Mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can both offer many benefits for your investment portfolio, including instant diversification at a low cost. But they have some key differences, in particular, how expensive the funds are. Overall, ETFs hold an edge because they tend to use passive investing more often and…

Key takeaways Home additions are time intensive and pricey, easily hitting six figures. Zoning and local regulations will impact the scope of your project. Quotes from multiple contractors are a must to determine the full cost. Home equity loans and lines of credit are the most common way to finance…

Key takeaways CDs can be a safe place to invest your money at a guaranteed rate of return, making them a viable option for adding stability to one’s portfolio. Yields on competitive CDs may remain in an overall holding pattern until the Federal Reserve changes its key benchmark rate. At…

Key takeaways Allowing team members access to your business checking account can help delegate tasks, but it also introduces potential risks. Set permissions based on job functions to minimize exposure and limit access to your business checking account by authorizing only trusted individuals Never share your username and password. Instead,…

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Key takeaways Sallie Mae offers private student loans and banking. Refinancing a Sallie Mae loan with another lender could result in a lower interest rate and monthly payment. You may want to hold off on refinancing if interest rates are higher or you have a…

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Key takeaways It may be difficult to obtain a new loan after you enter a debt management plan, especially if you charge off some of your current debt. Many creditors report the details of a debt management plan to credit bureaus, which may impact your ability to qualify for a…

Small-business owners are integral to the fabric of the U.S. economy, generating millions of jobs and providing identity to the communities they serve. Small businesses have generated 12.9 million net new jobs over the past 25 years, which accounts for two-thirds of the jobs added to the economy, according to…

Your home, renters and condo insurance policies all include coverage for your personal belongings. Called “Coverage C,” your personal property insurance limit is usually around 50 to 70 percent of your total dwelling, or “Coverage A”, limit. For insurance, if you have a $300K dwelling policy for your home, you…

Lucy Lambriex/Getty Images Key takeaways PenFed Credit Union has lower rates and higher loan amounts than U.S. Bank, but you must become a credit union member to qualify. U.S. Bank is a good option if you’re seeking shorter loan terms, but refinancing isn’t available in all states. Before selecting a…

Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Jessa Lizama/Bankrate Key takeaways Robo-advisors have gained popularity in recent years, but they come with some pros and cons. While a robo-advisor manages your investments algorithmically, a financial advisor is a human who provides long-term, overall financial planning. A robo-advisor is a solid choice if…

Finding out that your bank is being bought by another bank, especially one you’ve never heard of, can cause apprehension and raise a lot of questions. Banks typically strive for a seamless merger process for customers. But integrating the assets, data, technology and customer service of two banks can cause…

Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Cryptocurrency prices have been volatile since bursting onto the scene over the past decade, but they got a major boost following the reelection of President Donald Trump after he promised to adopt crypto-friendly regulations. The price of Bitcoin surged past $100,000, and Trump and…

Did you know that Americans spent 25.8 billion dollars on Valentine’s Day according to the National Retail Federation(NRF)?Valentine’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to expressing love and appreciation for those we care about most. However, the pressure to make this day extraordinary can sometimes lead to overspending and credit…

For drivers with Allstate car insurance, the company’s Drivewise telematics program may be an easy way to save on your premium. Drivewise is a mobile app that tracks driving behaviors and potentially rewards safe driving with lower insurance premiums. However, if the app determines that you engage in risky behavior…