Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/Getty Images Key takeaways Short-term loans provide financing with a brief repayment period and often require collateral to obtain. These loans are generally capped at $2,000 and are often used by borrowers who are strapped for cash or who have a low credit score. Loan funds are…
Holiday spending came in at the high end of projected ranges for 2025 despite numerous economic challenges. According to Mastercard, U.S. retail sales (excluding automotive) increased 3.9% year-over-year from Nov. 1 through Dec. 21, 2025. CNBC and the National Retail Federation published a similar increase, reporting holiday sales grew 4.1%…
ljubaphoto/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways The interest rate on a mortgage indicates how much interest you’ll pay for the amount you borrow. The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate plus additional fees and any points. When comparing loan offers, it’s best to compare APRs to…
Christina Zelow Lundquist/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new, bigger one. The borrower receives the difference between the two balances in cash. The terms of your refinanced mortgage might differ from your original loan, including a new interest…
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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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VIEW press/Contributor/Getty Images Wells Fargo is a financial institution that offers its customers personal, small business, commercial, corporate and investment banking solutions. There are currently around 5,600 branches and 11,000 ATMs nationwide. Wells Fargo Bank near me You can find a Wells Fargo retail banking…
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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 There are two main types of business plans: the more common traditional business plan and the less common lean startup business plan. A traditional business plan is best for gaining funding and attracting investors. A lean startup business plan is best for early-stage entrepreneurs who need a fast,…
Image: Getty Images; illustration: Bankrate Key takeaways Hard money loans are secured, short-term loans often used to finance a home purchase. Real estate investors commonly rely on hard money loans to manage multiple flip projects. Hard money loans deliver cash quickly, but at a higher interest rate compared to other…
Key takeaways Several airline credit cards offer discounts on tickets for your traveling companions when you meet certain criteria. Available discounts range from flat-rate fares to fully comped tickets (minus taxes and fees). Take note of your card’s eligibility requirements so you can maximize your companion discount benefits. If you…
Key takeaways An automatic stay prevents creditors from taking action to collect on certain debts when you file for bankruptcy. Automatic stays can offer some protection against eviction, foreclosure, repossession and wage garnishment, but they do not apply to child support, alimony or certain tax debts. Automatic stays can last…
Key takeaways Depending on age, the average 401(k) account balance ranges between roughly $7,000 and $300,000, but median balances are much lower. Retirement investors should have at least one year’s worth of their salary saved by age 30, three times’ worth by 40 and ten times’ worth by 67, according…
There are over 36 million small businesses in the United States, accounting for 46 percent of private sector jobs, according to the most recent data from the SBA’s Office of Advocacy. Between March of 2023 and March of 2024, individuals have opened 1.1 million new firms, contributing 1.2 million new…
Consumer debt is a growing concern affecting millions of individuals across the globe. Did you know the average consumer debt for Americans is around $105,000? (Source: Experian)It can stem from a variety of factors, ranging from unexpected emergencies like medical bills to lifestyle choices. Understanding the causes of consumer debt…
Key takeaways Unsavory financial advisors may cheat their clients through deceptive practices such as Ponzi schemes, churning techniques, and pump-and-dump scams. Advisors who pressure you to make quick investment decisions or promise guaranteed returns could be bad actors that you should avoid. Checking an advisor’s qualifications can help protect you…
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are one of the most popular ways to invest in the stock and bond markets — and for plenty of good reasons. These funds let investors buy a diversified collection of securities, with the potential to earn strong returns while enjoying low management fees. So it’s little…
Key takeaways In 2025, employees can elect to defer $23,500 of their salary to fund their 401(k). When including employer matches and after-tax contributions, you may be able to set aside up to $70,000 in total. Workers aged 50 and older can make catch-up contributions on top of the normal…
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