At a time of sticky inflation and a softening job market, extra money in the bank can serve as a lifeline for many consumers. Yet 8 in 10 Americans did not increase their emergency savings this year, a new Bankrate survey found, leaving them in no better financial position to…
While the top ten largest credit unions still hold significantly less in assets than even the top five largest banks, they have been growing considerably in recent years. Just within the last five years, total assets in federally insured credit unions have risen by approximately 45 percent over the past…
Key Takeaways: Transition Challenges: Veterans face unique financial challenges when transitioning from military to civilian life, including employment hurdles, healthcare costs, and housing instability. Employment and Economic Stability: Despite strong leadership skills, veterans often encounter unemployment or underemployment due to skill mismatches. Support from programs like VETS and the GI…
Key takeaways Most unemployment payment delays happen due to missing information, fraud checks, or system backlogs. You can often fix the issue by verifying your ID, submitting missing documentation, or updating your payment profile. While you wait, contact lenders to negotiate temporary relief and use savings accounts or short-term loans…
Personal Finance
The nation’s 75 million Social Security recipients will receive a 2.8% cost of living adjustment (COLA) increase in their benefits…
Historically Black colleges and universities are on the frontlines of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s new limits on parent…
The big new fees JPMorgan Chase is planning to charge some financial technology companies may well trickle down to consumers,…
With artificial intelligence beginning to eat away at many white-collar entry-level jobs, and the unemployment rate for recent college graduates…
Featured Articles
Reaching age 65 doesn’t automatically change how the IRS taxes your 401(k) withdrawals. Instead, it taxes distributions from a traditional 401(k) as ordinary income, just like wages or Social Security benefits. Your tax rate depends on your total taxable income and filing status in the…
Dept Managmnt
The Downsides of Credit Card Churning and Why It Is Risky You may be asking yourself, “Those benefits sound great, why is credit…
Banking
The fundamental flaws in the way the Federal Reserve operates these days were on full display Wednesday when Jerome Powell talked to the…
Credit Cards
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Key takeaways It’s best to compare mortgage rates when you’re preparing to buy a home, ahead of closing day and when you’re looking to refinance. Mortgage rates change daily, and even throughout the day, based on economic and other factors. When comparing mortgage rates, keep in mind the loan and…
ferrantraite/Getty Images Key takeaways A mortgage loan originator (MLO) is a licensed professional that helps mortgage borrowers understand loan options and guides them through the loan application process. A mortgage loan originator could work for one lender, or act as a broker and work with a wholesale lender or multiple…
Key takeaways It may be difficult to obtain a new loan after you enter a debt management plan, especially if you have recently started the plan. Many creditors report the details of a debt management plan to credit bureaus, which may impact your ability to qualify for a loan. Because…
Photography by Getty Images Key takeaways Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card members receive 3,000 bonus points each year after their account anniversary. Additional perks, such as a free first checked bag and discounts on eligible in-flight purchases, offer more money-saving opportunities to cardholders. The $99 annual fee is the…
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), nearly 70 million Americans received Social Security benefits in July 2025. With roughly 20 percent of the country receiving benefits, these checks are a lifeline for a large portion of the population who rely on the income during retirement. However, Social Security checks…
Image by Adobe Stock; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways The listing price of a property is literally the price at which a home is listed for sale — it’s the amount the seller ideally wants to get. Many factors go into determining listing price, including the home’s location, age, size…
Key takeaways Unsecured loans aren’t backed by collateral, making them a higher risk for lenders Unsecured business loan rates vary, ranging from 7 percent to 75 percent APR With good credit, you could secure a low interest rate on an unsecured loan — between 7 percent and 8 percent APR…
Key takeaways Origination fees are a common cost when borrowing a personal loan, especially if you choose to go with an online lender. Expect to pay anywhere from 1 percent to 10 percent of the total loan amount, although the exact fee varies based on several factors. Origination fees are…
Key takeaways A business financial plan helps small businesses track revenue, expenses and growth opportunities. Key components typically include cash flow forecasting, budgeting and financial projections. A solid financial plan promotes sustainability and can attract investors or lenders. A strong financial plan is essential for any small business. It provides…
Saving money and having an emergency fund can help you handle unplanned expenses and provide peace of mind — especially in uncertain times. It’s also important to have money set aside for other short-term goals. But stashing away too much cash might not be the best personal finance strategy, either.…
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