News Archive
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| 2006 Taxes |
| Filling in tax record gaps -- To approve that loan, your banker wants a copy of an old return. Here's how to track down tax documents you already trashed. Story |
| Tax record-keeping tips -- Don't drown under tons of old tax forms. Here are the records to keep and the best ways to save them. Story |
| How to fight the IRS -- Don't get into a battle with the tax collector until you know your appeal rights. Story |
-- More 2006 Taxes news
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| 2007 Financial Literacy |
| 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 |
| Ways to pay off a big tax bill -- The IRS does offer several payment options. But do file your taxes or you'll owe huge penalties. Story |
| Taxes necessary, but not necessarily fair -- Most Americans feel that it is their duty to pay their fair share of taxes, yet many also believe that the tax system is skewed to benefit the rich. Story |
-- More 2007 Financial Literacy news
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| 2008 Financial Literacy |
| Who are the real perpetrators? -- Credit card issuers and credit reporting agencies are as much to blame as the thieves for the problem of identity fraud, says author Bob Sullivan. Story |
| What do you do to protect against ID theft? -- Gauge your level of fear or complacency on the subject versus that of other Americans. Story |
| Hire identity theft help or do-it-yourself -- Want to reduce the risk of becoming the next victim? You can hire identity theft protection services or take measures to help yourself. Story |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| Annuity may be poor choice for mother -- An annuity should not be used to replace the dividend stream of a woman's insurance stock, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Bad economy sinking luxury-car values -- People nearing the end of their luxury-car lease may be in for an unpleasant surprise, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Laws prohibit abusive collector tactics -- An abusive collector may be running afoul of state and federal law, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| Auto loans |
| Bad economy sinking luxury-car values -- People nearing the end of their luxury-car lease may be in for an unpleasant surprise, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Laws prohibit abusive collector tactics -- An abusive collector may be running afoul of state and federal law, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Lender offers bizarre advice to couple -- A couple unhappy with a loan will have to deal with the finance company, 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 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 |
| Keep intention clear when voiding check -- Voiding a check is a simple matter, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Bank failures: How bad will it be? -- Some banks may be at risk of failing in the wake of the credit crunch and loan losses. How safe is your money? Story |
| What happens when a bank fails? -- Bank failures may be on the rise. What happens to your account if your bank closes? We asked David Barr, spokesman for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, about the procedure. Story |
-- More Checking and ATMs news
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| College financing |
| Sallie Mae error hurt borrowers' credit -- A change in how Sallie Mae reported to credit reporting agencies has caused the credit scores of loan holders to plummet in days. Here's what to do if you've been affected. Story |
| 4 options for leftover 529 plan money -- There are four main options for dealing with leftover 529 plan money, says the College Money Guru. Story |
| Tuition tax 'double dip' may be legal -- A possible loophole may make one type of tuition tax "double dipping" legal, says the College Money Guru. Story |
-- More College financing news
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| Credit cards |
| 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 |
| Late payments haunt credit for years -- Paying off your card is great, but late payments have a longer credit legacy, 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 |
-- More Credit cards news
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| Credit management |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| 5 rules for thriving in a bad economy -- Follow these five rules for smoother sailing in choppy economic waters. Story |
| Late payments haunt credit for years -- Paying off your card is great, but late payments have a longer credit legacy, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Credit management news
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| Credit repair |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Late payments haunt credit for years -- Paying off your card is great, but late payments have a longer credit legacy, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| Sallie Mae error hurt borrowers' credit -- A change in how Sallie Mae reported to credit reporting agencies has caused the credit scores of loan holders to plummet in days. Here's what to do if you've been affected. Story |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| Credit unions |
| Putting all your CD eggs in one basket -- It's not a good idea to have all your savings in one place, says Dr. Don. Story |
| Deposit safe if FDIC insured -- Dr. Don advises a reader who worries that mortgage securities problems threaten his deposits. Story |
| Checking out credit union's safety -- Your shares are insured, just like with FDIC, says Dr. Don. Story |
-- More Credit unions news
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| Debt consolidation |
| Cash-out refinancing vs. home equity loans -- Tapping your equity through a cash-out refi can be a savvy move depending on your needs, interest rates and current mortgage. Both tap equity but in different ways. Story |
| Credit card vulture swoops in after disaster -- Experts say "work with your lender" if you know you'll miss a payment due to a disaster. Unfortunately, some lenders don't care, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Free household budgeting tool -- Don't know how to start a written budget? Download this free Bankrate household budgeting tool to get started. Story |
-- More Debt consolidation news
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| Exclusive: 2008 CD study |
| Detailed results of the 2008 CD study -- 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 |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Swimming up a debt waterfall? Try this -- Small steps can give you the energy to tackle a big debt, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Ask collector for proof of debt payoff -- Protect yourself by requesting written proof of a debt payoff, 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: Sara Evans -- This country singer tops the charts, but success hasn't stopped her from shopping at Target. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: George Carlin -- This comedic talent has led the evolution of the funny business for 50 years. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Cheryl Ladd -- Former television "Angel" now hangs out in "Vegas." Story |
-- More Fame & Fortune news
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| Frugal U |
| Plant a garden, harvest savings -- Gardening can save you money on fruits and vegetables -- if you do it right. Story |
| Utility payment plans have some flaws -- Equal payments may sound like a great idea, but watch out that you don't get hit with a surprise bill at the end of the year. Story |
