Best States for Retirement Aren't the Ones You Might Think
Despite its popularity with retirees, Florida may not be the best place to spend your golden years. These 10 states offer better balances of affordability and quality of life.
Bankrate Inc
Most Americans Have More Savings Than Credit Card Debt
A recent survey shows that a majority of Americans have more money in their "emergency funds" than the owe on their credit cards. But if most people have more savings than credit card debt, how come it also feels like the majority of us are broke?
His Financial Goal: Dump His Bank and Join a Credit Union
Everyone has things they want to improve about their financial lives -- and we in the AOL newsroom are no exceptions. So we asked money expert Jean Chatzky for advice on how to reach our goals. Today: A DailyFinance reporter who's ready to break up with his bank.
Money Troubles: Who's Hurting the Most in Today's Economy
The sluggish economy has made money tighter across the nation, but, no surprise, the pain isn't being shared equally. A recent survey from Bankrate asked Americans how they're feeling about their finances, and reveals which groups are struggling the most.
Buying Car Insurance: You Better Shop Around
With more and more car insurance providers offering online quotes and sign-ups, switching insurers is now easier than making a three-point turn. Here's a simple run-down of when, why and how to hunt down to best deal on a policy you hope you'll never need to use.
What Private-Equity Firms and Vampires Have In Common
The answer: dividend recaps. You see, you may think that when private-equity firms buy troubled companies, their plan is to fix them up and resell them. But often, the real plan is to load the companies up with debt, suck huge sums out of them, and stick the next set of investors with the bill.
How You Can Take Advantage of the Fed's Low Interest Rate Plans
To keep interest rates at rock-bottom lows and boost the economy, the Federal Reserve is buying $40 billion a month in mortgage-backed securities, and it'll keep buying them for as long as it takes to get the economy back on track. Here's how that plan should affect your personal economy.
13 Ways Americans Throw Away Money
Blame the government or blame the economy, but Americans should also blame themselves for their declining net worth. We waste over half a trillion dollars each year -- and that's just for areas with available data. And what do we waste that money on? Read on ...
Big Bank Fees Are on the Rise: 3 Ways to Chop Those Charges
A recent survey from Bankrate confirms what most bank customers already know: Bank fees are on the rise. Still, consumers are not defenseless. A few simple moves can save you from having a ton of cash sucked away by surcharges.
What the End of Savings Account Interest Means to Me as a Parent
I often have a hard time explaining to my kids why they should put some of their money in the bank. My 9-year-old daughter got me when she asked how much she'd be paid for trusting the bank with her cash. The honest answer is that she'd get paid basically nothing.
Where to Find Interest Rates on Savings That Beat Your Bank
Low interest rates may be great for borrowers, but they're terrible for savers. Bank accounts on average are paying around half a percent -- which doesn't even keep up with inflation. What to do? Turn to banks on the Internet.
2 Surveys Reveal We're Feeling a Bit Better About Our Finances
Two new surveys suggest that financial optimism is on the rise. But even with the improving numbers, among average Americans, those who are upbeat about their personal finances are outnumbered by the pessimists, and we're still wary of buying stocks.
Brokerage Credit Cards: Can One Boost Your Portfolio?
It's easy to understand the allure of brokerage credit cards. They're cash-back cards that route the the kickbacks into a brokerage account for capital appreciation. Free money creating more free money: What could possibly go wrong?
How to Raise Your Odds of Getting a Mortgage
It doesn't look like the housing market will come roaring back anytime soon, but with historically low interest rates, now's a good time to buy. The hard part is that banks in the post-bubble era are notoriously stingy with that cheap money, so figuring out how to get a smile out of a mortgage lender is task No. 1.
A 5-Step Plan for Dumping Your Bank
With some of the biggest banks raising fees again, many Americans are seriously considering finding new places to keep their money. But with direct deposit and automatic bill pay, moving your checking account can be complex. We talked to a pro for this easy five-step process to handle your bank swap.
How to Score the Right Credit Card for You
Credit card banks know plenty about you -- but what do you really know about them? CreditKarma.com wants to give you the inside scoop on which cards cater to whom, so you'll be able to find the best fit for you -- and avoid having your credit report dinged by turn-downs.