Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways The FAFSA typically opens for annual submissions in early October. Financial aid is available in the form of student loans, grants and work-study. The amount you’re eligible for depends on your enrollment status and year of study, how much your family…
Key takeaways Earning a graduate degree can lead to higher earnings, but there are costs involved in attending school for a longer time. Most student loan repayment plans last from 10 to 25 years — a long time to commit to monthly loan payments. Several strategies can help you make…
Anderson Coelho/Getty Images Key takeaways You can use a personal loan to finance a used car if conventional financing isn’t available or if you can’t qualify for an auto loan. Rates can be higher and repayment terms shorter, compared to traditional auto loans. You may be able to avoid repossession…
Key Takeaways With a couple of personal documents handy, you can easily open a checking account online. Look beyond promotional offers to check for monthly maintenance fees, ATM charges and overdraft fees. After opening an account, set up direct deposits, automate bill payments and monitor your balance to avoid overdrafts.…
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While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
Lifestyle inflation occurs when your expenses increase as you earn more income. It can start subtly—dining at pricier restaurants, upgrading…
Chime, the largest digital bank in America, grew its revenue to $1.7 billion in 2024, an increase of roughly 30%…
Technology has transformed some parts of the daunting homebuying process–making it easier to search and compare properties online, to prepare…
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Image by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Dividend stocks are one of the most popular ways to invest. They can deliver cash into your pocket, giving you a real return regardless of how the stock market is performing. And among the strongest dividend payers are…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways You are responsible for debts of a deceased spouse if you were a joint borrower, live in a community property state…
Banking
Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many banks from making…
Credit Cards
Key takeaways Adding authorized users to your business credit card account can make it easier for you to complete purchases and earn rewards…
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Key takeaways Active-duty military members are eligible for VA home loans after serving for 90 straight days (181 days during peacetime) without an interruption in service. You or your spouse and dependents have to reside in your home as a primary residence for 12 consecutive months, but if you’re deployed…
Key takeaways A lender can sue you for not repaying your payday loan as promised. If you default on a payday loan, a lender can also sue, although what is considered default depends on your loan contract and your state. If a lender wins a lawsuit against you, it could…
Credit cards can be a convenient way to pay taxes while potentially earning some rewards along the way. Paying taxes with a credit card could also give you some breathing room if you don’t have the funds to pay your taxes by the due date. Still, there’s one major hurdle…
If you’d thrown $1,000 at Netflix in 2015, you’d be sitting on about $10,000 today. Back in 2015, Netflix (NFLX) was still shaking off its DVD-by-mail image and betting big on streaming and original content. Fast-forward a decade, and it’s gone from a scrappy disruptor to an industry heavyweight, with…
Most of us don’t think much about our tax withholding until tax time. That’s when reality sets in — in the form of a big tax bill or a tax refund. When you file your tax return, you discover whether more than enough money is being withheld from your paychecks…
Key takeaways Credit cards can have major benefits compared to cash when traveling internationally — including convenience, rewards and protection. Make sure you choose a credit card that is commonly accepted overseas — and when in doubt, have a backup. There may be fees associated with using your credit card…
Key takeaways Business loans are available from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders. Banks and credit unions are ideal for established businesses with good to excellent credit. Compared to traditional lenders, online lenders and nonprofits are more willing to work with businesses with poor or…
Brothers91/GettyImages; illustration by Bankrate The IRS left contribution limits to traditional and Roth IRAs unchanged for 2025, keeping them at their 2024 level of $7,000. Those age 50 and older can contribute an additional $1,000. The income ranges on IRAs increased for 2025, allowing you to earn more money and…
DavidPinoPhotography/Shutterstock Key takeaways If you’re facing foreclosure, the right of redemption gives you a legal pathway to keep or regain your home, by paying back the entire outstanding loan, plus interest and fees. The right of redemption is rarely exercised, as it can be difficult for homeowners to come up…
Binary options offer a yes-or-no wager on a specific outcome of an event, typically over a short period such as a day. Binary options present a lot of risk in a fast-paced market that could quickly change, and traders have a few strategies if they’re wagering on binary options. Here…
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