Key takeaways Bankrate’s analysis finds that cost of living impacts the average worker’s wages most in the San Francisco metro area, where high living costs effectively cut their buying power by more than 15 percent. Other places where workers lose the most ground on their wages are Los Angeles (13.4…
Key takeaways A grace period is a time during which you are temporarily exempt from making student loan payments. Many student loans come with a six-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment. For many student loans, interest accrues during the grace period. This interest may then…
As pet ownership continues to rise, some people are turning to pet insurance to manage unexpected veterinary expenses. But with so many options and potential pitfalls, navigating the world of pet insurance can be overwhelming. Is it worth the cost? What should you look for in a policy? This can…
Key takeaways Sapphire Lounges by The Club offer complimentary food and beverages in exclusive spaces where visitors can relax and unwind before a flight. Eligible card members, such as those with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card, enjoy unlimited visits to Chase lounges, while other Priority Pass Select members can take…
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Wildfires in southern California have burned at least 47,000 acres in the Los Angeles area—the largest blaze, the Palisades Fire,…
Washington is abuzz over whether Congress will address President-elect Donald Trump’s ambitious policy agenda in one bill or two. But…
This founder built his brand on a simple idea: Forget about changing the world. Get rich doing mundane and even…
Millions of student loan borrowers face an uncertain future as a second Trump administration prepares to return to Washington. But…
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Key takeaways The certified financial planner certification is one of the most highly sought-after designations for financial professionals and can add a lot of value to their careers. The CFP certification requires holders to abide by a fiduciary standard, putting their clients’ needs first. A…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways Zombie debt refers to old or expired debts you’ve either forgotten about or never knew about that debt collectors try to…
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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…
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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 The Fed’s dot plot is a chart that records each Fed official’s projection for the central bank’s key short-term interest rate. The dot plot is updated every three months and is meant to provide insight into the Fed’s future rate decisions, with the caveat that Fed officials can’t…
Images by GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate The Federal Reserve doesn’t set mortgage rates outright. But its decisions in setting interest rates do play a role in the percentages lenders offer would-be homeowners. And even if the Fed keeps things unchanged, mortgage rates can still fluctuate. So, overall, how do…
Richard Drury/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate A mixed week for home equity rates. HELOCs continued their 2024 declines: The $30,000 HELOC (home equity line of credit) dropped one basis point to 8.52 percent — its lowest level in a year and a half, according to Bankrate’s national survey…
Key takeaways The Chase Freedom Unlimited® could be worth it if you’re looking to earn more Ultimate Rewards, don’t want to pay an annual fee and can take advantage of the earnings structure, welcome bonus and intro APR. The Freedom Unlimited works well as a cash back card, but it…
Key takeaways The Chase Freedom Flex® is a unique cash back credit card that doubles as a great travel rewards card for those who know how to best take advantage of it. With no annual fee and the ability to redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel purchases, the Chase…
The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions influence what you pay for variable-rate home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and new home equity loans. Not you personally, of course — your own financials determine that — but the offers you’ll see lenders advertise, and the general rate trends. But how? Let’s…
The Federal Reserve reduced borrowing costs again at its final gathering of 2024, but officials penciled in two fewer cuts for the year ahead as inflation stays stubbornly above their target. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) cut rates by a quarter of a percentage point, marking the third consecutive…
Key takeaways Survey platforms work best as supplemental income, typically earning $100-500 monthly with strategic use. Legitimate platforms offer transparent payment terms and realistic earnings ($0.50-$3 per survey) through PayPal or gift cards. Specialized surveys targeting specific professions or demographics often pay significantly more than general consumer surveys. Side hustles…
The number one cause of car crashes in Illinois is speeding, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. In 2023, over 1,200 people were killed in car crashes in the state, and 55 percent of those fatalities were a result of speeding. Not only is speeding dangerous, but it may…
Key takeaways The Chase Ultimate Rewards program is a premier points program for among rewards credit cards. Through Chase’s travel portal, certain cardholders can score heightened points value toward travel, whether it be by redeeming for travel with specific Chase cards or transferring to high-value airline and hotel partners.…
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