| News Archive Advice | Auto loans | Banking and the economy | Beating Bankruptcy Blog | Book review | Checking and ATMs | College financing | Credit cards | Credit management | Credit repair | Credit reports and credit scores | Credit unions | Debt consolidation | Exclusive: 2008 CD study | Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study | Fame & Fortune | Frugal U | Home equity | Home improvement | Insurance | Investing | Money markets | Mortgage Matters Blog | Mortgages | Online banking | Personal finance | Plastic Rap Blog | Rate Trend Index | Real estate | Retirement Channel | Savings | Small business | Special reports | Taxes | |
| Advice |
| When to claim credit for the kids -- The child care credit is not meant to subsidize education, but to allow parents to work, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| 'Soft inquiry' won't hurt credit score -- Creditors who look at your credit report do not see soft inquiries, which do not damage your FICO score. Story |
| Working with a trustee in bankruptcy -- In Chapter 7, you must disclose all payments to creditors and family members to the trustee, says the Bankruptcy Adviser. Story |
| -- More Advice news Back to top |
| Auto loans |
| Buyer waiting for car may cancel deal -- A dealer who has failed to deliver a car may be jeopardizing the sale, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Car payments help rebuild credit -- Making car payments on time will help rebuild a credit score, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Certified cars offer peace of mind -- Certified cars may cost more, but they offer reassurance, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| -- More Auto loans news Back to top |
| Banking and the economy |
| Week of economic data awaits -- This is the first full week of 2009 and there will be a full plate of economic data to digest. Story |
| Tips to cope with the economy in 2009 -- Bankrate's senior financial analyst explains the best way to approach your finances in the coming year. Story |
| '08 predictions revisited -- With 2008 officially in the books, it is time to review -- and I've been dreading this -- my predictions for 2008. Story |
| -- More Banking and the economy news Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| Checking and ATMs |
| Software offers alternative to direct deposit -- Cutting-edge technology called "remote deposit capture" offers help for employees who don't have direct deposit. Story |
| 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 |
| -- More Checking and ATMs news Back to top |
| College financing |
| 6 ways to save on continuing education -- When it comes to applying for college scholarships, retirees have some advantages. Story |
| Pre-paid plans an option for adults -- Working adults should consider prepaid tuition and savings plans when charting a return to college. A sidebar to continuing-ed story Story |
| School closure won't erase loan debt -- Private lenders are not subject to rules that discharge debt in the event of a school's closure. Story |
| -- More College financing news Back to top |
| Credit cards |
| 'Soft inquiry' won't hurt credit score -- Creditors who look at your credit report do not see soft inquiries, which do not damage your FICO score. Story |
| The evolution of credit cards -- The credit card craze started in the mid-20th century and never let up. Upcoming changes promise a bright future. Story |
| How important is credit to you? -- Take this online quiz to see how your feelings about credit cards stack up against those of other Americans. Story |
| -- More Credit cards news Back to top |
| Credit management |
| 9 smart debt strategies in 2009 -- These nine smart debt strategies can keep you from falling into a financial hole during 2009. Story |
| Tips to cope with the economy in 2009 -- Bankrate's senior financial analyst explains the best way to approach your finances in the coming year. Story |
| 9 bankruptcy do's and don'ts in 2009 -- Columnist Justin Harelik offers 9 tips to a smooth filing for bankruptcy protection in 2009. Story |
| -- More Credit management news Back to top |
| Credit repair |
| 'Soft inquiry' won't hurt credit score -- Creditors who look at your credit report do not see soft inquiries, which do not damage your FICO score. Story |
| 9 smart debt strategies in 2009 -- These nine smart debt strategies can keep you from falling into a financial hole during 2009. Story |
| Wife not married to spouse's old debts -- Your spouse's creditors may suggest you are liable for debts incurred prior to marriage. Don't believe it. Story |
| -- More Credit repair news Back to top |
| Credit reports and credit scores |
| 'Soft inquiry' won't hurt credit score -- Creditors who look at your credit report do not see soft inquiries, which do not damage your FICO score. Story |
| 9 smart debt strategies in 2009 -- These nine smart debt strategies can keep you from falling into a financial hole during 2009. Story |
| Wife not married to spouse's old debts -- Your spouse's creditors may suggest you are liable for debts incurred prior to marriage. Don't believe it. Story |
| -- More Credit reports and credit scores news Back to top |
| Credit unions |
| Credit unions help young adults save -- Credit unions can be a great choice for savers with little money and a thin credit history. Story |
| 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 |
| -- More Credit unions news Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| Exclusive: 2008 CD study |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| -- More Exclusive: 2008 CD study news Back to top |
| Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study |
| Wife not married to spouse's old debts -- Your spouse's creditors may suggest you are liable for debts incurred prior to marriage. Don't believe it. Story |
| Team of pros can fix Mom's money woes -- An 82-year-old woman needs professional help to fix her finances, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Protect budget from credit crunch -- Tight credit and a souring economy make it even more important to shore up your finances. Story |
| -- More Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study news Back to top |
| Fame & Fortune |
| Fame & Fortune: Danica Patrick -- It's no surprise that this race car driver's first big financial splurge was a cool set of wheels. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Bobby Flay -- TV chef and restaurant owner has an appetite for mixing business with creativity. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: David Boreanaz -- The lens of the camera reflects more than this actor's career. Collecting them is his indulgence. Story |
