An annuity can provide you with a steady stream of income, ensuring that you have money when you need it. That’s why many people turn to annuities during retirement, to be sure that they have cash flow when they’re no longer working. If you’re looking to buy an annuity, you’ll…
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…
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DaniloAndjus / E+ / Getty Images Key takeaways A student card can be an ideal way to start building credit if you have little to no credit history. Most student credit cards are designed for students with student centric perks and relaxed credit requirements. In…
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Thanks to more than a decade of Dodd-Frank and Basel III regulations, the Trump administration inherits a well-capitalized and liquid banking system. Squandering…
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Key takeaways The Southwest Companion Pass is attainable by using Southwest credit card welcome bonuses to meet the 135,000-point requirement. Applying for a…
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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…
Key takeaways A grace period is a time during which you are temporarily exempt from making student loan payments. Many student loans come with a six-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. For many student loans, interest accrues during the grace period. This interest may then…
Key takeaways Prepaid tuition plans allow you to lock in future in-state tuition for your child at today’s tuition costs. Like other types of 529 plans, you may receive a tax benefit as a deduction or credit for prepaying tuition. However, school choices are limited, and you can only use…
Key takeways The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a solid option for frequent Delta customers, but the annual fee might be a bit steep for some. This card earns 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and on…
Credit: Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate Key takeaways An IRA is an individual retirement arrangement that is tax-advantaged and is designed for use during retirement. The funds from a traditional IRA can be cashed out and moved to a 529 account, but you’ll pay a 10 percent penalty…
Retirement planning is a crucial component of financial wellness, yet it’s often overlooked or delayed. Whether you’re just starting your career or approaching retirement age, understanding the fundamentals of retirement planning can set you on a path toward a secure and fulfilling future. This part of our Financial Wellness Series,…
Charday Penn/Getty Images Key takeaways The U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card offers an attractive 0 percent introductory APR for 21 billing cycles on both balance transfers and new purchases. This card also offers cellphone protection benefits but does not come with a rewards program. To fully maximize the benefits of…
sarayut Thaneerat/Getty Images Growth stocks are routinely some of the market’s hottest stocks, and it’s not unusual to have the market’s top performers double or even triple inside of a year. But finding those outperformers takes a lot of time and analysis. What if you could find winners with much…
If you’re looking for a fun way to make extra cash, game apps that pay real money might be worth exploring. While these apps won’t replace your day job anytime soon, you can earn some extra cash in your free time. Understanding how these apps work can help you set…
This page was originally published in early 2024 and reflects the author’s financial decisions during that time. The card details in this article have since been updated. Key takeaways You can use a combination of rewards points and budgeting to cover expenses for a domestic or international trip. Strategically using a…