Personal Finance
Use Bankrate's advice and tools to help make all of your personal finance decisions.
Latest Articles
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What happened after one man’s home burned down: Insurance, loss and the emotional road to recovery
A survivor’s story of navigating home insurance and the emotional toll of starting over after a house fire.
6 min read Jan 22, 2026 -
12 million Americans live in banking deserts. How hidden costs hold them back
Without nearby banks, consumers pay more to cash checks, borrow money and save.
14 min read Jan 20, 2026 -
Complaints of housing discrimination are rising. But no one’s there to listen
Amanda Gomez submitted hundreds of rental applications for an apartment in Harlem, New York, last year. Most were met with silence. Fifteen, however, were outright rejected. When she subsequently noticed [...]
9 min read Jan 14, 2026 -
A guide to airline companion passes
Airline companion passes vary, but they can all save you money.
9 min read Jan 14, 2026 -
Bankrate’s Interest Rate Forecast for 2026: See what’s next for mortgage rates, credit card rates, auto loans and more
Rates could soon be within range of their pre-pandemic peaks. There’s a catch.
11 min read Jan 06, 2026 -
The risk of overspending with buy now, pay later apps
Buy now, pay later (BNPL) as a payment option is available seemingly everywhere. From department stores to airline tickets, you can make payments on small and large purchases with the convenient payment [...]
2 min read Dec 18, 2025 -
Consumers catch a break at the pump ahead of the new year
Thanks to falling gas prices, the average U.S. driver will spend about $100 less on fuel this year, according to Bankrate calculations.
3 min read Dec 17, 2025 -
When did Christmas cheer get so pushy? How to get offline and save your money
How to avoid impulse shopping and stick to a budget during the holidays.
4 min read Dec 11, 2025 -
Private health insurance costs are going up. A complete guide to your coverage options
Private health insurance costs will rise in 2026. Experts say you can still save.
9 min read Dec 11, 2025 -
Trapped by fast cash: How one woman escaped the payday loan debt spiral
Payday loans look like an easy answer to a real cash shortage. but their costs can skyrocket quickly. One woman tells her story.
7 min read Dec 10, 2025