| News Archive 2006 Taxes | 2007 Financial Literacy | 2008 Financial Literacy | 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: Passbook/Statement savings study 2008 | 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 | | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| 2008 Financial Literacy | |||
| 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 | |||
| 12-step program for ID theft victims -- Follow these steps to reclaim your identity and restore your good name. Story | |||
| -- More 2008 Financial Literacy news Back to top | |||
| Advice | |||
| Car lots crammed with three model years -- Car dealers are anxious to unload product from three model years, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story | |||
| Co-signer becomes lender's main target -- If you co-sign for a loan, don't be surprised when the lender comes looking for you, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story | |||
| Interstate car deal won't pose problems -- A Connecticut man shouldn't worry about a car deal taking place in New Jersey, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story | |||
| -- More Advice news Back to top | |||
| Auto loans | |||
| Car lots crammed with three model years -- Car dealers are anxious to unload product from three model years, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story | |||
| Co-signer becomes lender's main target -- If you co-sign for a loan, don't be surprised when the lender comes looking for you, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story | |||
| Interstate car deal won't pose problems -- A Connecticut man shouldn't worry about a car deal taking place in New Jersey, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story | |||
| -- More Auto loans news Back to top | |||
| 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 | |||
| Fed cuts interest rates for 7th straight time -- The Fed cuts a key interest rate one-quarter of a percent. 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| -- More Checking and ATMs news Back to top | |||
| College financing | |||
| 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 | |||
| No escape from 529 plan penalty -- Unused 529 money cannot be recouped without paying a penalty, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story | |||
| 'Safe' 529 options may lag inflation -- Families looking for complete safety in a 529 plan will earn meager returns, says the College Money Guru. Story | |||
| -- More College financing news Back to top | |||
| Credit cards | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Credit management | |||
| 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 | |||
| Law may not protect disability benefit -- There are five instances when your Social Security benefit may not be protected, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story | |||
| 6 good reasons for multiple credit cards -- Contrary to some popular opinion, you may be smart to hold more than the often recommended one to three credit cards. Here are six good reasons. Story | |||
| -- More Credit management news Back to top | |||
| Credit repair | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 Credit repair news Back to top | |||
| Credit reports and credit scores | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 Credit reports and credit scores news Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| 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 | |||
| Can bankruptcy help you? -- Sometimes the only way to solve your financial problems is bankruptcy. Here's how to determine if you've reached the final option. 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 | |||
| -- More Debt consolidation news Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Exclusive: Passbook/Statement savings study 2008 | |||
| No records for this selection | |||
| -- More Exclusive: Passbook/Statement savings study 2008 news Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Frugal U | |||
| A Frugal shopper's best tip -- Planning ahead helps our winner save both money and time. Story | |||
| Extreme savers share their secrets -- There are savers, and then there are uber savers -- people who really take it seriously. Story | |||
| A Frugal shopper's best tip -- Packaging snacks for her kids helps our winner save a bundle. Story | |||
| -- More Frugal U news Back to top | |||
| 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 | |||
| 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 | |||
| HELOC activity may affect FICO score -- Maxing out a home equity line of credit may impact your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story | |||
| -- More Home equity news Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Investing | |||
| Fame & Fortune: John O'Hurley -- Popular "Seinfeld" role of pompous J. Peterman masked this actor and author's real-life investment savvy. Story | |||
| When to dump an underperforming fund -- With the stock market in flux, it's tempting to sell funds that aren't up to par. But instead of acting impulsively, ask yourself these questions first. Story | |||
| 12 investment mistakes couples make -- Two heads often don't work as one when it comes time to invest your money. Story | |||
| -- More Investing news Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Mortgage Matters Blog | |||
| Can't afford mortgage? HOP on -- The unemployment rate fell because a lot of people have part-time jobs, even though they would prefer to work full-time. Story | |||
| (Jury)Duty calls -- The Fed's rate cut could push long-term mortgage rates higher if the Fed's action is deemed inflationary. Story | |||
| Fed meets this week -- I haven't been posting to the blog this week because I am a juror on a civil trial that began Monday. Story | |||
| -- More Mortgage Matters Blog news Back to top | |||
| 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 dip slightly this week -- Mortgage rates went down a bit this week, with the 30-year fixed at 6.13 percent. 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 Mortgages news Back to top | |||
| Online banking | |||
| 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 | |||
| Banks score with 'high touch' service -- At many banks, "high touch" service that pampers customers drives growth and profits. Story | |||
| -- More Online banking news Back to top | |||
| Personal finance | |||
| 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 | |||
| Government jobs offer good pay, benefits -- Security and better than expected pay make public service a promising career. 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 | |||
| -- More Personal finance news Back to top | |||
| Plastic Rap Blog | |||
| 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 | |||
| Disclosure or real change: rant -- There are a lot of organizations who are trying to educate people, but most consumers don't care. They don't know enough to care. Story | |||
| Binding arbitration: You lose -- A new report shows that the National Arbitration Forum, or NAF, is in the pocket of card issuers such as MBNA. 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 | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Real estate | |||
| Low consumer confidence plagues market -- Optimistic consumers are more likely to buy a home, say economists, but with consumer confidence at its lowest level in 17 years, the real estate market is unlikely to rebound soon. Story | |||
| Foreclosures: Tragedy or opportunity? -- This may be your big chance, but it's no place for amateurs. Story | |||
| Home sellers offer a range of incentives -- When it comes to incentives for buyers, don't be impressed with a mere TV. Get cold, hard cash, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story | |||
| -- More Real estate news Back to top | |||
| Retirement Channel | |||
| Fear can cripple retirement planning -- Too many people avoid retirement investing because they fear bad choices, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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 | |||
| 7 tips for retirement entrepreneurs -- Starting a small business can add green to your golden years, but also presents special challenges. Story | |||
| -- More Retirement Channel news Back to top | |||
| Savings | |||
| 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 | |||
| What's $29,000 worth after 18 years? -- A bank deposit of $29,000 loses some of its purchasing power after 18 years, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story | |||
| Lump-sum lottery payment is bad deal -- A lottery winner may become a loser if she accepts a lump-sum payment, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story | |||
| -- More Savings news Back to top | |||
| Small business | |||
| 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 | |||
| Delegating tax question tasks -- With a simple check of a box on your income tax return, you can designate someone else to deal with IRS questions about your filing. Story | |||
| -- More Small business news Back to top | |||
| 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 Back to top | |||
| Taxes | |||
| Capital gains exclusion on a home -- A homeowner currently confined to an assisted living facility might not have to worry about residency requirements to claim capital gains exclusion, says CPA George Saenz. Story | |||
| Writing off rental real estate -- There are limitations on income for those who want to write off their rental property, says CPA George Saenz. Story | |||
| Tax deduction on medical equipment -- A backyard swimming pool may be deductible for medical reasons if you can convince the IRS, says CPA George Saenz. Story | |||
| -- More Taxes news Back to top | |||
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