Key takeaways Decisions made by the Federal Reserve to increase the benchmark rate do not directly impact auto loans but rather the cost for banks to lend. The higher the Fed sets rates, the higher auto loan rates will likely be. The Fed made its third and last rate cut…
Key takeaways The Federal Reserve doesn’t directly set auto loan rates — but it does affect the cost for lenders to borrow money. The Federal funds rate was cut for a third and final time in 2025 and was not changed in the first meeting of 2026, so it currently…
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…
Money is an uncomfortable topic for many, yet it’s an important ongoing conversation to have in a relationship. Financial secrets undermine trust. And for many, it may even feel like betrayal. More than 2 in 5 U.S. adults (43%) believe keeping financial secrets is at least as bad as physical…
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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…
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…
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Key takeaways Your credit card APR can go up if the prime rate changes, you paid your credit card bill late, your intro APR offer ended or your credit score dropped. If your APR increases, you can work on paying down your balance or transfer…
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2. Coaching and Tutoring Take stock of your areas of expertise – maybe you speak a second language or solving math equations comes…
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These entrepreneurs, traders and investors are making an outsized impact in fintech, crypto and traditional financial services.By Jeff Kauflin, Hank Tucker and Nina…
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Key takeaways Stocks can be a great way to build wealth over the long term. You can buy stocks directly through a brokerage account, or you can buy funds that invest in many stocks. Financial advisors and robo-advisors can help you build a stock portfolio if you aren’t comfortable investing…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Key takeaways Non-owner car insurance offers affordable liability-only coverage to drivers who don’t own a vehicle but occasionally borrow or frequently rent one. This type of car insurance can also be used to satisfy an SR-22 or FR-44 requirement after a license suspension.…
Key takeaways Bonds and annuities aren’t an either-or choice. You may find value from both in your portfolio. Bonds offer stable income, liquidity and the option to sell. Fixed annuities can offer guaranteed income, albeit with less liquidity. When people talk about safe investments for retirement, annuities and bonds often…
VioletaStoimenova/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Both financial advisors and accountants can help clients meet financial goals and maximize tax savings. Financial advisors tend to focus more on long-term financial planning for individuals. Accountants most commonly focus on tax planning and returns. Financial advisors and accountants are…
Wyoming is best known for its wide-open spaces, rugged mountains and national parks, but it has something new to add to its reputation: It’s one of the top states in America for retirement. Despite being the nation’s least-populated state, Wyoming ranked third overall in Bankrate’s 2025 Best and Worst States…
Key takeaways While many major card issuers offer popular business cards, picking a card from a lesser-known issuer has its advantages. Some of our top picks don’t require a personal guarantee, and many tend to offer higher credit limit potential than other business cards. Before choosing a business card, compare…
Alliant Credit Union, Ally Bank, Amerant Bank, America First Credit Union, American Airlines Federal Credit Union, American Express National Bank, Apple Bank, Arvest Bank, Axos Bank, Banesco USA, Bank of America, Bank of Hope, Bank5 Connect, BankPurely, BankUnited Direct, Barclays Bank, Bask Bank, BMO Alto, BMO Bank, Boeing Employees’ Credit…
Key takeaways When choosing a financial advisor, look for red flags, such as lack of responsiveness, high fees and pushing certain investments. If you are unhappy with your portfolio’s performance, it could be another reason for a new financial advisor. Look for a financial advisor who is a fiduciary, meaning…
Image: Getty Images; Illustration: Bankrate Key takeaways If you’re buying a home, an appraisal waiver can help you avoid the cost and time commitment of an in-person home appraisal. Instead, your mortgage lender will use an automated underwriting system to estimate the property’s value. However, automated systems can’t catch all…
This page was originally published in early 2022 and still contains relevant reader quotes from that time. The rest of the article has since been updated. Key takeaways Hotels can charge you for damages done during your stay, which are usually found while inspecting your room after you check out.…
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