| A Frugal shopper's best tip -- Planning ahead helps our winner save both money and time. Story |
-- More Frugal U news
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| Home equity |
| HELOC is not interest-only forever -- A home equity line of credit does not remain interest-only forever, 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Interactive: Match project, budget, skills -- Anyone who's ever owned a home has looked for ways to improve it. This interactive tool lets you choose home projects by price, room and skill level. Story |
-- More Home improvement news
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| Insurance |
| Health plan pitfalls to watch for -- Some insurance companies dig deep in your past, searching for reasons why they shouldn't pay your claims. Story |
| Retirees face reduced health care benefits -- Retirees cannot count on promises made by employers, in part because the government is letting employers off the hook. The Supreme Court let stand the EEOC's recent ruling, supporting the trend. Story |
| Claims that boost your insurance rates -- Certain types of claims are more likely to boost your insurance rates. Find out which types of damage may raise red flags. Story |
-- More Insurance news
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| Investing |
| Time to buy gold? -- With the economy in trouble, should you turn to precious metals? Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Delta Burke -- This actress learned lessons about life and finances the hard way. Story |
| Buying mutual funds: load or no-load? -- Before investing in funds, it makes sense to understand ALL the fees, and whether advisers add any value. Story |
-- More Investing news
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| Money markets |
| Money market funds weathering the storm -- Despite some troubled investments, money market funds are still considered a safe haven and attract investors' money. Story |
| CD can boost returns of emergency fund -- Parking your emergency fund in a CD may pay off, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Fate of single-state funds uncertain -- An upcoming Supreme Court decision will determine the fate of single-state municipal bond funds, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Money markets news
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| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| Here come conforming jumbos -- Lenders just might be getting serious about underwriting the new conforming jumbo mortgages for more than $417k. Story |
| Here come conforming jumbos -- Lenders just might be getting serious about underwriting the new conforming jumbo mortgages for more than $417k. Story |
| The scoop on rates -- If you're a diligent Bankrate reader, you already know that long-term fixed rates dipped this week, after three straight weeks of small rate rises. Story |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| Home sellers find FSBO help online -- "For sale by owner" companies offer the promise of lower costs when selling your home. 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 |
| Jumbo loan rates finally decline -- The interest rates for jumbo mortgage loans are coming down, but standards for qualifying are much tighter. Story |
-- More Mortgages news
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| Online banking |
| Keep intention clear when voiding check -- Voiding a check is a simple matter, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Explore options when saving abroad -- Americans have options for tapping the higher yields of foreign savings accounts, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Banking convenience may come at price -- The convenience of one-stop financial services can come at a cost, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Online banking news
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| Personal finance |
| Time to buy gold? -- With the economy in trouble, should you turn to precious metals? Story |
| Plant a garden, harvest savings -- Gardening can save you money on fruits and vegetables -- if you do it right. Story |
| Utility payment plans have some flaws -- Equal payments may sound like a great idea, but watch out that you don't get hit with a surprise bill at the end of the year. Story |
-- More Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| Card issuers made how much? -- The total revenues for 2007 were $117.76 billion, up from $114.99 billion in 2006. Story |
| Rebate? Pay down credit cards! -- Readers share their ideas on what to do with the tax rebate. Story |
| Give every time you swipe? -- I just read a press release about something called CharityChex, a credit card processing system that allows a payer to donate to a specific charity through a retailer at the point of sale. 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 |
| 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 |
-- More Rate Trend Index news
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| Real estate |
| 30-city home sale outlook -- All real estate is local, so Bankrate's panel of experts examined current conditions and the outlook in large, medium and small cities across the country. Story |
| Skyrocketing escrow payment needs look -- A $900 increase in monthly escrow fees demands investigation, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Study: State of nation's home values -- Get a complete look at the real estate values of existing homes and condos for the past quarter as the National Association of Realtors releases their data. How did your home fare? Story |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| Annuity may be poor choice for mother -- An annuity should not be used to replace the dividend stream of a woman's insurance stock, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Raising grandchildren? You have options -- If you find yourself in the role of caregiver again, be sure to tap the plentiful resources available to you. Story |
| Fear can cripple retirement planning -- Too many people avoid retirement investing because they fear bad choices, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Retirement Channel news
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| Savings |
| Plant a garden, harvest savings -- Gardening can save you money on fruits and vegetables -- if you do it right. 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 |
| 12 ways to make your house a cash cow -- Here are a dozen ways to turn your house into a money-making machine. Story |
-- More Savings news
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| Small business |
| 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 |
| Tax record-keeping tips -- Don't drown under tons of old tax forms. Here are the records to keep and the best ways to save them. Story |
-- More Small business news
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| Special reports |
| 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 |
| Stupid human tax tricks -- Filing errors that seem minor can cost you major dollars. Story |
-- More Special reports news
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| Taxes |
| Deferring tax on condemned rental -- Owners of condemned rental real estate can defer capital gains if they purchase another rental, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Preparing for a tax audit -- You got that dreaded IRS letter? Don't panic, just prepare. Story |
| Tax rebate confusion -- The tax rebate is a gift, not an advance on your 2008 taxes, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
-- More Taxes news
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