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…
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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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Key Takeaways U.S. drivers average 13,476 annual miles per year, according to 2022 data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) Male drivers average over 5,400 more miles per year than female drivers. (FHA) Drivers between the ages of 35 and 54 average the highest rate of annual mileage per year…
Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images Key takeaways The Downpayment Toward Equity Act is a proposed bill that would grant up to $25,000 to first-generation first-time homebuyers in the U.S. who meet certain eligibility standards. The grant funds could be put toward various homebuying expenses, including the down payment, closing costs or a…
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup January 4, 2025. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. Wall Street completes best 2 years since the late 1990sHoliday spending up modestly in 2024Credit card write-offs rose sharply in first 9 months of 2024Mortgage rates rise for third…
Key takeaways When comparing the Discover it® Secured Credit Card vs. the Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, the best option comes down to whether you have a limited budget and need to establish a line of credit or have a little more cash to spare for a security deposit…
This page was originally published in late 2023 and reflects the author’s financial decisions during that time. The card details have since been updated. Key takeaways The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card provides an avenue for earning points on everyday purchases — points that can get you closer to…
For public companies, one of the simplest ways to communicate financial stability to shareholders is through cash dividend payments. The most established companies often share a portion of their profits with investors, rewarding them with cash dividends. For investors, dividends provide a steady stream of passive income. Here are some…
Key takeaways A defaulted student loan happens when the borrower does not make payments on their student loan, often for a few months or more. Having a student loan in a default state can have serious consequences, including poor credit, the loan payments becoming due in full immediately, the lender…
Images by GettyImages; illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate Tax deductions and tax credits both save you money on your taxes, but they work in different ways. Tax credit: A tax credit gives you a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your tax bill. For example, if you owe $10,000 and you’re eligible for a…
Images by GettyImages; illustration by Clint Branch/Bankrate Millions of taxpayers are eligible for the earned income tax credit (EITC), but this popular tax break — worth up to $7,830 for some families in 2025 — is among the trickiest to claim. The IRS estimates that about 33 percent of EITC…
Key takeways Before redeeming points for flights, a little research can help you understand the basics. Numerous programs exist that make searching for award inventory easier. If you’d rather not invest time or money into research and tools, consider hiring a concierge service to do it for you. Airline rewards…
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