Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Choosing the right business structure can significantly impact your tax liability. Small business owners can reduce taxes through deductions, credits and strategic expense timing. Proper documentation and compliance with tax laws prevent costly mistakes. Contributing to retirement plans and using healthcare…
Key takeaways You can get a mortgage with a credit score as low as 620, 580 or even 500, depending on the type of loan. While you might be eligible for a mortgage with a low credit score, you’ll pay a higher interest rate for the loan. Some mortgage lenders…
Recessions mess with even the most disciplined and experienced investors. When stocks tank, layoffs spike, and headlines scream economic uncertainty, it’s natural to reach for anything that feels safe. For some, annuities look like shelter from the storm. These insurance-based financial products promise a steady income stream in exchange for an…
Key takeaways This card offers customizable cash back that allows you to earn a generous 5 percent cash back — but you must select your top two spending categories each quarter. You can also earn 2 percent cash back in such everyday categories as gas and groceries. While the U.S.…
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President Trump’s 2026 budget would freeze spending for many services for older adults, deeply cut others, continue his efforts to…
The Trump administration is clamping down on federal student loan defaults; at the same time, Republican lawmakers in Congress just…
San Francisco-based Chime, the largest digital bank in America, wants to go public at a price between $24 and $26…
While there has been much conversation on not buying from companies with poor diversity, little has been said about investing…
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This page was originally published in early 2022 and features a story from a Bankrate reader during that time. The rest of the article has since been updated. Key takeaways If you notice fraudulent charges on your credit card account, you should freeze your credit…
Dept Managmnt
Key takeaways A debt management plan (DMP) can make it easier to manage your unsecured debts, including credit card bills and personal loans.…
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For the fifth straight year, Forbes is partnering with market research firm Statista to rate insurance companies in the United States. But we…
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Key takeaways The best buy now, pay later (BNPL) apps allow you to spread the cost of a purchase over several weeks or months without interest. Bankrate’s top BNPL picks include Affirm, Afterpay, PayPal, Sezzle and Zip. Most buy now, pay later plans offer no-interest payment options. Many retailers have…
ANDREY DENISYUK/Getty Images Key takeaways As of July 1, 2025, the minimum car insurance limits in Massachusetts will increase to 25/50/30 from 20/40/5. The higher mandatory car insurance limits could increase average minimum car insurance rates by 36 percent, putting annual premiums at $711. Carriers will automatically raise limits on…
Drs Producoes/Getty Images Key takeaways When you sell mutual fund shares, you will be subject to taxes on the gains. You may owe taxes even if you still own a mutual fund. To minimize taxes on mutual funds, watch what you buy and how, hold shares for a long time…
Key takeaways Out-of-state tuition averages almost $20,000 more than in-state tuition for the 2024-2025 school year. Regional tuition reciprocity agreements can significantly reduce out-of-state tuition. Scholarships, grants and other forms of aid can help reduce the cost of out-of-state tuition. If you’ve used up all of your federal loan funding,…
Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Typical unsecured RV loan terms range from five to seven years, but this timeline may be shorter or longer, depending on the lender. Secured loan terms may exceed 12 years. Shorter repayment terms save you on interest, but the trade-off is a higher…
When buying a home as a couple, your credit scores, income, and existing debt all play a major role in mortgage approval and loan terms. Lenders review each person’s credit separately, use the lower score for qualification, and consider your combined debt-to-income ratio if applying jointly. How to Financially Prepare…
Key takeaways The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card are two options within the Chase card family that offer business owners rewards on everyday business spending. The Ink Business Cash is likely a stronger choice if you spend under $25,000 in bonus categories such…
Key takeaways Business loan requirements are not the same for every lender. Annual revenue, credit score and years in business are a few factors that impact loan qualification. As part of a loan application, businesses will have to provide certain documents like tax returns and profit and loss statements. Applying…
Key takeaways Getting preapproved for a credit card helps assess your chances of being approved for a card without impacting your credit score. Chase offers several preapproval options, including a preapproval tool and specialized preapproved offers. Most Chase cards require good to excellent credit for approval, so make sure your…
RomanBabakin/Getty Images Speeding in the Garden State will cost you more than just time. It can hit your wallet with fines, surcharges and higher insurance premiums that stick around for a while. Depending on how fast you’re driving and where the violation takes place, the price of a New Jersey…
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