For some people, a pension is a route to retirement, but often it’s not the only way to get there. Here’s what pensions are, how they work and options if you don’t have access to a pension plan — or if the payouts will be too small to live off of in retirement. What is...
The article Pension Plans: Definition and How They Differ From 401(k)s originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Founded by a retired farmer and insurance salesman in 1922, State Farm is now one of the largest homeowners insurance companies in the U.S. In addition to homeowners insurance, State Farm sells car, life, umbrella and other insurance policies both online and through a network of more than 19,000 agents. State Farm is also financially...
The article State Farm Homeowners Insurance Review 2020 originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Traditionally, when you apply for a credit card, the card issuer conducts what’s known as a “hard pull” on your credit report to determine your creditworthiness. Such hard inquiries can ding your credit scores temporarily. But several credit card issuers offer a pre-qualification or preapproval process that lets you avoid that hit to your scores, at least...
The article Credit Cards That Offer Preapproval Without a Hard Pull originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Level term life insurance is a policy that has a level death benefit the entire time you own it. Your beneficiaries will get paid the same amount regardless of whether you die in the third year or 23rd year of your 30-year policy. It can also be called level benefit term life insurance, highlighting the...
The article Understanding Level Term Life Insurance originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Although World of Hyatt isn’t one of the biggest hotel loyalty programs, it has a lot going for it. NerdWallet currently ranks Hyatt points as the most valuable hotel rewards currency, worth 1.9 cents each. Pair that with top-notch elite status benefits and exceptional high-end hotels and the program offers standout value. Where can you stay...
The article World of Hyatt Reward Optimization for Beginners originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Whether you’re sitting on a pile of Hilton Honors points or are just starting your journey to rack them up, you’re likely curious about what types of rooms and hotels you can book using your points. Since Hilton does not offer an award chart, we’re here to help you navigate Hilton’s different booking award levels....
The article How to Navigate Hilton Honors Award Levels originally appeared on NerdWallet.
In spring 2020, as the coronavirus spread across the globe, travelers put their plans on hold, canceling trips and taking advantage of airlines’ new flexible change and cancellation policies. Months later, most of us still aren’t traveling, but we’re starting to look ahead to a time when it will be safe to fly again —...
The article Premium Cabin Availability for Spring 2021 Award Travel originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Months into working from home, it’s time to check in with yourself. How is your work-life balance? Have you figured out when and how you work best? And when did you last shower? As work and home life meld, it’s difficult to maintain boundaries, stay productive and take care of your mental health amid the...
The article Transition From Work-at-Home Novice to Pro originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and recession, many Americans are struggling to pay their bills — and as a result, credit card issuers are pulling back on the available credit they are offering consumers. That means not only is it harder to get approved for new credit cards, but cardholders are seeing credit limits on their...
The article How to Increase Your Chances of Credit Card Approval originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Innocent spouse relief is a way to avoid paying additional tax you might owe the IRS if your spouse or ex-spouse made significant errors on your joint tax return. Here’s how innocent spouse relief works, and how you can get it. What is innocent spouse relief? On joint tax returns, both filers are generally responsible...
The article Innocent Spouse Relief: How to Get It From the IRS originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Hyatt has finally made it possible to book suites with points online — and it’s a much bigger deal than it sounds like. Until now, redeeming World of Hyatt points for a suite was extremely cumbersome. You would spend a lot of time researching your options, then call Hyatt with your choice, but even after...
The article You Can Now Book Hyatt Suites With Points Online originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Glamping, which combines glamorous fun with rustic camping, can be a fun twist on a traditional trip. Whether you are the outdoorsy type or prefer a taste of the good life while you pretend to be outdoors, there’s a hotel package to help you get in on the trend. Some packages emphasize the rustic side...
The article How to Use or Earn Points Glamping This Summer originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The coronavirus pandemic is far from over, and with the United States being one of the hardest hit countries, U.S. citizens are finding themselves blocked from entering many countries during the peak of summer. Europe, which is a favorite vacation destination for many, has basically closed its borders to U.S. citizens. If you’re hoping to...
