If the IRS notifies you of an audit, and you expected a tax return, you probably have a lot of questions. Will you ever get your tax refund? Does the audit automatically stop it? The answer depends on the IRS’s review and whether the items under audit affect the refund…
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…
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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 An emergency fund helps ensure you can handle unplanned expenses, whether from a job loss or a substantial car repair or medical bill. Saving three to six months’ worth of essential expenses is often recommended, but individual circumstances may require saving more or…
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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 In most cases, you can change the due date on your credit card bill by calling your issuer and requesting a different date. It’s important to consider all of your monthly bills and income when choosing a credit card due date that works best for you. If your…
Key takeaways The bond market is one of the best predictors of the overall economy, but it currently sits in an uncertain position. Bond investors are keeping an eye on rising long-term yields, surging U.S. deficit spending and Trump’s attacks on the Fed for signs that inflation may run too…
Key takeaways Top money market rates reach 4.40% APY — significantly higher than the national average for MMAs. Online banks consistently offer the best rates — up to seven higher than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Minimum balance requirements vary widely, with many competitive accounts requiring $1,000 or more. Money market account…
Key takeaways Opening a CD requires providing your personal information, government-issued ID, and funding the account with an initial deposit. Top CD rates reach up to 4.50% APY, well above traditional savings account yields. CDs work best for short-term savings goals with specific timelines, like saving for a house down…
Key takeaways Community banks are locally-owned institutions with less than $10 billion in assets that focus on serving specific neighborhoods and building customer relationships. Community banks reported strong performance in Q2 2025 with $7.6 billion in quarterly net income, up 12.5% from the prior quarter. Fees for overdrafts and non-sufficient…
Photography by Getty Images Key takeaways When comparing the Discover it® Secured Credit Card vs. Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card, the best option comes down to whether you have a limited budget and need to establish a line of credit or have more cash to spare for a security…
Key takeaways A routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank for electronic transactions like direct deposits, wire transfers and ACH payments. You can find your routing number on the bottom left of paper checks, in your mobile banking app or by calling your bank. Large banks…
Klaus Vedfelt/GettyImages Taxpayers can soon take advantage of a new federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) — nonprofit groups that use contributions to fund scholarships for students to attend qualified private schools of their choice. The new credit is part of the One…
Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate Key takeaways A certificate of deposit (CD) is a savings account that locks your money for a fixed term in exchange for a guaranteed interest rate. CD terms typically range from 3 months to 5 years, with longer terms generally offering higher…
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