Key takeaways Construction loans are short-term loans that you can use to build a home. Some construction loans can be converted to mortgages after your home is finished. Construction loans typically have tougher criteria and higher interest rates than conventional mortgages for existing homes. If you can’t find the right…
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…
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Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
TomoCredit, a five-year-old San Francisco startup that claims it boosts consumers’ credit scores, is facing a growing number of problems,…
Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
The 2024 presidential election has ended, and Donald Trump is poised to retake the White House, with big implications for…
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It was a close call for a dog named Max when fire raged through his Altadena neighborhood. The brindle-coated Corso mix hid, huddled and scared, under some bushes in his yard as the Eaton fire ravaged his street. Firefighters and photojournalists in the area could…
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Key takeaways Credit repair is a term used to describe the process of restoring your credit rating. You can hire a credit repair…
Banking
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…
Credit Cards
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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Key takeaways If you applied for the Apple Card and were denied, you might be invited to join the Path to Apple Card program. This program helps members fix the issues that kept them from being approved the first time around, such as having a low credit score or having…
Key takeaways You could consider using a credit card for large purchases if you can pay off the balance before it starts accruing interest. A 0 percent introductory APR card buys you more time to pay off the purchase. Using a credit card to pay for large but predictable expenses…
The conventional wisdom about private mortgage insurance (PMI) has long been that borrowers should try to avoid it. PMI is a requirement for conventional mortgage borrowers who put down less than 20 percent on a home — and it’s just one more cost squeezing first-time homebuyers. Yet, in recent years,…
A VIN — or vehicle identification number — is a 17-figure sequence of numbers and letters exclusive to your vehicle. It’s used by entities like the Department of Motor Vehicles, your auto insurance company and law enforcement to identify your car. Although you won’t need to memorize your VIN, you…
Key takeaways If you are a small-business owner, then the Capital One Spark Cash Plus and The Plum Card® from American Express are two business cards to consider that allow flexibility when it comes to spending limits. While the Spark Cash Plus offers cash back rewards, the…
eyecrave productions/Getty Images Planning to buy or sell a home in Kansas? No matter which side of the transaction you’re on, be prepared to pay for your share of closing costs, the set of fees and expenses that are due at a real estate closing. Although Kansas has lower average…
Key takeaways The “Chase 5/24 rule” limits the number of Chase credit cards a consumer can have if they have opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months. This rule applies to all Chase credit cards, including co-branded hotel and airline cards. Switching to a different Chase…
Key takeaways When choosing a financial advisor, look for red flags, such as lack of responsiveness, high fees and pushing certain investments. If you are unhappy with your portfolio’s performance, it could be another reason for a new financial advisor. Look for a financial advisor who is a fiduciary, meaning…
Key takeaways Traveling for work can be a great opportunity to earn rewards on flights, hotel stays, rideshares and other travel-related spending. Your company’s policies will determine whether you or the company accrue the rewards earned by your travel spending. If your company allows it, you can earn rewards on…
Credit Sesame examines whether the bull market upward momentum will persist in 2025 amidst rising inflation, high stock valuations, and shifting consumer spending. Investors enjoyed significant gains last year as falling interest rates and a resilient economy drove the stock market to new record highs, fueling a bull market. In…
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