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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
-- More 2007 Financial Literacy news
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| 2008 Financial Literacy |
| Celebrities talk money and retirement -- Celebrities ranging from Karen Allen to Randy Quaid talk about investing and retirement issues. Story |
| Congratulations! You're retired. Now what? -- Saving for retirement is easy compared to what comes next: converting your savings to an income that lasts for your lifetime. Story |
| 8 tips to protect your personal information -- Keeping crooks in the dark about your birth date, account numbers and mother's maiden name is essential. Story |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| Claiming tax-exempt status -- Even students and dependents are not exempt from income tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| FDIC 99-year payment rule is urban myth -- The notion that the FDIC has 99 years to pay depositors is an urban legend, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Prepay mortgage if you fear risk -- Your risk tolerance level determines whether prepaying the mortgage is wise, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| Auto loans |
| 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 |
| Dealer incentive could make loan costly -- Dealers may be financially motivated to give you a costly loan, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Few creative ways to ditch gas hog -- In some cases, dumping a gas hog is not financially viable, 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 |
| Readers sound off on oil, credit -- The Fed may talk tough about inflation, but realistically, any interest rate hikes are likely to be months away. Story |
| 'Lost' check will clear bank eventually -- A check credited to a payee's account eventually will be debited from the payor, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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 |
| FDIC 99-year payment rule is urban myth -- The notion that the FDIC has 99 years to pay depositors is an urban legend, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Defend yourself against a failing bank -- After IndyMac and with banking troubles continuing, you need to know what to do to be sure your money is insured, and what steps to take in the event of a failure. Story |
| 'Lost' check will clear bank eventually -- A check credited to a payee's account eventually will be debited from the payor, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Checking and ATMs news
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| College financing |
| Choosing college meal plans and housing -- You don't need a degree to choose among college meal and housing options. Here's how to sort through the maze. Story |
| Doing the student loan shuffle -- The credit crunch has extended to the student loan market, leaving many students wondering how they'll get funds. Story |
| Help on the horizon for college costs? -- With the credit crunch hitting student loans and costs soaring, paying for college is daunting. But there may be a few rays of hope. 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 |
| 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 Credit cards news
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| Credit management |
| What, exactly, is 'good' credit -- Like treasure and trash, what constitutes a "good" credit score depends on whom you ask. Story |
| 5-step plan for a better credit score -- So you've made mistakes. These five steps will help you restore the luster to your credit rating. Story |
| Perfect score: Unrealistic and unnecessary -- While it's theoretically possible to get a perfect credit score, there's really nothing to be gained by it. Story |
-- More Credit management news
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| Credit repair |
| Pay credit minimum to avoid disaster -- Failing to pay the minimum on your credit card is a maximum error, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| 11 myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information, what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you. Story |
| Better credit improves job prospects -- Working to improve your credit score can boost the odds of landing a job, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| Pay credit minimum to avoid disaster -- Failing to pay the minimum on your credit card is a maximum error, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| 11 myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information, what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you. Story |
| Better credit improves job prospects -- Working to improve your credit score can boost the odds of landing a job, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| Credit unions |
| Insured credit union accounts are safe -- Your money is safe in credit union accounts backed by the NCUSIF, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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 |
| Video: Credit unions could save you money -- Although you must qualify to join a credit union, you may find good rates if you borrow or save. Story |
-- More Credit unions news
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| Debt consolidation |
| Can bankruptcy help you? -- Bankruptcy is a tough road, best reserved for those who don't have any other options. Story |
| The dangers of debt consolidation -- Are you tempted to take out one big loan to pay off all those other nagging debts? Before you bundle your bills, check out the pros and cons of these consolidation options. Story |
| 401(k) hardship withdrawals on the rise -- Cash-strapped employees are turning to their retirement plans for help. Will they start investing after the crisis passes? 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 |
| Pay credit minimum to avoid disaster -- Failing to pay the minimum on your credit card is a maximum error, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Better credit improves job prospects -- Working to improve your credit score can boost the odds of landing a job, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Fine print hides convenience-check cost -- Americans pay when they skip over the fine print of their credit agreements, 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: Macy Gray -- Sultry singer expands her creativity to developing a fashion line for voluptuous women. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Lenny Kravitz -- Grammy-winning musician Lenny Kravitz has designs on a new artistic direction. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Al Roker -- Jovial "Today" weatherman shows a serious business side with his production company. Story |
-- More Fame & Fortune news
