Key takeaways Plan for success by building a business plan, putting together a budget and saving enough money to launch. Separate your business and personal finances by opening a business bank account and choosing business credit cards with useful benefits. Stay on top of your finances with…
Key takeaways Brand loyalty to certain credit cards or issuers can limit your rewards earning potential. Use multiple cards to maximize rewards rates, which might involve switching cards or using different cards for different types of spending. Understand the redemption options for each of your cards to get the most…
Key takeaways Both a line of credit and a credit card are types of revolving credit where you can borrow up to a certain amount and only pay interest on what you borrow. A line of credit typically has a lower APR and a higher credit limit than a credit…
Key takeaways Lying on a credit card application is fraud and can have serious legal consequences. You shouldn’t need to lie to qualify for a credit card because there are cards available for all types of financial circumstances, including for those with poor or non-existent credit, as well as for…
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Apple, FedEx and Oracle all got loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration. But rules and red tape keep many…
While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
The Trump administration has been rapidly dismantling protections for student loan borrowers, leaving millions of Americans with diminishing options as…
A perfect storm is brewing for millions of federal student loan borrowers, who may experience dramatic increases in their monthly…
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Key takeaways The typical mortgage payment doubled between 2020 and 2024, while today’s new homes are smaller than they have been in more than 10 years. Experts caution that home size isn’t always the best measure of value, especially in competitive markets with rising home…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways To pay off debt, you need to know how much you owe, how much you’re spending and where you can cut…
Banking
In my last column, I likened artificial intelligence to the wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.” It received a good reaction so I…
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 Even if you have a lower credit score, banks, credit unions, online lenders and dealerships may lend to you. It’s important to shop around and compare offers from different lenders to find the best deal for your situation. Dealer financing from subprime auto lots or buy here, pay…
This page was originally published in late 2024 and reflects the author’s experiences and financial decisions during that time. The rest of the article has since been updated. Key takeaways Capital One has opened a line of coffee shops called Capital One Cafés. These shops offer the usual food, drinks…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Investors have seen a lot of volatility so far in 2025, as they try to grapple with the impact of new tariffs from the Trump administration on the economy. The S&P 500 rose to start the year, but fell sharply, ultimately entering a bear…
Key Takeaways Step-up CDs feature predetermined rate increases that automatically boost your APY at scheduled intervals throughout the term. Unlike bump-up CDs that require you to request rate increases, step-up CDs provide guaranteed rate hikes without any action needed. Step-up CDs typically start with lower initial rates than traditional CDs,…
In 2024 American consumer Credit Counseling clients paid off around $191,257,429.83 in debt! Debt Management Plans help people regain control of their financial lives by consolidating their debts into a single, manageable monthly payment. Here’s what you can expect when you enroll in a Debt Management Plan (DMP) with American…
Key takeaways Private student loans are designed to cover educational expenses and are available through banks, credit unions and online lenders. Types of private student loans include degree-specific, parent, international student, bad credit, state-specific, income share agreements and refinancing options. Comparing multiple lenders, assessing interest rates and reviewing repayment terms…
Credit Sesame breaks down consumer payment trends using 2024 data and explains the pros and cons of today’s most common payment methods so you can make more informed spending choices. Technology and financial innovation are changing the way Americans handle money. Some of these changes provide consumers with more choices…
Key takeaways Trusts can be a great tool to simplify the process of moving assets between generations, helping avoid some of the costs and delays associated with the process. Revocable trusts are a useful solution for individuals with relatively few assets and are relatively easy to set up and administer.…
If you’ve ever had a gut-punch moment checking your 401(k) after a rough trading week, you’re not alone. During turbulent times, the idea of “safe haven” assets is appealing. These investments, by design, generally hold their value — or even gain ground — when broader markets decline. Of course, no…
Do you have a backup plan?This is one of the key questions when it comes to managing your portfolio in retirement. Your income will be determined in large part by how much growth your portfolio generates, but investing for more growth means accepting more risk. Investing for security, on the…
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