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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Photography by Getty Images Key takeaways Citi ThankYou Rewards offers flexible redemption options, including transfers to airline and hotel partners. Points transfers typically offer more value than other redemption options, with a 1:1 ratio. It may be beneficial to pair multiple Citi credit cards, such as a no-annual-fee card and…
Credit card debt is the worst, and it can be especially burdensome for older people. Sadly, it’s a common burden. Fifty-two percent of U.S. adults aged 50 to 64 carry a credit card balance month to month, according to a recent AARP survey. Dealing with card debt at this stage…
Key takeaways Home additions are time-intensive and pricey, easily hitting six figures. Zoning and local regulations will impact the scope of your project. Request quotes from multiple contractors to determine the full cost. Home improvement loans are an unsecured option to finance small to midsize additions. Need more space at…
Key takeaways Working capital financing is a type of short-term business loan designed to help businesses cover their regular operating expenses. Working capital is calculated by subtracting current liabilities from current assets. There are many types of working capital loans, including term loans, lines of credit, business credit cards, invoice…
Key takeaways Federally insured online banks usually carry the same FDIC insurance as traditional banks. Because they don’t carry the operating expenses of traditional banks, online banks can offer more competitive APYs and better rewards. Look for online banks with features that protect your data, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption,…
Key takeaways There is a statute of limitations on debt, but it varies depending on your debt type and location. The statute of limitations means creditors and debt collectors cannot sue you for old debt after a certain amount of time, but it’s still in your best interest to pay…
Photography by Getty Images; Illustration by Bankrate Knowing how to read your auto insurance policy can do more than help you file a claim — it can help you plan ahead. Maybe you’re considering driving for a rideshare service and need to check if you have the right coverage. Or…
Key takeaways The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) is a system that divides the market into 11 sectors, composed of 25 industry groups and 74 industries, as of August 2025. This classification system ultimately impacts how many sector-based index funds are created and which companies are included — or excluded…
Mohammad Sowaid / EyeEm/Getty Images Hail season runs from March through September, and with just weeks left, preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) shows 2025 is shaping up to be a near-average year for severe hail. Even in an average season, that still adds up to more…
Key Takeaways: Credit card debt reduces disposable household income Debt delays consumers’ ability to build wealth Credit card debt impacts physical and emotional health High credit card debt can put excessive strain on personal relationships High consumer debt impacts the national economy What is The Economic Cost of High Consumer…
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