Personal loans
32% of travelers overspend to earn credit-card sign-on bonuses. Here’s how to avoid that ‘siren song,’ says industry analyst
Virojt Changyencham | Moment | Getty Images Nearly half of consumers holding a credit card with travel perks opened the card to chase the rewards — and a big share of them blew their budgets in the pursuit, according to a new survey. Specifically, 45% travel credit cardholders opened a card solely for its sign-up […]
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U.S. inflation jumped by 9.1% in June, a four-decade high: Here’s what you need to know about inflation
Americans paid much higher prices for goods and services in June compared to a year earlier, as inflation continued to soar, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. The consumer price index is one of the primary measures of inflation. CPI jumped to 9.1% last month from a year ago, above the 8.8% Dow Jones estimate. That […]
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Amazon Prime Day is coming up: Here’s why deal experts say you might want to skip it this year
Prime Day prices may not be Amazon’s best-ever offer Just because something is discounted on Prime Day doesn’t mean it’s the best deal you’ll see anywhere, or even all year. Naturally, Amazon will offer the best prices on its own gear like the Kindle, Fire TV streamer and private-label clothing. For example, the e-commerce giant is […]
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JMP downgrades consumer lender Upstart citing ‘limited revenue visibility’ going forward
JMP Securities downgraded shares of Upstart Holdings on Friday after the consumer lending company issued a profit warning that highlighted how difficult it would be to predict its future revenue. Analysts led by Andrew Boone lowered Upstart’s rating to market perform from market outperform, but did not set a price target for the stock. Upstart […]
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A self-made millionaire shares her top 18 ‘recession money rules’: ‘Don’t panic’ and ‘prepare to borrow’
Worried about what your financial situation will look like in a year — or even in a few months — from now? With all the concerns about economic growth, it’s reasonable to be worried about a potential recession. But the key is to start preparing now so that you’re in the best position with your […]
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The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to combat inflation: Here’s what that means for you
The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point, the most aggressive hike since 1994. This rise puts the key benchmark federal funds rate at a range between 1.5 and 1.75%. The Fed’s intention is to help combat inflation. Watch this video to find out what rising interest rates mean for […]
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Debt collectors’ ‘pay to pay fees’ are ‘often illegal,’ consumer watchdog agency says
Anchiy | E+ | Getty Images Certain “junk” fees often levied by debt collectors are illegal under federal law, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Wednesday. Debt collectors charge so-called “pay-to-pay” fees, which are also known as convenience fees, when consumers make a payment online or over the phone, according to the federal agency. These […]
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30% of LGBTQ+ adults have experienced discrimination or exclusion from financial services, study finds
Rainbow flags celebrate Pride Month in New York. Lev Radin | Pacific Press | LightRocket | Getty Images Members of the LGBTQIA+ community are still struggling, in some instances, to access financial services that would help them manage their money. Some 30% of LGBTQIA+ adults have experienced bias, discrimination or exclusion in the financial services […]
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With or without a federal gas tax holiday, here are 4 ways to save money at the pump
The recent run-up in gasoline prices is now being felt nearly across the board. The national average for a gallon of gas is currently $4.94 after topping $5 per gallon for the first time ever earlier this month, according to AAA. Last year at this time, the price was $3.07 per gallon. The increase has put a severe […]
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Tax pros ‘very skeptical’ about expanded IRS voice bots for payments plans
Westend61 | Westend61 | Getty Images If you get a tax bill and want help from the IRS to set up a payment plan, newly expanded voice bots may make for faster phone service, according to the agency. But some tax professionals are doubtful about the new plan to reduce wait times. Artificial intelligence-driven IRS […]
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