Hey, family! If you’re wondering if putting extra money toward paying off your mortgage is saving money, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll tell you the truth: it does kind of count as savings, but there’s a catch (isn’t there always one?) Paying off your mortgage, especially the principal, raises your net worth by … Read more
“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board is made up of financial experts whose job it is to make sure that all of our content is fair and unbiased. Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may … Read more
Do you ever want to show off a credit card that’s not just plastic but a real piece of metal that says “I’ve made it”? Well, meet the Mastercard Titanium Card—a high-end credit card all about luxury, travel perks, and making life a little more glamorous. There you have it: everything you need to know … Read more
Although the tax laws have changed, in some cases you can still deduct interest paid on your home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). The IRS says that you can deduct the interest you pay on a home equity loan (HELOC) that was used to “buy, build, or substantially improve” the home … Read more
Most likely, one of the last things you want to think about when a family member dies is taking on their debt. But debt collectors could make this difficult situation even worse by contacting you. If youâre not sure how debt inheritance works or how to handle financial matters after a death in the family, … Read more
A few late payments are not an automatic “score-killer. ” An overall good credit history can outweigh one or two instances of late credit card payments. However, having no late payments in your credit report doesnt mean youll get a “perfect score. ” Your payment history is just one piece of information used in calculating … Read more
Should you really want to buy a Mercedes-Benz but are worried about how to pay for it? There are many financing options that can help you get into your dream car, whether it’s a convertible, sedan, or SUV. Some of the most common ways to get Mercedes-Benz financing have been looked at to help you … Read more
Getting a mortgage for a home purchase is exciting but comes with financial responsibilities. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is often required when the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. PMI adds to your monthly payment and delays homeownership. However, there are strategies to eliminate PMI, including getting an appraisal. This blog … Read more
Buying a new car is an exciting experience. However, the monthly payments can be daunting, especially if you are financing a more expensive vehicle. When shopping for a $40,000 car, it’s important to understand all the factors that go into determining your monthly payment amount. In this article, we’ll walk through the key details and … Read more
Even after you pay a collection account, it stays on your credit report for seven years. However, you can dispute collection accounts that are inaccurate. You may even be able to persuade a collection agency to remove the account once youâve paid it. Although paying off accounts in collections is generally a good idea, it … Read more