“I will commit that for this tax season … Direct File will be operative.” That was the word from Scott Bessent, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Treasury Secretary, when asked about the program during his confirmation hearing. The controversial Direct File program allows eligible taxpayers to file taxes directly with…
As wildfires roar across southern California, these natural disasters are not only destroying homes but taking lives. Home insurance costs also are taking on a whole new dimension. Those fears are propagating into the way home buyers look at new properties, into the shopping and selection process and therefore the…
Key takeaways Focus on paying down your debt and budgeting. Look for ways to cut back on spending, such as buying cheaper alternatives at the grocery store. When inflation is high, consumers can feel the impact everywhere, from the supermarket to the gas station. Inflation makes it more expensive to…
How Doctors Are Pushing Medical Credit Cards on Patients Medical credit cards are increasingly pushed on patients across America as the costs of health, dental, and veterinary procedures rise. CareCredit had 12 million cardholders and 270,000 participating providers in 2024, up from 4.4 million cardholders and 177,000 participating providers a…
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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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Home equity products turned in a slightly mixed performance ahead of the Federal Reserve’s first monetary policy meeting of 2025. The $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) was unchanged at 8.28 percent — its lowest level in a year and a half, according to…
Dept Managmnt
Bankruptcy is a legal process to help individuals and businesses manage overwhelming debt. While it provides a path to financial relief, the decision…
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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 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.…
Key takeaways Emergency loans are borrowed for unexpected expenses when you don’t have enough savings. There are different types of emergency loans, including installment and revolving options. Personal loans and personal lines of credit offer lower interest rates and more flexibility, while payday loans and title loans have higher interest…
PM Images/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Loans for this amount are offered by banks, credit unions and online lenders. The latter often features rapid funding times. An excellent credit score will typically qualify you for the lowest rate on a loan of this size. Most importantly,…
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and gift-giving. However, it can also bring about financial stress and anxiety, especially if you’re worried about managing your credit card payments amidst the flurry of holiday expenses. To help you navigate holiday spending without missing a beat on your financial…
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