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
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 Back to top
2008 Financial Literacy
8 tips to protect your personal information -- Keeping crooks in the dark about your birth date, account numbers and mother's maiden name is essential. Story
Inflation-beating investments for retirement -- These investments can help you combat that insidious erosion of your purchasing power known as inflation. Story
Retirement accounts for newbies -- Don't hesitate to sign up for your company plan at the first opportunity. Follow four easy steps to get going. Story
-- More 2008 Financial Literacy news Back to top
Advice
Home sellers sing 'buyer's market blues' -- Even calling it a "buyer's market" hasn't brought out the buyers, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
Few creative ways to ditch gas hog -- In some cases, dumping a gas hog is not financially viable, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
Appraisal may reverse equity freeze -- A home appraisal may convince a lender to reverse a home equity freeze, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
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Auto loans
Dealer incentive could make loan costly -- Dealers may be financially motivated to give you a costly loan, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
Few creative ways to ditch gas hog -- In some cases, dumping a gas hog is not financially viable, says Bankrate car columnist Terry Jackson. Story
Local rental best for short-term car -- Local rental agencies are best if you need a car for a few months, 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
Maxing out FDIC coverage -- You can cover more than $100,000 if you know the rules, Dr. Don says. Story
Bernanke's testimony -- Bernanke's testimony made it clear that no interest moves, up or down, appear forthcoming. 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
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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 Back to top
Checking and ATMs
Maxing out FDIC coverage -- You can cover more than $100,000 if you know the rules, Dr. Don says. Story
What happens when a bank fails? -- In the wake of IndyMac's failure, you may be concerned about your bank. Here's what you need to know. Story
Critics wish to bounce 'Check 21' -- Consumer advocates say legislation known as "Check 21" is fundamentally unfair to consumers. Story
-- More Checking and ATMs news Back to top
College financing
Redeem bonds for education tax break -- Five questions can help determine whether you qualify for an education tax break, says the College Money Guru. Story
College savings top gift for grandchild -- A college savings plan may be the ultimate gift to a newborn grandchild, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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
-- More College financing news Back to top
Credit cards
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
Secured card helps build credit history -- Prompt payments on a secured card can help you graduate to a regular credit card, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
-- More Credit cards news Back to top
Credit management
What, exactly, is 'good' credit -- Like treasure and trash, what constitutes a "good" credit score depends on whom you ask. Story
5-step plan for a better credit score -- So you've made mistakes. These five steps will help you restore the luster to your credit rating. Story
Perfect score: Unrealistic and unnecessary -- While it's theoretically possible to get a perfect credit score, there's really nothing to be gained by it. Story
-- More Credit management news Back to top
Credit repair
11 myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information, what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you. Story
Better credit improves job prospects -- Working to improve your credit score can boost the odds of landing a job, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Fine print hides convenience-check cost -- Americans pay when they skip over the fine print of their credit agreements, says the Debt Adviser. Story
-- More Credit repair news Back to top
Credit reports and credit scores
11 myths about credit reports -- When it comes to credit information, what you think you know that isn't true can really hurt you. Story
Better credit improves job prospects -- Working to improve your credit score can boost the odds of landing a job, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Fine print hides convenience-check cost -- Americans pay when they skip over the fine print of their credit agreements, says the Debt Adviser. Story
-- More Credit reports and credit scores news Back to top
Credit unions
Insured credit union accounts are safe -- Your money is safe in credit union accounts backed by the NCUSIF, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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
Video: Credit unions could save you money -- Although you must qualify to join a credit union, you may find good rates if you borrow or save. Story
-- More Credit unions news Back to top
Debt consolidation
Can bankruptcy help you? -- Bankruptcy is a tough road, best reserved for those who don't have any other options. Story
The dangers of debt consolidation -- Are you tempted to take out one big loan to pay off all those other nagging debts? Before you bundle your bills, check out the pros and cons of these consolidation options. Story
401(k) hardship withdrawals on the rise -- Cash-strapped employees are turning to their retirement plans for help. Will they start investing after the crisis passes? 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
Better credit improves job prospects -- Working to improve your credit score can boost the odds of landing a job, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Fine print hides convenience-check cost -- Americans pay when they skip over the fine print of their credit agreements, says the Debt Adviser. Story
Bad debt management help really hurts -- Know what you are getting into before signing up for debt help, 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: Macy Gray -- Sultry singer expands her creativity to developing a fashion line for voluptuous women. Story
Fame & Fortune: Lenny Kravitz -- Grammy-winning musician Lenny Kravitz has designs on a new artistic direction. Story
