News Archive
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| 2006 Taxes |
| Estimated tax deadline looms -- Some folks face fall tax chores as their fourth 1040ES payment is due September 15. Story |
| 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 |
| Don't dump that old car, donate it -- Even with tighter donation rules, that jalopy may be a valuable tax deduction, and charities like your old vehicle. Story |
-- More 2006 Taxes news
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| 2007 Financial Literacy |
| Making home equity work for you -- Home equity loans are no longer heavily marketed, but borrowers can still get them under certain conditions. Story |
| Growing your bottom line -- In our 17th installment on Financial Literacy, Bankrate weighs in on tax-savvy strategies for saving and investing, and proves that taking incremental steps can lead to a solid financial base over time. Story |
| Lucky 13 savings strategies -- You can control your finances and build up savings with these 13 easy-to-follow tips. Story |
-- More 2007 Financial Literacy news
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| 2008 Financial Literacy |
| 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 |
| Choosing an investment strategy -- Money managers try to beat the market by using one of several strategies, including fundamental and technical analyses. Story |
| Family refinances into fixed-rate loan -- This couple made some moves to free up cash, which enabled them to shed their dreadful option ARM. Story |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| 7 ways to avoid buying a used-car lemon -- Some 40 million used cars will change hands this year. How can you be sure the one you buy is not a lemon? Story |
| Answers to 6 key refinance questions -- Dr. Don Taylor answers 6 key frequently asked question about the mortgage refinancing process. Story |
| Fine print may zap long-term car warranty -- Long warranties often have so many disclaimers as to make them worthless when you really need them. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| Auto loans |
| 7 ways to avoid buying a used-car lemon -- Some 40 million used cars will change hands this year. How can you be sure the one you buy is not a lemon? Story |
| Fine print may zap long-term car warranty -- Long warranties often have so many disclaimers as to make them worthless when you really need them. Story |
| Hire your own appraiser in insurance fight -- Disagree with the insurance company's adjuster? Get your own appraisal, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Auto loans news
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| Banking and the economy |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| The Fed's mortgage moves -- The Fed's decision to buy mortgage securities has lowered rates. Story |
| Many ways to check bank's FDIC status -- It should be easy to determine if a bank is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. 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 |
| Put the brakes on holiday spending -- Tips for reining in holiday expenses without losing your holiday spirit. Story |
| What happens to accounts if the bank fails? -- A disruption in service can be more than a hassle. Find out what happens to typical accounts when a bank fails. Story |
| ATM surcharges and fees on the rise -- Bankrate's 2008 checking study shows another record-high year for fees on everything from ATM use to bounced checks. 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 |
| Closing 529 plan triggers tax headaches -- The decision to close down a 529 plan may end market losses. But it creates the potential for tax headaches. Story |
| Tax breaks that help you get ahead -- Tax deductions or credits encourage Americans to own a home, get a college education and save for retirement. Story |
-- More College financing news
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| Credit cards |
| 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 are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| Put the brakes on holiday spending -- Tips for reining in holiday expenses without losing your holiday spirit. 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 or help your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Stress-free holiday shopping -- The crowds and the hassle need not ruin your holiday. Here are ways to make it fun. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Credit management news
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| Credit repair |
| 'Awesome' husband awful with money -- Author Brad Klontz offers suggestions for how a couple can keep their marriage insulated from money woes. Story |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt or help your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Debtors who pay still eligible for help -- You don't need to fall behind in debt payments before seeking help from a credit counselor. Story |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| 'Awesome' husband awful with money -- Author Brad Klontz offers suggestions for how a couple can keep their marriage insulated from money woes. Story |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt or help your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Debtors who pay still eligible for help -- You don't need to fall behind in debt payments before seeking help from a credit counselor. Story |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| Credit unions |
| Video: Credit union branches expanding -- New credit union networks making joining one more convenient. Story |
| Deposit insurance increases at credit unions -- A recent law expands insurance coverage on deposits to $250,000, but credit unions offer other compelling reasons to join. Story |
| Credit unions help young adults save -- Credit unions can be a great choice for savers with little money and a thin credit history. 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 |
| Defend yourself against debt collectors -- Even if you owe a company money, you have rights -- and it pays to know what they are. Story |
| Defend yourself against debt collectors -- Even if you owe a company money, you have rights -- and it pays to know what they are. 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 |
| 'Awesome' husband awful with money -- Author Brad Klontz offers suggestions for how a couple can keep their marriage insulated from money woes. Story |
| Debtors who pay still eligible for help -- You don't need to fall behind in debt payments before seeking help from a credit counselor. Story |
| Budget can help tame runaway spending -- Creating a budget and sticking to it is the best way to turn the tide on runaway spending, 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: Marilu Henner -- Health-conscious actress and author shops in her own home for recycled Christmas gifts this year. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Al Franken -- Swapping his Harvard education in political science for a career in comedy, this liberal icon is a real conservative when it comes to his money. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Al Franken -- Swapping his Harvard education in political science for a career in comedy, this liberal icon is a real conservative when it comes to his money. Story |
-- More Fame & Fortune news
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| Fame & Fortune (Use this) |
| No records for this selection |
-- More Fame & Fortune (Use this) news
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| Frugal U |
| 8 tips for online coupon clipping -- Coupons can help you save up to 30 percent off your bills with a solid online strategy. Story |
| Saving with online coupons -- Today, you don't have to accept what's in the paper every week. There are plenty of online coupons that are a click away. Story |
| Put the brakes on holiday spending -- Tips for reining in holiday expenses without losing your holiday spirit. Story |
