Mortgages

Key takeaways A guaranteed mortgage loan typically offers looser eligibility requirements — such as lower credit scores and higher debt loads — than a conventional loan. Private-sector lenders fund guaranteed mortgages, but they’re backed by guarantors, often government agencies, that will pay the lender if the borrower defaults. Many low-down-payment…

Key takeaways A SEP IRA is a tax-advantaged retirement account that’s an especially attractive option for workers who don’t have access to an employer-sponsored plan. The annual contribution limits for an SEP IRA are significantly higher than those of traditional and Roth IRAs. A SEP IRA could be an ideal…

Key takeaways Your credit report is a comprehensive document of your credit history that dictates your credit score and influences financial decisions made by lenders. Understanding your credit report can guide your spending and borrowing choices, leading to a better credit score. Regular scrutiny of your credit report is essential…

Key takeaways The major advantage of credit-building products is the potential to improve or establish your credit score. Higher rates and restrictions on how and when you receive funds are common drawbacks of credit-builder loans. Your local bank or credit union may offer small-dollar loans at much lower rates than…

Key takeaways A secured credit card requires you to deposit to offset the risk that you will not make your payment. These cards typically come with low credit lines and high interest rates. Using your secured credit card responsibly, including keeping your balance low and making on-time payments, will help…

Key takeaways A chargeback is a disputed charge on a credit card that allows consumers to seek a credit from their credit card issuer instead of directly from the merchant. Chargebacks are different from traditional refunds, which are issued by the merchant, and involve multiple parties, including the card issuer…

Cavan Images/Getty Images Key takeaways Prequalified card offers can help you scope out how likely you are to qualify for a credit card, and the issuer typically only does a soft credit inquiry that will not impact your credit score. If you improve your credit score by practicing habits, such…

Images by Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways Paying off your mortgage early can give you a sense of security and more flexibility in your budget. A mortgage payoff also ties your money up in your home. You won’t be able to access it unless you do a…

Key takeaways The World of Hyatt rewards program has over 1,300 properties across 76 countries. Members can earn points through hotel stays, spending with Hyatt partners, hosting meetings or events and credit card spending. Points can be used toward free night stays, room upgrades, hotel credits and with Hyatt partners.…

Image by GettyImages; Illustration by Bankrate Reversing its recent rise, the average rate on a $30,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) fell five basis points this week. At 8.22 percent, it’s still holding close to its highest level of the year, however, according to Bankrate’s national survey of lenders.…