A financial advisor can be a wonderful resource for getting your finances in order, offering you expert advice across a range of financial matters. But financial advisors are not all created equal, and those looking for an advisor must understand the potential drawbacks of using one. Key takeaways A financial…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways A gold IRA can be a good inflation hedge and diversification tool, but be careful to avoid getting taken advantage of. Make sure you’re investing with a reputable company and that all fees are being disclosed. Be wary of exorbitant…
Big Fish Drones/Shutterstock Whether you’re looking for a home in Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Racine, Green Bay or anywhere else in The Badger State, begin with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, which helps residents, including first-time homebuyers, secure affordable housing. Some of the larger municipalities in the state also…
If your investments made money, you might owe something called the net investment income tax (NIIT) on your profits. Although many investors are not likely to get hit with this bill, it’s important to know whether or not you’re subject to the NIIT to avoid any surprises when it comes…
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Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
The Covid pandemic crushed immigration and demand for Nova Credit’s tech. Then its founder discovered a second line of business.…
A perfect storm is brewing for millions of federal student loan borrowers, who may experience dramatic increases in their monthly…
As the Biden administration exits Washington, President-elect Donald Trump inherits a federal student loan system that looks much different than…
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Credit Sesame explores how credit scores and dementia may be connected. A new study suggests declining credit habits could be an early warning sign of cognitive decline. Discussion of credit scores often centers on young people starting to build credit or people trying to rebuild…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Governments often borrow money to cover deficits when taxes and other revenues don’t cover expenses. The national debt is the total…
Banking
F or private financial technology companies, last year was a quiet one for fundraising. Fintechs raised $34 billion in 2024, down from $42…
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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Many people think $2 bills are rare, but in reality, there are millions still in circulation, and they continue to be printed. However, while most $2 bills are only worth their face value, certain ones can fetch thousands of dollars on the collector’s market. This article will explore which $2…
Key takeaways American Express offers preapproval opportunities for some of its cards. To get preapproved, you can check for offers on Bankrate’s CardMatch™ tool, prequalify on Amex’s website or keep an eye out for targeted credit card offers in the mail. Preapproval does not guarantee approval, but it does indicate…
Air France and KLM’s joint Flying Blue program is part of the SkyTeam alliance and offers some of the cheapest international flights using miles. The program partners with five transferable rewards programs, making it easy to save up miles for an award flight. Not only are Flying Blue miles easy…
Key takeaways Undocumented immigrants can apply for a credit card in the U.S. but may face hurdles like obtaining a federal tax ID number or getting a secured credit card. Credit card issuers may accept alternative forms of identification, such as a foreign passport or U.S. driver’s license, for applicants…
Credit Sesame’s personal finance news roundup February 8, 2025. Stories, news, politics and events impacting personal finance during the past week. 2024 personal income grew faster than inflation The Bureau of Economic Analysis found that personal income grew by 2.4% in 2024 after adjusting for inflation. However, household spending grew…
Another expense might seem like the last thing you want when you’re buying a house. But most real estate professionals recommend a professional home inspection to get a better idea of what condition the property is in, and what problems might be lurking. An inspection is a crucial way to…
Key takeaways Join your preferred airline’s loyalty program for free to earn and redeem points and miles for your next flight. With a general travel rewards credit card or a co-branded airline credit card, you can earn points and miles through eligible credit card spending. For more ways to earn…
Goodboy Picture Company/Getty Images Key takeaways While credit card interest rates have fallen recently, rates are still relatively high, with the average rate at 20.13 percent as of February 2025. This level of interest means that not paying your balance in full will result in larger interest charges…
Key takeaways Auto Credit Express is better for borrowers with lower credit scores seeking a refinance and exceptional customer support. CarsDirect is better if you want a more holistic car-buying experience from start to finish. Consider retrieving quotes from several lenders through both platforms and compare your options to find…
Key takeaways Tuition-free college programs are available in at least 32 U.S. states, offering students the opportunity to reduce or eliminate tuition costs for their degrees. Most of these programs have eligibility criteria, such as graduating from an in-state high school and enrolling full-time. Some programs have specific academic performance…
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