The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and, often, a lot of expenses. As the festivities wind down, many find themselves facing the reality of depleted bank accounts, credit card debt, and the daunting task of rebuilding their financial safety nets. An emergency fund serves as a…

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Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate A construction loan is a short-term, high-interest loan used to finance building a home. Funds are paid out in phases over the course of construction and typically cover land, materials, contractor labor and permits. They tend to…

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Retiring early with a 401(k) requires understanding how to access funds before the standard retirement age without triggering heavy penalties. This involves leveraging strategies like Rule 72(t) withdrawals, the Rule of 55 exception or a rollover for more flexibility. Each method has specific conditions, timelines and tax implications that shape…

While federal taxes apply uniformly, the way states tax 401(k) withdrawals can vary widely. Some states fully tax 401(k) distributions, while others provide deductions or exclude retirement income altogether. These differences can influence how much of your savings you keep and may even factor into decisions about when and where…

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but smart tax planning can make a real difference. The IRS offers several education tax incentives to help students and families cut costs, lower their tax bill and even get a refund. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student or a parent supporting…

When it comes to managing retirement income, taxes can be one of your biggest – and most overlooked – expenses. Many retirees wonder whether converting their savings to a Roth IRA can help satisfy their required minimum distributions (RMDs) and reduce their tax burden. It is a smart question, but…

Key Takeaways VA loans offer 100% financing, no PMI, and flexible credit requirements. VA appraisals are stricter than conventional ones to ensure home safety and value. Managing credit card debt before applying can significantly improve approval chances. ACCC can help veterans eliminate debt and prepare for mortgage approval. Financial readiness…

If it feels harder to get ahead right now, that’s because it is. Many Americans are navigating a “worst-of-both-worlds” economy: a cooling job market on one side and stubborn inflation on the other.  Prices aren’t rising as rapidly as they once were when the U.S. economy roared back after the…

AsiaVision/Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways An LLC loan is no different than other types of business loans, except they’re aimed at businesses organized as limited liability companies. LLC loans can be used for various short- and long-term costs, including funding startup costs, equipment and inventory purchases, working…

Your 401(k) plays a key role in helping you save for retirement, but life events can affect how much you’re able to contribute. A raise, job change, or unexpected expense might lead you to consider adjusting your contributions. Many employer-sponsored plans allow changes throughout the year, though specific rules and…

For years, many part-time workers were excluded from 401(k) participation, leaving them with fewer ways to save through an employer. As flexible schedules and gig work have become more common, this gap has affected a growing share of the workforce. Recent federal law changes now expand access to employer-sponsored retirement…

At age 70, retirement is no longer a distant goal—it’s your current reality. Whether you’re newly retired or reevaluating your strategy, this is an important time to ensure your savings last. While there is no single best retirement portfolio for a 70-year-old, building a portfolio that suits your needs involves…

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