Good news for those looking for more affordable housing: Rents keep falling. In October, rents fell for the 27th straight month year-over-year and the third consecutive month-over-month according to Realtor.com’s October Rental Report. The median asking rent for a 0-2 bedroom property in the 50 largest U.S. metros was $1,969,…
PeopleImages/Getty Images Key takeaways CDs are among the safest places to keep your money, but early withdrawals or inflation can erode returns. FDIC or NCUA insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution. Smart CD strategies — like laddering or using no-penalty CDs — can help you avoid losses…
Key takeaways Mobile banking is secure when you use official apps and follow best practices. Major banks invest billions in cybersecurity, but user habits still matter. With the right steps — like multi-factor authentication and strong passwords — mobile banking can be safer than visiting a branch. Mobile banking is…
Key takeaways Saving builds security, flexibility, and freedom — not just a rainy-day fund. Cash reserves protect you from financial stress and open doors to opportunity. The earlier you start saving, the easier it is to reach your life and retirement goals. Most people know they should save. But understanding…
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The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
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A Roth IRA is one of the best retirement accounts to have. While a Roth doesn’t offer an up-front tax break, your contributions grow tax-free and when you withdraw your money in retirement, it’s all tax-free — including any investment earnings. You can build a…
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The Downsides of Credit Card Churning and Why It Is Risky You may be asking yourself, “Those benefits sound great, why is credit…
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The fundamental flaws in the way the Federal Reserve operates these days were on full display Wednesday when Jerome Powell talked to the…
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LUHUANFENG/Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways A CD ladder splits your money across multiple CDs with staggered maturity dates — giving you regular access to funds while earning the higher rates that longer-term CDs offer. For example, you could invest $5,000 across five 1-year CDs opened at different times.…
Key takeaways The issuing bank often cashes checks for non-customers for $5-$8 — your cheapest option if you have a government ID. Walmart charges flat fees of $4-$8 to cash most checks, making it more affordable than check-cashing stores that charge up to 10%. Check-cashing stores are the most expensive…
Key takeaways CDs earning 4% APY provide guaranteed returns with FDIC insurance up to $250,000 — making them one of the safest investments available. A $10,000 CD at 4% APY earns $400 in one year, while a 5-year CD at 4% APY generates $2,166 in total interest. CD laddering spreads…
Prapass Pulsub/Getty Images Key takeaways You can check your bank account balance via your bank’s mobile app, online bank website, ATM, over the phone, via your bank statement or through an in-branch visit. Mobile apps check your balance in under 10 seconds and offer real-time alerts. Desktop banking provides detailed…
SeBrina Bibb’s husband died in 2020, thrusting her into the role of single mom to 3 young kids. Money challenges quickly piled atop her grief. Income, child care and basic household labor all fell to her. At one point, Bibb and her children were homeless, sleeping on the couches of…
Turning 65 doesn’t just mark a milestone in life, it can also unlock valuable tax savings. The IRS grants seniors an extra standard deduction. This deduction can lower taxable income by thousands of dollars, helping stretch retirement savings further. Whether you’re newly retired or planning ahead, understanding how this deduction…
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) might be right for you if you recognize yourself in any of these situations: You have multiple high-interest credit cards and want one simplified monthly payment. You can afford to pay something each month, but you need lower interest rates to make progress. You’re falling…
One of the biggest tax decisions that a couple can make is whether to take the standard deduction or itemize. The standard deduction offers a straightforward way to reduce your taxable income. In 2025 it’s more valuable than ever thanks to inflation adjustments and new provisions for older taxpayers. Understanding…
Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, but one of the most important decisions you’ll make is also one of the simplest: whether to take the standard deduction. For single filers, this deduction offers a powerful way to lower your taxable income without diving into piles of receipts or complicated calculations. Knowing…
For a long time, credit cards have generally fallen into three tiers: no-annual-fee cards, mid-tier cards with annual fees around $95 and premium cards with annual fees measured in the hundreds (these used to cluster around $400 or $500 per year, now it’s more like $800 or $900 in many…
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