News Archive
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| 2006 Taxes |
| Reporting your retirement plan rollover -- When you changed jobs, you took your company retirement plan with you. We explain how to report it to the IRS. Story |
| Some hybrids qualify for tax breaks -- Nissan and Mazda have finally joined Honda on the hybrid tax credit track. Story |
| Estimated tax deadline looms -- Some folks face summer tax chores as their third 1040ES payment is due September 15. Story |
-- More 2006 Taxes news
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| 2007 Financial Literacy |
| Weekly spending work sheet -- Each week write the total of the previous week's expenses—from our daily work sheet—and compare to your budget. Story |
| Building blocks of a successful investment strategy -- Successful investing starts with knowledge. Here are the basics to get your portfolio on the right path. Story |
| Do taxes yourself or hire a pro? -- Most Americans dread doing their annual tax-filing chores. But all have to determine whether to do it themselves or hire an expert. Story |
-- More 2007 Financial Literacy news
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| 2008 Financial Literacy |
| How to be a savvy credit cardholder -- Credit card issuers have been calling the shots for years. Follow these rules to beat them at their own game. Story |
| Borrowing terms get better for students -- Law changes increase the amounts students can borrow at favorable rates and introduce loan forgiveness programs. Story |
| Ask why you need a loan -- Consumers who don't really need the money have no trouble getting loans, says money expert Chris Farrell. Story |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| Bargain hard when buying lease vehicle -- Now is a good time to bargain when purchasing a leased vehicle, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Big down payment may lower loan rate -- A larger down payment can help people with little credit history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Consult a lawyer if you co-sign loan -- Consult a lawyer to clarify your obligations when co-signing a loan, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| Auto loans |
| Bargain hard when buying lease vehicle -- Now is a good time to bargain when purchasing a leased vehicle, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Big down payment may lower loan rate -- A larger down payment can help people with little credit history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Consult a lawyer if you co-sign loan -- Consult a lawyer to clarify your obligations when co-signing a loan, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Auto loans news
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| Banking and the economy |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here's a look at the state of interest rates on five common consumer banking products and the latest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| Claim about Patriot Act, lender is myth -- The Patriot Act doesn't require banks to make hard inquiries on depositor accounts, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| What to make of the GDP? -- While the GDP figure shows the economy isn't dead, let's not kid ourselves - it isn't sunshine and daffodils either, regardless of what the GDP suggests. Story |
-- More Banking and the economy news
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| Beating Bankruptcy Blog |
| Consumer bankruptcy filings surge in 2007 -- The number of Americans filing for bankruptcy is on the rise, and is unlikely to stop soon. Story |
| Is reducing your debt taking a backseat to reducing your weight? -- Miss a payment? You're not alone. Try these tips for the future. Story |
| Your debt resolutions -- Welcome to a new year when you will finally reduce your money troubles and handle that debt. Story |
-- More Beating Bankruptcy Blog news
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| Book review |
| Are you spending smart? -- Bankrate reviews the book "Living Rich by Spending Smart," that examines how everyday spending choices can sink your budget. Story |
| Surviving mob mentality in finance -- Bankrate reviews the book "Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets," by William Bonner and Lila Rajiva, which examines what the authors allege is the mass hysteria that overcomes investors in the stock market. Story |
| Could you retire in a weekend? -- In the book "Retire in a Weekend," by Bill Losey, baby boomers are encouraged to make work optional by following their passion. Story |
-- More Book review news
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| Checking and ATMs |
| Credit unions weather tough market -- Credit unions have been affected by the tight credit market, but most may be getting through the current landscape in fairly good shape. Story |
| Check your bank's safety rating -- Worried about the safety of your money? Use Bankrate's Safe and Sound database to see how your institution ranks. Story |
| Debit cards don't offer equal protection -- Disputing a charge or purchase? You won't get the same backing that you do with a credit card. Story |
-- More Checking and ATMs news
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| College financing |
| Do online colleges make the grade? -- For-profit online schools have certainly made money for investors, but tuition and fees run high. Are they worth it? Story |
| Weekly spending work sheet -- Each week write the total of the previous week's expenses—from our daily work sheet—and compare to your budget. Story |
| Borrowing terms get better for students -- Law changes increase the amounts students can borrow at favorable rates and introduce loan forgiveness programs. Story |
-- More College financing news
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| Credit cards |
| Shady billing tactics rile cardholder -- Take charge if a credit card company is engaging in shady billing tactics, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here's a look at the state of interest rates on five common consumer banking products and the latest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| How to be a savvy credit cardholder -- Credit card issuers have been calling the shots for years. Follow these rules to beat them at their own game. Story |
-- More Credit cards news
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| Credit management |
| 6 good reasons for multiple credit cards -- Contrary to some popular opinion, you may be smart to hold more than the often recommended one to three credit cards. Here are six good reasons. Story |
| 8 rules to break to build wealth -- Diverging from the traditional mind-set may put you on the right course to riches, says Robert Shemin, author of "How Come That Idiot's Rich and I'm Not?" Story |
