen dramatically over the years due to increasing overhead for schools and overall inflation. For the 2024-25 academic year, tuition and fees plus room and board at public, in-state four-year schools came to $24,920 annually. Out-of-state students…
SDI Productions/Getty Images Key takeaways Even though enrollment numbers are up, many college students don’t graduate. Nearly two-thirds of college students who enroll will complete their degrees within six years. The rest — about 40 percent — will leave school without graduating. Many students who enroll in college don’t graduate.…
Key takeaways Key takeaways Hotel credit cards offer various ways to earn free nights, such as credit card offers, loyalty programs or with a certain number of nights booked. Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt and Wyndham are the top five hotel brands that use different ways to redeem free hotel nights.…
Key takeaways Women have faced discrimination in the housing and mortgage industry throughout history, but legislation such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act have helped to level the playing field. As of 2024, single females represent one-fifth of all homebuyers, while single men comprise only…
PixelsEffect/Getty Images Key takeaways Most people should keep hard copies of credit card statements for at least 60 days. Business owners and charitable donors should keep credit card statements for at least six years in case of tax audits. Securely store and dispose of credit card statements to protect personal…
Hispanolistic/Getty Images As the old saying goes: What goes up, must come down. But in the case of annual percentage yields (APYs), we might have a bit more air time. While APYs on deposit accounts may have come down from their peak in recent years, plenty of banks and credit…
Open to first-time and repeat buyers No interest Cons: Applicants must submit a purchase contract within 45 days. City and County of Honolulu Down Payment Loan Program The Department of Community Services for the City and County of Honolulu offers a down payment loan for up to $40,000. The loan…
There are a handful of numbers you should track for your financial health and well-being. A few you might already know about – your credit score and your net worth, for example. But you should also know your personal savings rate. Your personal savings rate is simply the percentage of…
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