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
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 Back to top
Advice
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
$50 is enough to start retirement fund -- A little savings is just enough to start funding a retirement kitty, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
Inheritance raises tax questions -- Two questions underscore the role of taxes when you receive an inheritance, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
-- More Advice news Back to top
Auto loans
Hypermiling can slash fuel consumption -- Forget downsizing and riding a bike -- just changing your driving habits can cut fuel costs 20 to 40 percent. Story
Top 10 sellers for 2008 -- For the first time in years, a pickup truck no longer heads the list of best-selling vehicles in the country. Guess who's No. 1! Story
New car fever? Find what's right for you -- Hot for a new car but can't decide which one? Click your way through this interactive to zoom in on the best choices for you to consider. Story
-- More Auto loans news Back to top
Banking and the economy
Banks respond to demand for CDs -- Bank failures have caused nervous customers to jump to certificates of deposit, and rates are up. 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
Buyer may change IndyMac CD rates -- Savers could see their IndyMac rates change when a buyer emerges, says Dr. Don Taylor. 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
-- 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
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 Back to top
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 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
Authorized-user accounts OK again -- Designed to halt piggybacking, FICO 08 ignored authorized-user accounts in scoring. Not so, anymore. 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 Back to top
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 Back to top
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 Back to top
Credit reports and credit scores
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 reports and credit scores news Back to top
Credit unions
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
Video: Credit union branches expanding -- New credit union networks making joining one more convenient. 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
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 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: 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
Fame & Fortune: Jennifer Love Hewitt -- The former movie "scream teen" grows up with an appreciation for her acting career. Story
-- More Fame & Fortune news Back to top
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 Back to top
Home equity
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
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
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 Back to top
Investing
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
Banks respond to demand for CDs -- Bank failures have caused nervous customers to jump to certificates of deposit, and rates are up. Story
-- More Investing news Back to top
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 Back to top
Mortgage Matters Blog
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
Split, splat -- The housing market is still in the dumps. Story
-- More Mortgage Matters Blog news Back to top
Mortgages
Mortgage software fails to impress -- A reader can't see the advantage of using the Money Merge Account system. Dr. Don Taylor agrees. Story
Housing market name game -- Readers offer the Real Estate Adviser labels for the current housing doldrums. "Crier's market," anyone? Story
How did home values fare in your area? -- Get the 2nd quarter results from National Association of Realtors national survey of existing home sales. 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 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
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
-- More Personal finance news Back to top
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 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
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
-- More Rate Trend Index news Back to top
Real estate
Home sales tax for foreigners -- "Mixed marriages" and real estate sales may result in a 10-percent tax, says CPA George Saenz. Story
Housing market name game -- Readers offer the Real Estate Adviser labels for the current housing doldrums. "Crier's market," anyone? Story
How did home values fare in your area? -- Get the 2nd quarter results from National Association of Realtors national survey of existing home sales. Story
-- More Real estate news Back to top
Retirement Channel
$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
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 Back to top
Savings
$50 is enough to start retirement fund -- A little savings is just enough to start funding a retirement kitty, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
Banks respond to demand for CDs -- Bank failures have caused nervous customers to jump to certificates of deposit, and rates are up. 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
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
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
Inheritance raises tax questions -- Two questions underscore the role of taxes when you receive an inheritance, says Dr. Don Taylor. Story
-- More Taxes news Back to top