| -- More Fame & Fortune news Back to top |
| Frugal U |
| Simplify New Year's resolutions -- Don't make grandiose New Year's resolutions. There shouldn't be many, and the few you make should be simple. Story |
| Selling your gold jewelry -- If you've got gold jewelry you might consider selling it while gold prices are still high. Here's how to do it. Story |
| Waste water, waste money -- Save money and the environment by making changes in how you use water in your home. Story |
| -- More Frugal U news Back to top |
| Home equity |
| 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 |
| High credit scores get top loans -- Your ability to get a loan with the best terms is still based on your credit score, only now it must be higher. 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 |
| -- More Home equity news Back to top |
| Home improvement |
| Waste water, waste money -- Save money and the environment by making changes in how you use water in your home. Story |
| 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 |
| -- More Home improvement news Back to top |
| Insurance |
| 13 smart insurance moves for 2009 -- Insurers and employers will be trimming coverage in the coming year. Here's how to avoid gaps in insurance. Story |
| Understand annuity before you sign -- The wrong time to learn more details about your annuity contract is after you sign on the dotted line. 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 |
| -- More Insurance news Back to top |
| Investing |
| Flee, or stay the financial course? -- Financial planners advise investors not to make hasty decisions in this turbulent and uncertain market. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Danica Patrick -- It's no surprise that this race car driver's first big financial splurge was a cool set of wheels. Story |
| Smart moves for CDs, checking & savings -- Investors are hoping 2009 will provide respite from 2008's economic spiral. Three experts weigh in. Story |
| -- More Investing news Back to top |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| -- More Money markets news Back to top |
| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| Stop venting spew! -- Rates have fallen quite a bit today -- roughly a quarter of a percentage point, it looks like. Credit the government (everybody else is), which has been buying mortgage-backed securities, causing yields to fall and thus, mortgage rates. Story |
| Is the appraiser a blockhead? -- Rates dropped sharply in this week's survey, as the average rate on the 30-year fixed fell 20 basis points, to 5.64 percent. Story |
| 2 tales of 4.5 percent -- Two readers contribute their thoughts on getting 4.5 percent rates for mortgages. Story |
| -- More Mortgage Matters Blog news Back to top |
| Mortgages |
| The best moves in mortgages in 2009 -- 2008 was the year of foreclosures. 2009 will be the year of refinances and mortgage modifications. Story |
| Advantages of a buyer's agent -- An exclusive buyer's agent will keep your best interests in mind, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
| Find the home loan limit for your county -- This map will help you determine what the FHA loan limit is for a single-family home in your county as of Jan. 1, 2009. Story |
| -- More Mortgages news Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| Personal finance |
| School closure won't erase loan debt -- Private lenders are not subject to rules that discharge debt in the event of a school's closure. Story |
| Wife not married to spouse's old debts -- Your spouse's creditors may suggest you are liable for debts incurred prior to marriage. Don't believe it. Story |
| 6 ways to save on continuing education -- When it comes to applying for college scholarships, retirees have some advantages. Story |
| -- More Personal finance news Back to top |
| Plastic Rap Blog |
| Holiday letter to card issuers -- An open letter to card issuers about readers' pet peeves. Story |
| Closed accounts, lower limits -- Closed accounts and lower limits can have a domino effect on your credit score. Story |
| Fed to vote on credit card reforms -- The Fed will vote this Thursday on changes that will protect consumers. Story |
| -- More Plastic Rap Blog news Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| Real estate |
| Advantages of a buyer's agent -- An exclusive buyer's agent will keep your best interests in mind, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
| Is now the time to buy real estate? -- If you've finally found your dream home, don't wait to buy, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
| Buying land in a 'dead zone' -- Former landowner had an obligation to disclose the location of cemetery plots when he sold the land, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
| -- More Real estate news Back to top |
| Retirement Channel |
| Video: Retirement planning in your 40s -- Maximize workplace retirement plans and don't invest too conservatively. Skimp on college savings if necessary. Story |
| Roth IRA beats 401(k) in key ways -- A young worker may find a Roth IRA to be superior to a 401(k) when saving for retirement. Story |
| Surviving a workplace bankruptcy -- Thousands of businesses are shutting down shop and laying off employees. Here's how to protect yourself. Story |
| -- More Retirement Channel news Back to top |
| Savings |
| Surviving a workplace bankruptcy -- Thousands of businesses are shutting down shop and laying off employees. Here's how to protect yourself. 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 |
| 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 |
| -- More Savings news Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| 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 Back to top |
| Taxes |
| When to claim credit for the kids -- The child care credit is not meant to subsidize education, but to allow parents to work, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| FSA benefits for working parents -- Qualified benefits in a flexible spending account include dependent care, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Video: Your odds for a tax audit -- Are you at greater risk for an audit based on your income? Story |
| -- More Taxes news Back to top |
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