The article Where U.S. Citizens Can Travel Right Now originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Back-to-school shopping is an expensive chore in a normal year; this year is anything but normal. But with August upon us, stores are putting out back-to-school displays in anticipation of children needing to learn, whether in the classroom or at home. Two-fifths (40%) of parents with children in K-12 or college anticipate their children will...
The article Back-to-School Shopping in 2020: How to Save Amid Uncertainty originally appeared on NerdWallet.
While investors have endured stomach-jolting ups and downs since the coronavirus pandemic struck, one of the world’s oldest commodities has been on a steady rise: gold. The price of gold broke an all-time record earlier this week, trading just shy of $2,000 per ounce. Gold outperformed all major asset classes in the first half of...
The article 5 Things to Know About Gold’s Record-Breaking Run originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Money transfer apps including Venmo, Cash App and PayPal have surged in popularity during the pandemic as people seek safe, contactless ways to send and receive money. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the limitations of these payment platforms or how they can put someone’s finances at risk. Like over-the-counter medicines, payment apps can be safe...
The article Can You Really Trust Your Payment App? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The American Express® Green Card can be a valuable companion for foodies and globe-trotters. The charge card offers rich rewards on restaurant spending worldwide and on eligible travel and transit expenses, not to mention lucrative annual credits that alone can offset the card’s $150 annual fee. And you can rake in even more value if you...
The article Making the Most of the American Express Green Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
As the coronavirus pandemic took hold early this spring and markets plunged, a wave of Americans saw an opportunity to start investing. But one expert says this new herd is making some old mistakes — namely, chasing hot stocks. “I’ll say it: Individual stocks are terrible investments for people just starting out,” Christine Benz, the...
The article New Investors: Quit Stock-Picking and Do This, Expert Says originally appeared on NerdWallet.
You don’t necessarily have to be a frequent flyer or business traveler to enjoy the perks of United Airlines lounges. Even if you’re a casual flyer looking to access one of the 45-plus United lounges around the world, here are five things you should know. 1. What to expect at United lounges Visiting a United...
The article 5 Things to Know About United Airlines Lounges originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’ve been staring at the four walls of your home since March, you might feel an itch to finally finish your basement or update your bathroom tiles. As long as you’re at home, you might as well enjoy what you’re looking at, right? According to a survey by online lender LightStream, 73% of homeowners...
The article 6 Ways to Finance Your Home Improvement Project originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Note: As you plan travel during the coronavirus pandemic, please check the CDC and State Department websites for current guidance and travel restrictions. Hilton is not only one of the largest hotel brands in the world, but it also has one of the best loyalty programs of any hotel chain. Below are some of the many benefits to joining Hilton’s...
The article Benefits of the Hilton Honors Loyalty Program originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Hilton enthusiasts already appreciate The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card for its high points bonuses. But with the ability to earn award room nights and quickly gain elite status, casual Hilton hotel guests can find value in this card as well. Business travelers, especially, can optimize the perks of this card to receive even more...
The article Underrated Reasons Why You Need a Hilton Honors American Express Business Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Tuition bills are coming due, and while millions of students across the country are weighing the risks of going back to college in the middle of a pandemic, the most financially strapped students carry an added burden of dwindling aid. For Americans living in the lowest income brackets, college represents a way up the socioeconomic...
The article Pell Grants: Dwindling Power to Help At-Need Students originally appeared on NerdWallet.
With travel practically halted, you may be wondering what you can do to earn cash back, miles or points to book future travel. Good news: There are credit cards and earning strategies to increase your balances even while you are not in the air or on the road. Best travel credit cards During normal travel...
The article Best Travel Credit Cards and Points Earning Strategies During the Pandemic originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Even if you’re not a Marriott loyalist, it may be worth considering the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card. This card offers a minimum of double points on all purchases — and even more in select spending categories — helping you quickly earn valuable Marriott Bonvoy points toward free hotel nights. As a cardholder, you...