| Keep retirement funds, debt separate -- Don't tap into retirement savings to pay down credit card debt, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Credit management news
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| Credit repair |
| Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Secured card can help you build credit -- A secured credit card can help rebuild your payment history if you have bad credit, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Own up to debt before fighting back -- Collection complaints shouldn't keep a debtor from acknowledging responsibility, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| How to be a savvy credit cardholder -- Credit card issuers have been calling the shots for years. Follow these rules to beat them at their own game. Story |
| 6 good reasons for multiple credit cards -- Contrary to some popular opinion, you may be smart to hold more than the often recommended one to three credit cards. Here are six good reasons. Story |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| Credit unions |
| Credit unions weather tough market -- Credit unions have been affected by the tight credit market, but most may be getting through the current landscape in fairly good shape. Story |
| Peer-to-peer lending grows in bad economy -- P2P lending has been around since 2005, but it's getting a boost from the current economic environment and credit crunch. Story |
| Bank's health won't impact insured cash -- Insured deposits and shares are safe, regardless of an institution's health, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Credit unions news
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| Debt consolidation |
| 15 signs you need debt-reduction help -- These 15 signals let you know you're drowning in debt and it's time to call in a financial fitness expert Story |
| 8 ways to consolidate debt -- Do you continuously worry about debt? Well, if you do, maybe it’s time to seek solutions. Story |
| Can bankruptcy help you? -- Bankruptcy is a tough road, best reserved for those who don't have any other options. Story |
-- More Debt consolidation news
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| Exclusive: 2008 CD study |
| Detailed results of the 2008 CD study -- Check out the results of a survey of 10 banks that offer CDs online and through their branches. Story |
| Exclusive: 2008 CD study -- Can you get a better yield on a CD online or through a traditional bank? It depends on what you're looking for. Story |
-- More Exclusive: 2008 CD study news
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| Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study |
| Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Exclusive: Cash-back credit card study -- Bankrate compared the cash-back reward programs of the 30 most popular credit cards. Find one for your style. Story |
| Own up to debt before fighting back -- Collection complaints shouldn't keep a debtor from acknowledging responsibility, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
-- More Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study news
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| Exclusive: Passbook/Statement savings study 2008 |
| No records for this selection |
-- More Exclusive: Passbook/Statement savings study 2008 news
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| Fame & Fortune |
| Fame & Fortune: Kevin Nealon -- The irreverent actor reveals the serious side of fatherhood, finance and his current role as a pothead. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Stefanie Powers -- This longtime TV actress defines her legacy through wildlife conservation education. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Steve Winwood -- This longtime rocker is surviving the music biz and still going strong with major label contracts and solo deals. Story |
-- More Fame & Fortune news
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| Frugal U |
| Heading off to college? -- 12 tips for stretching a scholar's dollar. Story |
| A Frugal shopper's best tip -- Avoid the waste and environmental cost by making your own mop pads out of old washcloths. Story |
| Checking out options for your grill -- These days you can add a rotisserie, smoker or even infrared. Story |
-- More Frugal U news
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| Home equity |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here's a look at the state of interest rates on five common consumer banking products and the latest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| Ask why you need a loan -- Consumers who don't really need the money have no trouble getting loans, says money expert Chris Farrell. Story |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here's a look at the state of interest rates on five common consumer banking products and the latest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
-- More Home equity news
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| Home improvement |
| 4 housing upgrades that don't pay -- Thinking of renovating? Here are four things to avoid if you may want to sell down the road. Story |
| 6 home renovations with major payoffs -- Take advantage of slow construction times to improve your home. Story |
| Energy efficiency tax breaks still possible -- Some energy-efficient home improvements could make you eligible for a 10 percent tax credit on your 2007 return. Story |
-- More Home improvement news
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| Insurance |
| Fighting your health insurance company -- How to avoid the fight when you can, and how to win it when you can't. Story |
| Skyrocketing drug co-payments -- With prescription drug costs rising, employers and insurers are placing more of the burden on consumers. Story |
| A new grad's guide to insurance -- If you want to protect what you've got (along with what you'll soon be earning), it's time to think insurance. Story |
-- More Insurance news
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| Investing |
| Fame & Fortune: Kevin Nealon -- The irreverent actor reveals the serious side of fatherhood, finance and his current role as a pothead. Story |
| 6 deadly investing mistakes -- Protect your investments and your future by avoiding these six common blunders. Story |
| Investing for growth or value -- Mixing the two types of stocks in an investment portfolio is the best way to hedge your bets in the market for the long run. Story |
-- More Investing news
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| Money markets |
| CD can boost returns of emergency fund -- Parking your emergency fund in a CD may pay off, says Dr. Don Taylor, but review the prepayment penalties. Story |
