If you’ve been around here for more than two seconds, you probably already know how we feel about credit scores. (Hint: They’re really dumb.) You’ll hear us say it time and time again: A credit score does not show how well you’re managing your money or even if you have a dollar…

Key takeaways Balancing your checking account entails keeping track of your starting balance and any and all withdrawals and deposits, so you are aware of your balance. Tracking your withdrawals and knowing your balance can help you avoid an overdraft fee or insufficient funds fee as well as quickly realize…

Key takeaways To start a small business, form a business plan that outlines your product’s unique value, marketing plan and metrics for success. You’ll need to decide how you’ll fund startup costs for your business, whether through bootstrapping, a business loan or another form of funding. Start your business with…

There’s an uncomfortable situation we need to look at in this country . . . the student loan crisis. This debt disaster has become way too big and serious to ignore—and it’s affecting the lives of millions and millions of people. Right now, the total amount of federal student loan debt…

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Key takeaways If you have poor credit and are interested in a new credit card, check your credit score first and consider which type of card would be best as you work toward using credit responsibly. Secured credit cards are typically accessible to those with…

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Donald Trump’s presidential victory and Republicans’ gains in Congress will undoubtedly have implications for the financial technology industry. Forbes spoke with policy experts…

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Luis Alvarez/Getty Images Key takeaways If you are just starting your credit journey, getting a secured credit card might be a good place to begin. Pay your secured card bills on time and maintain low credit utilization to aid your credit score. Even if you are able to upgrade to…

Remember when you were first trying to figure out life after high school? People were expecting you to make all these life-altering decisions—like what college to go to, what to major in, and what dream job to chase after. Somewhere along the way, you were probably sold the lie that student loans…

Key takeaways The average cost of a house in the U.S. is about $359,892, whereas financing a camper van starts at just $130,000 for a new model. The cost of purchasing a van varies significantly depending on the make and model and whether it needs to be converted. Current van…

Nothing says “I’ve reached adulthood” like opening up your own checking account. Maybe you just got your first real job and have to set one up for the direct deposit of your paycheck, or maybe you just realized you’re sick of carrying around your life’s savings in your sock all…

rbkomar/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways It is essential to prepare your car for winter weather before it starts snowing. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit so you remain safe if you have vehicle issues while traveling. If it snows where you live, put on your winter…

Not sure which funds to invest in for retirement? We hear you. You’ve probably heard a lot about S&P 500 index funds. It’s a bit of an investing buzzword. But what are S&P 500 index funds and are they a good place to invest your money? Basically, the S&P 500…

Cash-back receipt apps help you earn money or other rewards when you use a mobile app to scan your receipts. Many apps accept receipts from many retailers, including grocery stores, department stores, convenience stores and gas stations. In exchange for sharing your receipts with the app, you’ll earn rewards —…

It feels like everything’s just way more expensive these days, doesn’t it? Yeah, that’s because it is. With inflation at the highest level we’ve seen in 41 years, one of the top things on the “costs more than it used to” list is gasoline. Paying for gas just to make…

Key takeaways The amount you can afford for a car depends on whether you’re buying or leasing — the latter could be much cheaper and let you access more options. Your salary, debt-to-income ratio and credit profile could also affect how much lenders are willing to offer you for a…

Ahh, sweet summertime. I don’t know about you, but summer at my house is filled with snow cones, pool parties, trips to the lake and cookouts. When Winston and I decided to host our first cookout, I was a tad nervous. First off, I’m no grill master. And second .…