Personal Finance
Use Bankrate's advice and tools to help make all of your personal finance decisions.
Latest Articles
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Should you handle debt or build an emergency fund first?
Learn when to pay down debt first and when to prioritize your emergency savings.
5 min read May 05, 2025 -
Can you tackle debt relief on your own?
Learn how to manage debt on your own — and when to consider other options.
5 min read May 05, 2025 -
The psychological benefits of paying off debt
When debt is paid off, the benefits go well beyond the bank.
4 min read May 05, 2025 -
Current credit card interest rates
View current credit card rates based on Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey of large banks and thrifts.
4 min read May 01, 2025 -
Do you have too much debt?
Relying on credit and ever-increasing balances are signs you may have too much debt.
7 min read Apr 30, 2025 -
How to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, and why it matters
DTI is your monthly debt divided by your gross monthly income. Here’s what to know.
5 min read Apr 30, 2025 -
Pros and cons of debt consolidation: Is it a good idea?
Weigh the pros and cons to decide if debt consolidation is right for your situation.
6 min read Apr 30, 2025 -
When to use a personal loan to pay off credit card debt
Taking on still more debt in pursuit of a goal can sometimes make sense. Here’s when.
5 min read Apr 30, 2025 -
What does it mean if your bad debt is charged off?
When a debt has been charged off, that doesn’t mean it’s wiped away.
4 min read Apr 30, 2025 -
Should you cancel an unused credit card?
Sometimes, you should keep a credit card, even if you don’t use it.
7 min read Apr 29, 2025