Fame & Fortune: Al Roker -- Jovial "Today" weatherman shows a serious business side with his production company. Story
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Frugal U
Extreme savers share their secrets -- There are savers, and then there are uber savers -- people who really take it seriously. Story
How do I transfer a balance? -- A step-by-step guide for switching to a better credit card Story
Paying off high credit card debt -- Here are several approaches -- just pick one and do it to get out of debt. Story
-- More Frugal U news Back to top
Home equity
Appraisal may reverse equity freeze -- A home appraisal may convince a lender to reverse a home equity freeze, 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 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
10 most and least expensive cars to insure -- Before buying that cool Cadillac Escalade, check out the wow factor on insurance costs. Story
What does homeowners insurance cover? -- The difference between cash value and replacement value could empty your wallet. Story
20 things to know about auto insurance -- Shop around, understand the value before you buy, and maximize what you're getting for auto premiums. Story
-- More Insurance news Back to top
Investing
Brokered CDs: What happens if bank fails? -- Brokered CDs are purchased through a brokerage, not directly from a bank. When a bank fails, can the holders of these CDs get their money back? Story
Fame & Fortune: Macy Gray -- Sultry singer expands her creativity to developing a fashion line for voluptuous women. Story
GSE bonds can boost cash flow -- Looking for higher bond yield in these low-rate times? Bonds from government-sponsored enterprises may be an answer -- after a little homework. Story
-- More Investing news Back to top
Money markets
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
Money market funds weathering the storm -- Despite some troubled investments, money market funds are still considered a safe haven and attract investors' money. Story
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Mortgage Matters Blog
Straddling the short refi fence -- Mortgage rates are rising faster than Treasury yields, which implies that investors are running away from mortgage bonds. Story
Mortgage rates rise sharply -- Mortgage rates are rising fast -- almost a quarter point compared to yesterday. Story
A reader pops The Question -- A reader asks The Question: "Do you expect the 30-year fixed mortgage rates to rise or fall over the next week based on the Freddie and Fannie news (or other mortgage/bond news)? Story
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Mortgages
Home sellers sing 'buyer's market blues' -- Even calling it a "buyer's market" hasn't brought out the buyers, 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 fall in survey -- The benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell 6 basis points, to 6.42 percent, according to the Bankrate.com national survey of large lenders. Story
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Online banking
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
Explore options when saving abroad -- Americans have options for tapping the higher yields of foreign savings accounts, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
-- More Online banking news Back to top
Personal finance
Home sellers sing 'buyer's market blues' -- Even calling it a "buyer's market" hasn't brought out the buyers, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
What, exactly, is 'good' credit -- Like treasure and trash, what constitutes a "good" credit score depends on whom you ask. Story
5-step plan for a better credit score -- So you've made mistakes. These five steps will help you restore the luster to your credit rating. Story
-- More Personal finance news Back to top
Plastic Rap Blog
Good credit can save money -- New study finds less than 31 percent of Americans understand what credit scores mean. Story
Gas stations drop credit cards -- Some gas stations are not accepting credit cards because of the high fees they have to pay. Story
Card debt per borrower dips -- The average credit card debt is now $1,673 per borrower; it was $1,694 in the fourth quarter of 2007. Story
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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 Back to top
Real estate
Home sellers sing 'buyer's market blues' -- Even calling it a "buyer's market" hasn't brought out the buyers, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
Trading one vacation home for another -- The IRS allows vacation homeowners to save taxes through like-kind exchanges, says CPA George Saenz. Story
Advantages of a buyer's agent -- An exclusive buyer's agent will keep your best interests in mind, says the Real Estate Adviser. Story
-- More Real estate news Back to top
Retirement Channel
Bloated array of ETFs results in liquidations -- Exchange-traded funds have proven to be very popular, but their popularity has led to the market being swamped with them. Now some investors are finding their funds are closing. Story
Roth IRA can be 'one and done' -- There is no obligation to continue funding a Roth IRA year after year, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
4 options that improve a 401(k) plan -- Convincing your company to add these four 401(k) options may help you diversify and boost returns. Story
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Savings
Brokered CDs: What happens if bank fails? -- Brokered CDs are purchased through a brokerage, not directly from a bank. When a bank fails, can the holders of these CDs get their money back? Story
Possible to insure $1 million in CDs -- You can have more than $100,000 in insured deposits with one financial institution, 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 Savings news Back to top
Small business
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
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
-- 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
Injured spouse tax relief -- Claiming injured spouse on your tax return won't prevent the IRS from collecting what it can, says CPA George Saenz. Story
Penalty for excess Roth IRA contribution -- You want to avoid that 6-percent excise tax for excess Roth IRA contributions, says CPA George Saenz. Story
What portion of disability is taxable? -- If the employer pays insurance premiums, disability benefits are taxable to the employee, says CPA George Saenz. Story
-- More Taxes news Back to top