Key takeaways Credit default swaps are a financial derivative that large investors may use to insure their bond investments against default. CDS were right at the center of the 2007-2008 financial crisis, as many investors bought them to profit on the decline in debt securities. Credit default swaps (CDS) are…
Key takeaways Debt relief programs aim to help borrowers get their debt under control. Some programs can be implemented on your own, while others require the help of professionals. Nonprofit agencies may be able to help you without charging as heavy of a fee as a for-profit company. If your…
Image by PM Images/Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Mortgage rates rose slightly this week, with the 30-year fixed rate averaging 6.78 percent, up from 6.76 percent the previous week, according to Bankrate’s latest lender survey. Current mortgage rates Loan type Current 4 weeks ago One year ago 52-week average…
The rise of “preventative Botox,” lip flips and even plastic surgery trends — all of which you’ll see when scrolling TikTok — might have you considering a cosmetic procedure or two. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery reported that, from 2019 to 2023, the number of surgical and nonsurgical…
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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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Key takeaways DUI and DWI both refer to driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Not all states use the same terms, and some states may also use OWI or OUI to refer to under-the-influence driving offenses. Consequences for driving offenses while under the…
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Key takeaways Debt consolidation may allow you to repay your debt faster and at a lower cost, simplifying your finances. The upfront costs…
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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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Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted for each year of enrollment. One form covers both semesters of the school year with payments issued every quarter or semester. The date of filing depends on where you live,…
Key takeaways College graduates can make about 50% more than high school graduates. The highest upward salary trends are in the agriculture, business, engineering and computer science fields. Disparities still exist based on age, race and gender: women, racial minorities and older workers make less. This year’s college graduates face…
Key takeaways People can find travel credit cards that are co-branded with a specific airline or hotel loyalty program, as well as general travel credit cards that apply to most types of travel. Many frequent travelers sign up for a new travel credit card in order to score a big…
Delmaine Donson/Getty Images Many checking accounts don’t pay any interest, but if they do, it’s typically under 1 percent. However, a temporary promotion currently offered on Bask Bank’s high-interest checking account lets customers earn up to 4 percent annual percentage yield (APY) on their balance. Here’s how the it works: …
Key takeaways For young people, building a good credit score can open many doors, including renting an apartment and getting your own phone plan. There are multiple ways to start building credit as a student, such as becoming an authorized user, opening a student credit card or getting a cosigner.…
Key takeaways Predatory lending refers to any unfair practice that benefits the lender and makes it difficult for a borrower to repay debt. Signs of a predatory loan include language like “guaranteed” approval, an inflated interest rate, hidden fees and tacked-on financial products you didn’t ask for. Be sure to…
Key takeaways You can earn airline miles by spending on an airline credit card or travel credit card, so you shouldn’t typically need to purchase them. However, you might want to consider buying miles if you get a better deal than paying for a flight in cash, or if you’re…
Key takeaways ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that banks and credit unions use to screen account applicants. You can dispute errors in your report and settle any outstanding debts to improve your chances of opening a new bank account. If all else fails, you can consider a second-chance checking…
Key takeaways Home equity loans are second mortgages: Borrowers convert all or part of their homeownership stake into ready cash, with the home as collateral for the debt. Home improvement loans are unsecured personal loans geared to be large enough for renovation projects. Home equity loans carry longer terms and…
Key takeaways After the holder of a sole-owned bank account dies, the account may go to a designated beneficiary or be handled by the executor of the estate. Joint accounts often have rights of survivorship, but it’s important to confirm this with your bank to ensure smooth access to funds.…
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