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 |
| The lowdown on Medicare coverage -- This primer on the government health plan for retirees age 65 and up explains your options. Story |
| Managing health care in retirement -- The big unknown is how much you'll need for rising health care costs. Estimates from the financial industry run high. Story |
| Are you on track with your retirement? -- Whether you're just starting out or in mid-career, it helps to know how much you need to save. Check out this road map. Story |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| Car loan chains woman to freeloading ex -- A woman is stuck with her ex's poor payment history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Dealer woes put buyers in driver's seat -- A summer of crazy car news has left buyers in the driver's seat, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Lender can sue after voluntary repo -- A voluntary repossession is more trouble than it's worth, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| Auto loans |
| Car loan chains woman to freeloading ex -- A woman is stuck with her ex's poor payment history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Dealer woes put buyers in driver's seat -- A summer of crazy car news has left buyers in the driver's seat, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| How far on a tank of gas? -- Miles per gallon is a key figure, but other variables affect how far you can go between fillups. This fun interactive pinpoints the answer for your car. 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 |
| Banks respond to demand for CDs -- Bank failures have caused nervous customers to jump to certificates of deposit, and rates are up. Story |
| Federal Reserve stands pat -- The Federal Reserve leaves rates unchanged as it decides to take a wait-and-see approach to the economy. 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 |
| 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 |
| 'Switch kits' help depositors jump ship -- A new marketing tool makes it easier to transfer depositor information to a new bank. Story |
| FDIC sheds light on closing of IndyMac -- An FDIC official discusses the panic over the closing of the bank and answers key questions customers have about banking services now. Story |
-- More Checking and ATMs news
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| College financing |
| ABCDs of tuition reimbursement -- Know the tuition-reimbursement alphabet before asking your employer to pay for school. Story |
| Hiring adviser may increase 529 expense -- A DIY approach to selecting a 529 plan may save you money, says the College Money Guru. Story |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| Escape the debt trap -- Drowning in debt? Keep a cool head and carefully weigh your options. One of these five choices could be your ticket out. Story |
| Protect your credit cards from the crunch -- Credit card issuers aren't handing cards to just anyone these days. Here are seven ways to stay in the credit card game. Story |
-- More Credit cards news
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| Credit management |
| Keep retirement funds, debt separate -- Don't tap into retirement savings to pay down credit card debt, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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 |
| Debt negotiators can crush your credit -- Debt negotiators could be a big help, but they also could leave you with less money and a worse credit rating. Story |
-- More Credit management news
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| Credit repair |
| Don't fall 90 days late on mortgage -- Pull out all the stops to avoid falling 90 days behind on mortgage payments, says the Debt Adviser. 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 |
| Fix boyfriend's deadbeat finances -- The world is full of good men -- and some actually pay their bills, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| Don't fall 90 days late on mortgage -- Pull out all the stops to avoid falling 90 days behind on mortgage payments, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Fix boyfriend's deadbeat finances -- The world is full of good men -- and some actually pay their bills, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Old plastic pumps up credit score -- Holding on to old credit cards can help keep your FICO score high, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| Credit unions |
| 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 |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| Don't fall 90 days late on mortgage -- Pull out all the stops to avoid falling 90 days behind on mortgage payments, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Fix boyfriend's deadbeat finances -- The world is full of good men -- and some actually pay their bills, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Pay credit minimum to avoid disaster -- Failing to pay the minimum on your credit card is a maximum error, 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: The B-52s -- After 16 years, this '80s pop-disco band's latest CD transports listeners back to the future. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Jennifer Love Hewitt -- The former movie "scream teen" grows up with an appreciation for her acting career. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Alyssa Milano -- This veteran TV actress puts her money where the heart is with her humanitarian efforts. Story |
-- More Fame & Fortune news
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| Frugal U |
| 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 -- Avoid aggravation and beat the airline luggage fees by sending your bags ahead by mail or parcel service. Story |
| Extreme savers share their secrets -- There are savers, and then there are uber savers -- people who really take it seriously. 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 |
| Escape the debt trap -- Drowning in debt? Keep a cool head and carefully weigh your options. One of these five choices could be your ticket out. Story |
| No grace period on simple interest loan -- Late payments are costly for borrowers with simple-interest loans, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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 |
| The lowdown on Medicare coverage -- This primer on the government health plan for retirees age 65 and up explains your options. Story |
| 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 |
| Give your HSA account a checkup -- Health savings account plan premiums are skyrocketing. It might be time to shop around. Story |
-- More Insurance news
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| Investing |
| Fame & Fortune: The B-52s -- After 16 years, this '80s pop-disco band's latest CD transports listeners back to the future. Story |
| 8 safe investing tips -- Our group of experts gives much needed financial advice for when the economy is bad. Story |
| Are you on track with your retirement? -- Whether you're just starting out or in mid-career, it helps to know how much you need to save. Check out this road map. 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 |
| Cue 'Gonna Fly Now' -- Bankrate's new study of closing costs shows New York tops the list. Story |
| Reader Q & A -- Questions about rates and effect of foreclosures on condo owners. Story |
| Looking for loopholes in the law -- As always, the new housing bill will encourage unintended behavior. Story |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| Mortgage penalty unlikely to vanish -- A borrower hoping to escape a prepayment penalty is likely out of luck, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| 2008 State-by-state closing costs -- New York continues to have the highest closing costs in the nation. See what you'll pay in your state. Story |
| 2008 state-by-state ranking -- Closing costs for the states and regions surveyed are ranked and compared with last year's ranks. 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 |
| ABCDs of tuition reimbursement -- Know the tuition-reimbursement alphabet before asking your employer to pay for school. Story |
| The lowdown on Medicare coverage -- This primer on the government health plan for retirees age 65 and up explains your options. 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 Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| Swiping down, credit limits cut -- Credit card analysts have found that people are using their cards less and they are having trouble paying the balances. Story |
| Charge your mortgage -- A firm called ChargeSmart lets you pay your mortgage, auto and student loan and utility bills online with a credit card. Story |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| 2008 State-by-state closing costs -- New York continues to have the highest closing costs in the nation. See what you'll pay in your state. Story |
| 2008 state-by-state ranking -- Closing costs for the states and regions surveyed are ranked and compared with last year's ranks. Story |
| Closing costs study tools -- Closing costs are just part of the price of purchasing a home. Here are some helpful real estate resources. Story |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| The lowdown on Medicare coverage -- This primer on the government health plan for retirees age 65 and up explains your options. Story |
| Resist the urge to splurge -- Americans have a lot of saving to do to make up for their spending frenzy of the past 20 years, says guest columnist Bud Hebeler. Story |
| Rules allow short-term IRA withdrawal -- You can take money from an IRA for a short time without tax consequences, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Retirement Channel news
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| Savings |
| 12 ways to make your house a cash cow -- Here are a dozen ways to turn your house into a money-making machine. 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 |
| Resist the urge to splurge -- Americans have a lot of saving to do to make up for their spending frenzy of the past 20 years, says guest columnist Bud Hebeler. 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 |
| ABCDs of tuition reimbursement -- Know the tuition-reimbursement alphabet before asking your employer to pay for school. Story |
| Can casino comps be offset by losses? -- Figuring whether to include casino comps as taxable income is like playing roulette, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Oil profits and high gas prices don't mix -- An irate reader takes Shell and the IRS to task. CPA George Saenz advises moving on. Story |
-- More Taxes news
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