-- More Frugal U news
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| Home equity |
| 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 are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| Paying down HELOC may trigger freeze -- Rushing to pay down a home equity line of credit opens you to the risk that the HELOC will be frozen. Story |
-- More Home equity news
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| Home improvement |
| Video: An energy audit could save you money -- When it comes to your energy bills, an audit is actually good. Story |
| 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 |
| Green interior design -- Save money by using green principles for interior design. Story |
-- More Home improvement news
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| Insurance |
| Finding help with health care for your pet -- Medical care for pets can get very expensive, but there are programs and places that can help. Story |
| The new look of retirement -- Researcher Olivia S. Mitchell, Ph.D., discusses results from one the most comprehensive aging studies ever undertaken. Story |
| Is an HSA right for your family? -- A health savings account can provide big savings, but not if your family visits the doctor often. Story |
-- More Insurance news
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| Investing |
| Fame & Fortune: Marilu Henner -- Health-conscious actress and author shops in her own home for recycled Christmas gifts this year. Story |
| Maximizing your 401(k) contribution -- Save income tax, and set your 401(k) contributions to maximize your employer's match, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Choosing an investment strategy -- Money managers try to beat the market by using one of several strategies, including fundamental and technical analyses. Story |
-- More Investing news
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| Money markets |
| Some money markets insured -- For a short period of time, the U.S. government is granting insurance coverage to some money market funds. Story |
| No-penalty CDs: Good deal or not? -- If you want the safe haven of a CD and access to your money, make sure to shop for the best yields. Story |
| Will Fed rate cut affect money fund yields? -- In this volatile financial environment, it's anyone's guess how money market mutual fund yields will perform. Story |
-- More Money markets news
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| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| Thumb sprain, 20/20 hindsight -- A reader wonders if he got a good deal on a mortgage. Story |
| Jobs for Realtors -- A strong Realtor lobby group wants the Treasury to act on its plan to boost home sales. Story |
| What's with jumbo conforming? -- A reader from the Bay area wonders why jumbo conforming rates have remained high. Story |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| 4 things to know before you refinance -- Before you rush to refi, take these steps to determine if the move will be good for you. Story |
| Answers to 6 key refinance questions -- Dr. Don Taylor answers 6 key frequently asked question about the mortgage refinancing process. Story |
| Know-your-mortgage work sheet -- Can't keep terms, conditions on your ARM straight? Use this work sheet to pull the key information together. Story |
-- More Mortgages news
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| Online banking |
| 14 financial horror stories -- These crooks and scamsters can haunt your wallet any day of the year. Story |
| Phishing e-mails getting more sophisticated, targeted -- While the actual volume of phishing attacks has gone down, the number of unique phishing attacks has gone up. Story |
| Online tools can help manage money -- Combine social networking with budgeting tools and you get Web sites for those who want to follow their money. Story |
-- More Online banking news
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| Personal finance |
| 8 tips for online coupon clipping -- Coupons can help you save up to 30 percent off your bills with a solid online strategy. Story |
| Answers to 6 key refinance questions -- Dr. Don Taylor answers 6 key frequently asked question about the mortgage refinancing process. Story |
| Saving with online coupons -- Today, you don't have to accept what's in the paper every week. There are plenty of online coupons that are a click away. Story |
-- More Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| More on Chase monthly fee -- Some clarification on the new Chase monthly fee. Story |
| Chase adds fee, ups minimum -- If you have a Chase card and have been carrying a sizable balance for more than two years, you can expect to be paying more each month. Story |
| Citi to raise APRs -- Citigroup cardholders who haven't had their rates raised in two to three years have a surprise in store for them -- higher interest rates! 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 |
| 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 |
| Home sales tax for foreigners -- "Mixed marriages" and real estate sales may result in a 10-percent tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Video: Spotting a housing turnaround -- Check supply and demand to see if the housing market is set for a rebound. Story |
| Buying bank-owned property -- There can be obstacles to buying REO homes, so it's best to hire an expert buyer's agent, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| 23-year-old earning $180k seeks advice -- A graduate earning $180,000 has several options for places to stash all that newly earned cash. Story |
| Video: 401(k) fees -- Before you sign up for the company retirement plan, check the fees! Story |
| Roth IRA can be 'one and done' -- There is no obligation to continue funding a Roth IRA year after year, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Retirement Channel news
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| Savings |
| Interest Rate Roundup -- Here are the latest interest rates and commentary on five common consumer banking products from Bankrate.com's weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts. Story |
| 4 ways employers cut commuting costs -- Creative employees and businesses have found four ways to cut daily commuting costs. Story |
| 23-year-old earning $180k seeks advice -- A graduate earning $180,000 has several options for places to stash all that newly earned cash. 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 |
| Business startup costs that shock new owners -- Small business owners share the nasty surprises they experienced, and experts explain how to minimize such costs. 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 Small business news
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| Special reports |
| 6 tips for savvy holiday shipping -- Here's how to determine what shipping options will get your gifts to their destination safely, on time and without busting your budget. Story |
| 7 best holiday budget busters -- Retailers are pulling out all the stops to get you to overspend this holiday season. Here are seven surefire ways to make it easy for them. Story |
| Understanding credit scores -- Understanding the factors that go into your credit score will help you manage it. Story |
-- More Special reports news
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| Taxes |
| 10 year-end tax moves to make -- The year is quickly winding down, but you still have time to take tax action that could cut your IRS bill. Story |
| Home sales tax for foreigners -- "Mixed marriages" and real estate sales may result in a 10-percent tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| 4 ways employers cut commuting costs -- Creative employees and businesses have found four ways to cut daily commuting costs. Story |
-- More Taxes news
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