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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Key takeaways Delta SkyMiles offers frequent Delta flyers the chance to earn miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights, flight upgrades, baggage fees and more. One of the easiest ways to earn SkyMiles is by using a co-branded Delta credit card. Although co-branded Delta cards come with…
Key takeaways Applying for a credit card can be an effective way to start rebuilding your credit after a bankruptcy, but you must wait until your bankruptcy is fully discharged to apply. Depending on the type of bankruptcy filed, it could take as long as five years for…
Credit Sesame explains how a good credit score can save money and improve your personal financial outlook. 1. Lower interest rates on loans One of the clearest benefits of strong credit is qualifying for lower interest rates. Borrowers with high credit scores generally receive better loan offers, potentially saving thousands…
More than ever before, women in the U.S. are taking control of their finances, investing in their future selves and making smart money choices. But there’s still one obstacle in their way today: the gender pay gap. Census Bureau data for 2023 estimates women working full time, year-round earned 83…
3. Ditch the Gym: Let Your Sidekick Keep You Active Dogs need walks, cats need play time, and even small pets like rabbits or birds can encourage movement. Building an exercise routine with your pet – or while your pet keeps you company – can double as your workout, reducing…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Putting your home in a trust can protect your assets while you’re alive and make the ownership transfer easier after your death. The trustee is often an adult child of the homeowner, who will ultimately inherit the property. Benefits of putting…
The stock market is off to a rough start in 2025, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite tumbling into correction territory, and many stocks down 20 percent or more from their recent highs. Berkshire Hathaway has been one of the few winners so far this year, with its stock…
MStudioImages/Getty Images Today, most banking transactions are done online, including paying by check. But what exactly is an eCheck, and when might you need to use one? We’ll explore the basics of eChecks, how they work and the situations in which you may want to use one. What is an…
Johner Images/Getty Images Starting in April, some retired teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public-sector employees will see some extra scratch in their monthly Social Security check, courtesy of the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) signed into law by former President Joe Biden. The SSFA eliminated some longstanding provisions that…
When your revenue relies on generating transaction fees, your customers’ moods have an outsize impact on your business prospects. While you might think that this dour environment is good for brokerage firms — with traders frantically placing more orders, even if they’re selling — the opposite is actually true. Brokerage…
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