Bankrate.com news story archive -- mortgages, credit cards, savings, CDs, auto loans and more

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: 2008 Credit Card 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
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 Back to top
2007 Financial Literacy
Weekly spending work sheet -- Each week write the total of the previous week's expenses�from our daily work sheet�and compare to your budget. Story
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
-- More 2007 Financial Literacy news Back to top
2008 Financial Literacy
How to be a savvy credit cardholder -- Credit card issuers have been calling the shots for years. Follow these rules to beat them at their own game. Story
Borrowing terms get better for students -- Law changes increase the amounts students can borrow at favorable rates and introduce loan forgiveness programs. Story
Ask why you need a loan -- Consumers who don't really need the money have no trouble getting loans, says money expert Chris Farrell. Story
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news Back to top
Advice
Is now the time to build a house? -- There's no time like the present to build a dream home, now that costs have dropped, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
Bargain hard when buying lease vehicle -- Now is a good time to bargain when purchasing a leased vehicle, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
Big down payment may lower loan rate -- A larger down payment can help people with little credit history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
-- More Advice news Back to top
Auto loans
Bargain hard when buying lease vehicle -- Now is a good time to bargain when purchasing a leased vehicle, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
Big down payment may lower loan rate -- A larger down payment can help people with little credit history, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
Consult a lawyer if you co-sign loan -- Consult a lawyer to clarify your obligations when co-signing a loan, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
-- More Auto loans news Back to top
Banking and the economy
Claim about Patriot Act, lender is myth -- The Patriot Act doesn't require banks to make hard inquiries on depositor accounts, 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 Banking and the economy news Back to top
Beating Bankruptcy Blog
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
Consumer bankruptcy filings surge in 2007 -- The number of Americans filing for bankruptcy is on the rise, and is unlikely to stop soon. 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
Credit unions weather tough market -- Credit unions have been affected by the tight credit market, but most may be getting through the current landscape in fairly good shape. Story
Debit cards don't offer equal protection -- Disputing a charge or purchase? You won't get the same backing that you do with a credit card. Story
Check your bank's safety rating -- Worried about the safety of your money? Use Bankrate's Safe and Sound database to see how your institution ranks. Story
-- More Checking and ATMs news Back to top
College financing
Do online colleges make the grade? -- For-profit online schools have certainly made money for investors, but tuition and fees run high. Are they worth it? Story
Weekly spending work sheet -- Each week write the total of the previous week's expenses�from our daily work sheet�and compare to your budget. Story
Borrowing terms get better for students -- Law changes increase the amounts students can borrow at favorable rates and introduce loan forgiveness programs. Story
-- More College financing news Back to top
Credit cards
Shady billing tactics rile cardholder -- Take charge if a credit card company is engaging in shady billing tactics, 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
How to be a savvy credit cardholder -- Credit card issuers have been calling the shots for years. Follow these rules to beat them at their own game. Story
-- More Credit cards news Back to top
Credit management
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
8 rules to break to build wealth -- Diverging from the traditional mind-set may put you on the right course to riches, says Robert Shemin, author of "How Come That Idiot's Rich and I'm Not?" Story
Keep retirement funds, debt separate -- Don't tap into retirement savings to pay down credit card debt, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
-- More Credit management news Back to top
Credit repair
Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Secured card can help you build credit -- A secured credit card can help rebuild your payment history if you have bad credit, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
Own up to debt before fighting back -- Collection complaints shouldn't keep a debtor from acknowledging responsibility, says the Debt Adviser. Story
-- More Credit repair news Back to top
Credit reports and credit scores
Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story
How to be a savvy credit cardholder -- Credit card issuers have been calling the shots for years. Follow these rules to beat them at their own game. 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 reports and credit scores news Back to top
Credit unions
Credit unions weather tough market -- Credit unions have been affected by the tight credit market, but most may be getting through the current landscape in fairly good shape. 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
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
-- 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
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 Back to top
Exclusive: 2008 CD study
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
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: 2008 Credit Card Study
Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Exclusive: Cash-back credit card study -- Bankrate compared the cash-back reward programs of the 30 most popular credit cards. Find one for your style. Story
Own up to debt before fighting back -- Collection complaints shouldn't keep a debtor from acknowledging responsibility, says the Debt Adviser. Story
-- More Exclusive: 2008 Credit Card 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: Kevin Nealon -- The irreverent actor reveals the serious side of fatherhood, finance and his current role as a pothead. Story
Fame & Fortune: Stefanie Powers -- This longtime TV actress defines her legacy through wildlife conservation education. Story
Fame & Fortune: Steve Winwood -- This longtime rocker is surviving the music biz and still going strong with major label contracts and solo deals. Story
-- More Fame & Fortune news Back to top
Frugal U
Heading off to college? -- 12 tips for stretching a scholar's dollar. Story
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
-- 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
Ask why you need a loan -- Consumers who don't really need the money have no trouble getting loans, says money expert Chris Farrell. 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 Back to top
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 Back to top
Insurance
Fighting your health insurance company -- How to avoid the fight when you can, and how to win it when you can't. Story
Skyrocketing drug co-payments -- With prescription drug costs rising, employers and insurers are placing more of the burden on consumers. 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 Back to top
Investing
6 deadly investing mistakes -- Protect your investments and your future by avoiding these six common blunders. Story
Fame & Fortune: Kevin Nealon -- The irreverent actor reveals the serious side of fatherhood, finance and his current role as a pothead. Story
Investing for growth or value -- Mixing the two types of stocks in an investment portfolio is the best way to hedge your bets in the market for the long run. 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
Six ways to insure excess deposits -- Want to insure your deposits for more than the FDIC limit at one bank? Here are six ways to do it. Story
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
-- More Money markets news Back to top
Mortgage Matters Blog
Jobs, mortgage rates fall -- Today's awful employment report is nice news for mortgage shoppers. Story
1 in 11 owners in dire straits -- People are falling behind on mortgage payments and losing their houses in ever-increasing numbers. Story
Who are the price gougers? -- The duopoly of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed fees and restrictions to boost their top lines. Story
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news Back to top
Mortgages
Is now the time to build a house? -- There's no time like the present to build a dream home, now that costs have dropped, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
ARMs: No taboo for chosen few -- Adjustable rate mortgages, ARMs, still a good choice for buyers in certain situations. 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 Back to top
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 Back to top
Personal finance
Is now the time to build a house? -- There's no time like the present to build a dream home, now that costs have dropped, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
Nobody's income too low for debt help -- An agency was wrong to tell a woman her income disqualifies her from credit help, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Borrowing terms get better for students -- Law changes increase the amounts students can borrow at favorable rates and introduce loan forgiveness programs. Story
-- More Personal finance news Back to top
Plastic Rap Blog
Freeloaders favorite cards -- Dozens of e-mails have been received from "deadbeat" readers who have shared their favorite cards with me. Story
Safest credit card -- A study released this week analyzed the security of credit cards and ranked them based on fraud prevention, fraud detection and fraud resolution. Story
Consumer Reports rates cards -- The ratings are for the individual issuers, not the cards. So who won -- and who lost? 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
Is now the time to build a house? -- There's no time like the present to build a dream home, now that costs have dropped, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
5 ways to go solar on the cheap -- Want to try sun power? Here are some inexpensive solar devices for you to use in your home. Story
ARMs: No taboo for chosen few -- Adjustable rate mortgages, ARMs, still a good choice for buyers in certain situations. Story
-- More Real estate news Back to top
Retirement Channel
Plan carefully when avoiding probate -- A letter underscores the dangers that lurk when structuring assets to avoid probate, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
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
-- 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
Credit unions weather tough market -- Credit unions have been affected by the tight credit market, but most may be getting through the current landscape in fairly good shape. Story
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
-- 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
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 Back to top
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 Back to top
Taxes
Dodging double taxation -- Germany has a tax treaty with the U.S., which will help employees avoid double taxation, says CPA George Saenz. Story
Selling demutualized shares -- Good news for shareholders in a converted insurance company, says CPA George Saenz. Story
Actual tax rates may vary -- Long-term capital gains rates are the same under AMT, but phaseouts could change your rate, says CPA George Saenz. Story
-- More Taxes news Back to top