Author: online.bizshow@gmail.com

How a Rate Cap Changes the Conversation Around Credit A cap on how much interest a credit card issuer can charge draws attention because it touches something nearly everyone with debt understands: the cost of borrowing. A credit card interest rate cap is often discussed as a way to reduce that cost, especially for people who carry balances month to month. But changes like this do more than adjust a number on a statement. They can also influence who gets approved, how much credit is available, and which products become more common in the market. That is why it helps…

Pulling money from your 401(k) early can feel like breaking the rules. We’re often told never to touch that money before age 59½.   But when life throws you financial curveballs, you may have little choice other than to dip into your plan a bit early.   The IRS allows for early withdrawals if you qualify for specific hardship distributions. In these situations, you may be able to access your retirement savings without having to pay the standard 10% early withdrawal fee.  In most cases, you will still have to pay income taxes on the money you withdraw, however.   It is important to note that each…

The comparisons between the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the just-announced Bilt Palladium Card are undeniable. They both have annual fees that are less than $500. Both cards offer a flat 2 points or miles per $1 spent on everyday purchases. For people who can’t be bothered with juggling a plethora of bonus categories, the simple points-earning structure is a breath of fresh air (although the Bilt card’s dual rewards system is a different story).The new premium Bilt card is available for preorder and will launch Feb. 7, 2026. So will the Bilt Palladium Card be better…

It’s possible to make $100s by opening a new bank account, but sorting through the best offers can be tricky. There’s no shortage of enticing opportunities for banking clients right now. We’re happy to do the work for you. The Money Crashers team combs through hundreds of bank account deals every month to find you the most lucrative sign-up bonuses – some worth up to $1,000 or more. Don’t want to miss out? Read on for our roundup of the best bank promotions for this month and the requirements you must meet to qualify for each. Most are available to…

If you want to achieve financial independence, every investment we make serves one purpose: to buy back our time. Time is infinitely more valuable than any object, experience, or luxury. Given how short our lives are, we should use our money not just to accumulate more, but to buy freedom. Once you have freedom, you can more easily craft the life that you want. And when times are good, as they are now, with roaring stock market returns and risk assets surging, it’s worth pausing to ask: How much time have my investments actually bought in the past year? If you can…

During a financial emergency, car title loans are a fast and easy source of money that can seem like a lifeline.  But before handing over your title, it’s critical to know all of the real risks involved with car title loans, from surprise fees to hidden requirements in the fine print. With the right information, you can decide if a car title loan is the best option for you.  How Do Car Title Loans Work?  Title loans for cars are a form of short-term lending. Getting this type of loan is a quick process that includes putting your vehicle up as collateral. Once…

For those of us monitoring mortgage rates and the overall economy, the last few months of 2025 were marred by chaos. This was thanks to a long government shutdown (which canceled or delayed much of fall’s federal data), as well as conflicting comments from Federal Reserve leaders that made December’s vote on overnight borrowing rates more suspenseful than usual. Sure, we might be just over a week into 2026, but it feels eerily stable so far by comparison. The average 30-year mortgage rate has stayed close to 6% for the past seven weeks, averaging 6.02% in the week ending Jan.…

A First-Time Home Buyer Readiness Guide Buying your first home is one of the most meaningful financial decisions you will ever make. It is exciting, emotional, and often deeply personal. But beneath the excitement is a quieter, more important question that deserves careful attention. Are you financially ready to buy a home right now? Before focusing on listings, interest rates, or neighborhoods, it helps to step back and evaluate your financial foundation. At Money Fit, we work with first-time buyers every day through our First-Time Home Buyer education course offered through our HUD-approved housing counseling program. One thing is always…

By many objective measures, 2025 was a good year. Investment returns were solid. I published another bestseller in Millionaire Milestones. My kids are healthy, happy, and continuing to grow in loving environments. On paper, I should feel satisfied. But the reality is different. The downside of writing consistently, responding to hundreds of questions, managing the family finances and rental properties, and spending an enormous amount of time with my kids is that there isn’t much time left over for me. Since 2009, I’ve been waking up at around 5 AM to write before work, and since 2017, to write before…

From purchasing land and equipment to covering seeds and labor costs, farming requires a lot of capital. Many farmers use loans to help finance their operations, but grants can be an attractive alternative.  Here’s what you should know about them, including how they work, some key opportunities to consider, and how to qualify.  What Are Grants for Farmers?  Grants for farmers are funds that don’t require repayment. They often come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), state agriculture departments, or nonprofit organizations.  In addition, grants are typically designed to promote specific goals. For example, that might include adopting sustainable practices or supporting farmer education…