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 |
| Is retirement different for women? -- Women earn less than men over their lifetimes and live longer, which means they face more retirement challenges. Story |
| What to do with your 401(k) assets -- Rolling over 401(k) assets to an IRA incorrectly can cost you or your heirs a bundle in unexpected taxes and penalties. Story |
| Retirement investing through the ages -- No matter where you are in the scheme of things, take a hard look at your retirement plan. Story |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| High cost lowers demand for premium gas -- Manufacturers and drivers are both turning away from premium gas, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Roth IRA requires earned income -- You need earned income to be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Wife won't add spouse's name to title -- A spouse who wants to be added to his wife's car title is out of luck, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| Auto loans |
| Best 10, worst 10 cars for holding value -- Residual value is a critical factor in car leasing and also reflects how good or bad any car does retaining value. Story |
| High cost lowers demand for premium gas -- Manufacturers and drivers are both turning away from premium gas, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
| Tell insurance company of enhancements -- Enhancements aren't covered until the insurance company knows of them, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story |
-- More Auto loans news
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| Banking and the economy |
| Finance 101 and lemonade -- Here is an e-mail from a very regular reader and participant in the blog with the subject line "Fundamental Problem ... Finance 101 & Lemonade anyone?" 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 |
| Banks respond to demand for CDs -- Bank failures have caused nervous customers to jump to certificates of deposit, and rates are up. 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 |
| Tax code squishy on 529 plan withdrawal -- The tax code is unclear about when a 529 plan scholarship withdrawal can be taken, says the College Money Guru. Story |
| Top ways to trim college costs -- There are several things children can do to help their parents trim college costs, says the College Money Guru. Story |
| ABCDs of tuition reimbursement -- Know the tuition-reimbursement alphabet before asking your employer to pay for school. Story |
-- More College financing news
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| Credit cards |
| Dump plastic if credit score is strong -- A good credit score should allow you to dump a high-fee card without worry, 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
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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 |
| Denying debt won't make it disappear -- The first step to overcoming a debt is to stop sinking into denial, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Authorized-user accounts OK again -- Designed to halt piggybacking, FICO 08 ignored authorized-user accounts in scoring. Not so, anymore. 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 |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| Dump plastic if credit score is strong -- A good credit score should allow you to dump a high-fee card without worry, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| Denying debt won't make it disappear -- The first step to overcoming a debt is to stop sinking into denial, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Authorized-user accounts OK again -- Designed to halt piggybacking, FICO 08 ignored authorized-user accounts in scoring. Not so, anymore. Story |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| Credit unions |
| 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 |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| 8 ways to consolidate debt -- Do you continuously worry about debt? Well, if you do, maybe it’s time to seek solutions. Story |
| Can bankruptcy help you? -- Bankruptcy is a tough road, best reserved for those who don't have any other options. Story |
-- More Debt consolidation news
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| 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
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| Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card Study |
| Denying debt won't make it disappear -- The first step to overcoming a debt is to stop sinking into denial, says the Debt Adviser. 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 |
| 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 |
-- 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: Steve Winwood -- This longtime rocker is surviving the music biz and still going strong with major label contracts and solo deals. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: Marg Helgenberger -- "CSI" actress roots her acting and home remodeling success in Midwestern practicality. Story |
| Fame & Fortune: The B-52s -- After 16 years, this '80s pop-disco band's latest CD transports listeners back to the future. Story |
-- More Fame & Fortune news
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| Frugal U |
| A Frugal shopper's best tip -- Avoid the waste and environmental cost by making your own mop pads out of old washcloths. Story |
| Checking out options for your grill -- These days you can add a rotisserie, smoker or even infrared. Story |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| HELOC is not interest-only forever -- A home equity line of credit does not remain interest-only forever, 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 |
| Skyrocketing drug co-payments -- With prescription drug costs rising, employers and insurers are placing more of the burden on consumers. Story |
| Poll: Are you cutting back on health care? -- A recent survey found Americans are cutting back on their health care spending. Are you? Take our poll. Story |
| A new grad's guide to insurance -- If you want to protect what you've got (along with what you'll soon be earning), it's time to think insurance. Story |
-- More Insurance news
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| Investing |
| Fame & Fortune: Steve Winwood -- This longtime rocker is surviving the music biz and still going strong with major label contracts and solo deals. 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 |
| What to do with your 401(k) assets -- Rolling over 401(k) assets to an IRA incorrectly can cost you or your heirs a bundle in unexpected taxes and penalties. Story |
-- More Investing news
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| Money markets |
| Bank's cooling 'teaser' rate burns saver -- Don't expect your bank to alert you to a higher savings rate when it becomes available, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Money markets news
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| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| The FDIC's loan-mod plan -- Now that the FDIC controls IndyMac, an institution that used to be one of the country's biggest mortgage lenders, she has her chance to show other mortgage servicers how it's done. Story |
| Housing starts tumble -- Housing starts tumbled in July to their lowest level since Ronald Reagan's second year in office. Story |
| Hope for mobile home buyers -- This has been a relatively tranquil week for mortgage rates. They haven't varied much. Story |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| 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 |
| Down payment assistance bites the dust -- The Housing and Economic Recovery Act will put an end to having anyone but the buyer put money down. But a bill introduced in Congress may bring it back. 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 Mortgages news
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| Online banking |
| Bank's cooling 'teaser' rate burns saver -- Don't expect your bank to alert you to a higher savings rate when it becomes available, 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 |
| Keep intention clear when voiding check -- Voiding a check is a simple matter if you follow these directions, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
-- More Online banking news
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| Personal finance |
| 11 tips for frugal family entertainment -- You don't have to break the bank to have fun. Check out our 11 tips for entertainment on the cheap. Story |
| 12 new 'necessities' that drain your cash -- Many of modern life's "necessities" are actually luxuries that you can live without. Story |
| Is retirement different for women? -- Women earn less than men over their lifetimes and live longer, which means they face more retirement challenges. Story |
-- More Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| The devil's in the card details -- In these tight-credit times, you've got to read the agreements and know how much a mistake with a bad credit card company can hurt you. Story |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| Down payment assistance bites the dust -- The Housing and Economic Recovery Act will put an end to having anyone but the buyer put money down. But a bill introduced in Congress may bring it back. Story |
| Sellers dilemma: Rent or hold out for sale? -- Here's number-crunching help for owners who are trying to sell but tempted to rent in this stormy market. Story |
| Home sales tax for foreigners -- "Mixed marriages" and real estate sales may result in a 10-percent tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| Roth IRA requires earned income -- You need earned income to be eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| $50 is enough to start retirement fund -- A little savings is just enough to start funding a retirement kitty, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| The lowdown on Medicare coverage -- This primer on the government health plan for retirees age 65 and up explains your options. Story |
-- More Retirement Channel news
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| 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 |
| 11 tips for frugal family entertainment -- You don't have to break the bank to have fun. Check out our 11 tips for entertainment on the cheap. Story |
| 12 new 'necessities' that drain your cash -- Many of modern life's "necessities" are actually luxuries that you can live without. 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 |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| 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 |
| Business losses on a startup -- When profits don't materialize on a $90,000 business investment, there are some possible tax deductions, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
| Home sales tax for foreigners -- "Mixed marriages" and real estate sales may result in a 10-percent tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story |
-- More Taxes news
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