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 CD investing offers a guaranteed return. When CDs are issued from federally insured banks and credit unions, your money is protected, up to a certain amount, should the financial institution fail. If you want access to your money right away, or you only have a little bit of…
Each month on Rent Day, Bilt delivers a new set of bonus opportunities for Bilt Mastercard® cardholders and members. Offers range from earning bonus points to exclusive experiences just for members. In celebration of September Rent Day, Bilt Rewards members can enjoy up to a 100 percent transfer bonus with…
Any number of reasons might prompt you to close a bank account, but there are a few important steps to take before you sever ties with your financial institution. The steps to close a bank account may include setting up your direct deposit, recurring transfers and scheduled payments with another…
Key takeaways Discover offers a variety of flat-rate and bonus category credit cards that earn cash back or miles on your purchases. All Discover cards are eligible for the first-year Cashback Match bonus, through which Discover will match all your earnings at the end of the first year. The value…
Alex Potemkin/Getty Images Bitcoin’s price has fluctuated up and down ever since its inception in 2009, leaving some investors with notable gains — or losses — and others left wondering what might have been if only they had invested sooner or held. Remember the guy who made the first real-world…
Financial planners often recommend aiming for roughly three times your annual salary in retirement savings by the time you reach 45. At the same time, your mid-forties are a turning point when compounding can still work in your favor. The decisions you make now, whether you’re on track or catching…
Photography by Getty Images Key takeaways Preferred credit cards are designed for individuals with good to excellent credit scores who want to enhance their credit card rewards. These cards usually have annual fees, but the benefits and rewards can often offset the cost. Preferred credit cards are different from premium…
By age 55, you’re about a decade away from retirement. Many financial experts suggest having seven to eight times your annual salary saved by this age if you want to maintain a comfortable retirement. By 55 you still have time to benefit from compounding and catch-up contributions, but not much.…
Frank and Lisa never expected their homeowners insurance deductible to be more than the price of a car. When a Category 3 hurricane passed, their home was still standing — but barely. Storm surge flooded the first floor, the roof was damaged, and windows were shattered. Even though the covered…
Key takeaways A financial counselor helps people with core financial tasks such as budgeting, saving and debt management. Many financial counselors charge hourly or flat fees. However, some are available for free through public services. Financial counselors and financial advisors both develop budgets and spending plans for clients, but financial…
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