| Six ways to insure excess deposits -- Want to insure your deposits for more than the FDIC limit at one bank? Here are six ways to do it. Story |
| Bank's cooling 'teaser' rate burns saver -- Don't expect your bank to alert you to a higher savings rate when it becomes available, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Money markets news
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| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| 1 in 11 owners in dire straits -- People are falling behind on mortgage payments and losing their houses in ever-increasing numbers. Story |
| Jobs, mortgage rates fall -- Today's awful employment report is nice news for mortgage shoppers. Story |
| Who are the price gougers? -- The duopoly of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed fees and restrictions to boost their top lines. Story |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| ARMs: No taboo for chosen few -- Adjustable rate mortgages, ARMs, still a good choice for buyers in certain situations. Story |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here's a look at the state of interest rates on five common consumer banking products and the latest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| Life after foreclosure -- Once a foreclosure becomes final, the financial and emotional upheaval is far from over. Here's how to cope. Story |
-- More Mortgages news
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| Online banking |
| Bank's cooling 'teaser' rate burns saver -- Don't expect your bank to alert you to a higher savings rate when it becomes available, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Banks score with 'high touch' service -- At many banks, "high touch" service that pampers customers drives growth and profits. Story |
| Keep intention clear when voiding check -- Voiding a check is a simple matter if you follow these directions, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Online banking news
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| Personal finance |
| Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Borrowing terms get better for students -- Law changes increase the amounts students can borrow at favorable rates and introduce loan forgiveness programs. Story |
| Car-sharing picks up speed -- Car-sharing allows urbanites to have a car without the hassle -- and expense -- of owning one. Story |
-- More Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| Consumer Reports rates cards -- The ratings are for the individual issuers, not the cards. So who won -- and who lost? Story |
| Freeloaders favorite cards -- Dozens of e-mails have been received from "deadbeat" readers who have shared their favorite cards with me. Story |
| Safest credit card -- A study released this week analyzed the security of credit cards and ranked them based on fraud prevention, fraud detection and fraud resolution. Story |
-- More Plastic Rap Blog news
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| Rate Trend Index |
| Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages -- Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages -- a vital tool if you're about to buy a home. Story |
| CD Rate Trend Index -- Bankrate's expert panel predicts where rates are headed on certificates of deposit. Story |
| Rate Trend Index -- Mortgages -- Each week, Bankrate.com surveys experts to gauge which way interest rates are headed on mortgages -- a vital tool if you're about to buy a home. Story |
-- More Rate Trend Index news
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| Real estate |
| 5 ways to go solar on the cheap -- Want to try sun power? Here are some inexpensive solar devices for you to use in your home. Story |
| ARMs: No taboo for chosen few -- Adjustable rate mortgages, ARMs, still a good choice for buyers in certain situations. Story |
| Buying a home for a college student -- It's not quite as popular on campus as tattoos, but some parents are finding it makes financial sense to buy their children housing near college. Story |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| Plan carefully when avoiding probate -- A letter underscores the dangers that lurk when structuring assets to avoid probate, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Roth IRA requires earned income -- You need earned income to be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| $50 is enough to start retirement fund -- A little savings is just enough to start funding a retirement kitty, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Retirement Channel news
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| Savings |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here's a look at the state of interest rates on five common consumer banking products and the latest rates from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| Credit unions weather tough market -- Credit unions have been affected by the tight credit market, but most may be getting through the current landscape in fairly good shape. Story |
| CD can boost returns of emergency fund -- Parking your emergency fund in a CD may pay off, says Dr. Don Taylor, but review the prepayment penalties. Story |
-- More Savings news
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| Small business |
| 4 ways to make cash online -- If today's economy has left you in need of extra cash, use the Internet to bring home extra bacon. Story |
| 12 ways to make your house a cash cow -- Here are a dozen ways to turn your house into a money-making machine. Story |
| 7 tips for retirement entrepreneurs -- Starting a small business can add green to your golden years, but also presents special challenges. Story |
-- More Small business news
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| Special reports |
| Understanding credit scores -- Understanding the factors that go into your credit score will help you manage it. Story |
| Small business tax breaks -- Being your own boss is great. And, in many cases, there even are tax advantages. Story |
| Sending out a tax SOS -- How to get tax help by phone, Internet or from a human being. Story |
-- More Special reports news
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| Taxes |
| Dodging double taxation -- Germany has a tax treaty with the U.S., which will help employees avoid double taxation, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Selling demutualized shares -- Good news for shareholders in a converted insurance company, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Actual tax rates may vary -- Long-term capital gains rates are the same under AMT, but phaseouts could change your rate, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
-- More Taxes news
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