Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate While most 24-year-olds are preparing to leave the warm embrace of their parents’ health insurance, Jocelyn Becerra had something else in mind — becoming a homeowner. Two years ago, Becerra bought her house in Bentonville, Ark., after a year of buckling down to save up. She…
Key takeaways A first-time homebuyer is someone who has never owned a home or who has not owned a home in the last three years. Buying a new house involves many steps, from securing a mortgage to negotiating with sellers and navigating the underwriting process. First-time homebuyer programs offer mortgages…
Tax planning is complicated enough in one country. Add a second, and things get more complex in a hurry. Overlapping tax obligations, foreign reporting requirements, and the risk of being taxed on the same income twice all come into play. Whether you’re a U.S. resident earning income abroad, a business…
Dentists tend to face a distinct set of tax considerations. Most earn high incomes, own practices that generate business deductions, and regularly purchase equipment — all of which can significantly affect their tax liability. Dental practices are also classified as specified service trades or businesses (SSTBs) under federal tax rules,…
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Key takeaways Bad credit auto loans are offered by banks, credit unions, online lenders and dealerships. Shop around to find the best deal on an auto loan for your budget and credit profile. If approved, an auto loan can help improve your credit — provided…
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Key takeaways Car title loans are a convenient way to get fast cash if you own your vehicle outright. These loans are risky…
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For fintech startups, the first five years of the decade have been a roller-coaster ride. At the outset, companies were awash in easy…
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Key takeaways The Atmos Rewards program is the rebranded update to Alaska Airlines’ former Mileage Plan. Atmos Rewards boasts a vast partner network of airlines, hotels, rental car companies and everyday shopping sites — all of which can help you earn miles more quickly. Reward flights with Atmos Rewards can…
Key takeaways Mobile homes, also known as manufactured homes, can be a cost-effective alternative to buying a traditional home. Due to their lower cost and rapid depreciation, most traditional mortgage lenders don’t offer mobile home financing. FHA Title I and Title II loans, Freddie Mac loans, Fannie Mae loans and…
If you received a big tax refund this year, it might feel like a bonus. But it usually means you paid more in taxes throughout the year than necessary. Instead of waiting to get that money back as a refund, adjusting your W-4 can help you keep more of it…
Key takeaways A debt consolidation loan is primarily meant to save money on interest — usually by securing a lower APR and a shorter payoff timeline. Bad credit debt consolidation loans may not be as effective due to the higher interest rates, but one can still simplify your monthly payments.…
Key takeaways SBA loans have set maximum interest rates, making them a flexible and affordable business lending option. It can take 30 to 90 days for SBA loan approval and funding. Be sure to find an SBA lender with experience and volume in loan applications so you can have a…
Variable annuities can be powerful tools for retirement planning. They provide guaranteed income options with tax-deferred growth that few other products can match. However, they are also complex, layered contracts that carry real risks. Therefore, the stakes for consumers are high. That complexity is exactly why variable annuities merge two…
Key takeaways Home equity is the difference between your home’s value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. It represents the paid-off portion of your home — the amount you own outright. Your home equity can increase through making mortgage payments and home improvements, or as local property…
Variable annuities are often sold on the promise of one compelling idea: you can participate in market gains without bearing the full risk of market losses. It’s an attractive pitch, especially for investors approaching retirement who can’t afford a major setback. However, the word “guarantee” inside a variable annuity contract…
Key takeaways Getting approved for a HELOC or home equity loan isn’t easy, with nearly half of applications denied. Poor credit, a high debt-to-income ratio or a large outstanding mortgage balance may contribute to being rejected for a HELOC or home equity loan. If you are denied, paying down…
Key takeaways There are ways to get out of a car title loan, including paying off the loan in full, negotiating with the lender or refinancing with a lower-cost loan. Defaulting on a car title loan can have serious consequences, including repossession of your vehicle and damage to your credit…
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