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| Frugal U |
| Extreme savers share their secrets -- There are savers, and then there are uber savers -- people who really take it seriously. Story |
| How do I transfer a balance? -- A step-by-step guide for switching to a better credit card Story |
| Paying off high credit card debt -- Here are several approaches -- just pick one and do it to get out of debt. 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 |
| Appraisal may reverse equity freeze -- A home appraisal may convince a lender to reverse a home equity freeze, 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 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 |
| Finding your own claims adjuster -- Get somebody on your side to fight the insurance company. Story |
| 10 ways to cut health care costs -- Consumers can take charge of their health by comparison shopping before receiving treatment. Story |
| Just the facts on life insurance -- Learn how to determine the differences among policies, who qualifies, and what to look out for. Story |
-- More Insurance news
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| Investing |
| GSE bonds can boost cash flow -- Looking for higher bond yield in these low-rate times? Bonds from government-sponsored enterprises may be an answer -- after a little homework. Story |
| Defend yourself against a failing bank -- After IndyMac and with banking troubles continuing, you need to know what to do to be sure your money is insured, and what steps to take in the event of a failure. Story |
| Investing for seniors -- Let an expert design the perfect portfolio for you as a senior as you hang onto your money and enjoy retirement. Story |
-- More Investing news
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| Money markets |
| FDIC: Safety net for your savings -- Our special report explains how the FDIC protects deposits and what you need to know to keep your investments secure. Story |
| Money market no substitute for checking -- The limitations of a money market account make it a poor substitute for a checking account, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Money market funds weathering the storm -- Despite some troubled investments, money market funds are still considered a safe haven and attract investors' money. Story |
-- More Money markets news
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| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| Rates shoot up, then fall a bit -- Mortgage rates reached their highest level in a year in Bankrate's weekly survey, conducted yesterday. Story |
| Rates rise rapidly -- Mortgage rates have been rocketing upward the past few days, to levels they haven't seen since this time last year. Story |
| Rates rise rapidly -- Mortgage rates have been rocketing upward the past few days, to levels they haven't seen since this time last year. Story |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| 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 |
| Mortgage rates rise to highest level in a year -- Mortgage rates took a big jump this week, to their highest point in a year. There's no single explanation for the rise. Story |
| Prepay mortgage if you fear risk -- Your risk tolerance level determines whether prepaying the mortgage is wise, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Mortgages news
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| Online banking |
| 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 |
| Explore options when saving abroad -- Americans have options for tapping the higher yields of foreign savings accounts, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Online banking news
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| Personal finance |
| 10 major myths about living green -- When it comes to selecting greener choices, sometimes it's difficult to separate fact from fiction. Story |
| Investing for seniors -- Let an expert design the perfect portfolio for you as a senior as you hang onto your money and enjoy retirement. Story |
| Celebrities talk money and retirement -- Celebrities ranging from Karen Allen to Randy Quaid talk about investing and retirement issues. Story |
-- More Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| Affinity cards for small groups -- Affinity credit cards -- those are the ones that are allied with alumni groups, sporting organizations and so on -- have been in circulation for the past 20-odd years. Story |
| Good credit can save money -- New study finds less than 31 percent of Americans understand what credit scores mean. Story |
| Gas stations drop credit cards -- Some gas stations are not accepting credit cards because of the high fees they have to pay. 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 |
| 'Average' buyer can't afford home -- Between a rock and a hard place, the would be homebuyer with median income can’t qualify for median-priced home. Story |
| Home sellers sing 'buyer's market blues' -- Even calling it a "buyer's market" hasn't brought out the buyers, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
| Trading one vacation home for another -- The IRS allows vacation homeowners to save taxes through like-kind exchanges, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| Bloated array of ETFs results in liquidations -- Exchange-traded funds have proven to be very popular, but their popularity has led to the market being swamped with them. Now some investors are finding their funds are closing. 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 |
| 4 options that improve a 401(k) plan -- Convincing your company to add these four 401(k) options may help you diversify and boost returns. Story |
-- More Retirement Channel news
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| Savings |
| FDIC 99-year payment rule is urban myth -- The notion that the FDIC has 99 years to pay depositors is an urban legend, 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 |
| Defend yourself against a failing bank -- After IndyMac and with banking troubles continuing, you need to know what to do to be sure your money is insured, and what steps to take in the event of a failure. 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 |
| 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 |
| Claiming tax-exempt status -- Even students and dependents are not exempt from income tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Deductible IRA income limits -- Income limits rule for spouses who want to contribute to a deductible IRA, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Deducting rental real estate losses -- Some of the losses from rental real estate can offset passive income, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
-- More Taxes news
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