News Archive
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| 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
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| 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
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| 2008 Financial Literacy |
| Who are the real perpetrators? -- Credit card issuers and credit reporting agencies are as much to blame as the thieves for the problem of identity fraud, says author Bob Sullivan. Story |
| 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 |
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news
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| Advice |
| 4 options for leftover 529 plan money -- There are four main options for dealing with leftover 529 plan money, says the College Money Guru. 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 |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
-- More Advice news
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| 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
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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 |
| 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
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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 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
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| College financing |
| 4 options for leftover 529 plan money -- There are four main options for dealing with leftover 529 plan money, says the College Money Guru. Story |
| 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 |
-- More College financing news
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| 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
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| Credit management |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| 5 rules for thriving in a bad economy -- Follow these five rules for smoother sailing in choppy economic waters. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Credit management news
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| Credit repair |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Credit repair news
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| Credit reports and credit scores |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Weekly payments don't affect FICO score -- Paying your bill weekly doesn't hurt your FICO score, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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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: 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
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| 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
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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 |
| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| Investing |
| 12 money gifts for mom -- Forget the flowers! Help mom get something she could really use. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Investing news
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| 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
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| Mortgage Matters Blog |
| The scoop on rates -- If you're a diligent Bankrate reader, you already know that long-term fixed rates dipped this week, after three straight weeks of small rate rises. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news
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| Mortgages |
| The sex offender next door -- Adjusting your property value because a registered sex offender lives in the neighborhood will be difficult, says the Real Estate Adviser. 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 |
| Mortgage rates dip slightly this week -- Mortgage rates went down a bit this week, with the 30-year fixed at 6.13 percent. Story |
-- More Mortgages news
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| 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
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| Personal finance |
| 4 options for leftover 529 plan money -- There are four main options for dealing with leftover 529 plan money, says the College Money Guru. Story |
| Forgiven debt comes with tax bill -- A collector's decision to forgive a debt won't shield you from a tax bill, says the Debt Adviser. Story |
| Raising your grandchildren? You have options -- If you find yourself in the role of caregiver again, be sure to tap the plentiful resources available to you. Story |
-- More Personal finance news
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| Plastic Rap Blog |
| Rebate? Pay down credit cards! -- Readers share their ideas on what to do with the tax rebate. Story |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| The sex offender next door -- Adjusting your property value because a registered sex offender lives in the neighborhood will be difficult, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story |
| 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 |
-- More Real estate news
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| Retirement Channel |
| Raising your grandchildren? You have options -- If you find yourself in the role of caregiver again, be sure to tap the plentiful resources available to you. Story |
| 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 |
-- 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 |
| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| Taxes |
| 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 |
| 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 |
-- More Taxes news
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