The article Underrated Reasons Why You Need a Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is an extremely popular premium Chase credit card because it offers a valuable welcome bonus, an annual travel credit and a variety of lesser-known perks that can save you money or improve your travel experience. This metal card is ideal for frequent travelers and those who spend a good amount on...
The article Underrated Reasons Why You Need a Chase Sapphire Reserve Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Let’s say you can’t make your student loan payment and you’re looking for help. You find a company through an advertisement that says it will help you, but you’re not sure if it’s legit. Sometimes the company is waving a red flag that is a clear marker of a scam: It demands money upfront. It...
The article Is This Student Loan Company Legit? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
High school seniors who plan on taking a gap year this fall to wait out the pandemic could be paying for it for the rest of their lives. While a one-year wait might seem like the right decision for students who don’t want to study online or risk COVID-19 exposure, graduating a year later could...
The article How a Gap Year Might Haunt You Financially originally appeared on NerdWallet.
It is possible to find a high-interest savings account during the pandemic. It can even be easy, since you don’t have to leave home to open one. The key is to avoid “average.” That’s because the rate on an “average” savings account is just a fraction of one percent, and it’s harder to grow your...
The article How to Find a High-Interest Savings Account in the Age of COVID-19 originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Welcome to NerdWallet’s SmartMoney podcast, where we answer your real-world money questions. This week’s episode starts with a discussion of what to do if you recently lost your health insurance. Visit HealthCare.gov to see what your options are under the Affordable Care Act, since that’s likely to be the most cost-effective solution. Resist the temptation...
The article Smart Money Podcast: Losing Your Health Insurance, and Setting Financial Goals originally appeared on NerdWallet.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact travel, your summer vacation plans may look a little different this year. Instead of booking flights to an international destination, you might be eyeing the open road instead. Want to exchange the view at home for some breathtaking scenery? Grab your favorite travel card and consider a trip...
The article Regional Road Trips: Best National Park Road Trips to Take This Summer originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ Mastercard® is the only co-branded American Airlines credit card that comes with Admirals Club membership and a number of other perks. Although its $450 annual fee might deter you from applying, don’t make up your mind about this card until you’ve looked at the benefits that, for some...
The article Is the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard Worth Its Annual Fee? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Hilton is one of the largest hotel chains in the world. The company behind Hilton owns 18 hotel brands with more than 6,100 properties in 118 countries. It’s also the owner of the popular Hilton Honors rewards program, which allows you to earn points for free hotel stays and other perks. If you’re a Hilton...
The article The Complete Guide to Hilton Transfer Partners originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Lots of people have more time than money nowadays. If you’re one — maybe you’re taking a staycation or you freed up commuting hours by working from home — optimize that extra time by making smart financial moves that won’t cost a dime. “If you have time but no money, it’s time to become the...
The article Smart Money Moves When Cash Is Tighter Than Time originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The Citibank savings account interest rate for its Accelerate account is 1.10% APY. With that balance-boosting yield, which is higher than savings account interest rates at many other banks, the name makes sense. However, the rate for Citi’s basic savings account is lower, at 0.04%. Here’s a look at how the savings accounts measure up compared...
The article Citibank Savings Account Interest Rate: How It Compares originally appeared on NerdWallet.
In general, using as little of your credit card limits as possible is better for your score. So logic would suggest that paying off your credit cards early so that a zero balance is reported to the credit bureaus would produce the highest scores, right? Turns out, having 1% of your credit limits in use...
The article Why You Might Not Want to Zero Out Every Credit Card originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The COVID-19 pandemic has turned travel upside down, and the hotel industry has been forced to cope with a constantly changing landscape of traveler expectations. From new cancellation policies to improved cleaning and social distancing procedures, major hotel brands have scrambled to adapt to the new reality. But which hotel brands have adapted best? Which...
The article Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
A financial lifeline for millions of Americans who lost their jobs when the coronavirus pandemic brought the economy to a halt in the spring is coming to an end this weekend: The extra $600 a week in unemployment benefits on top of state benefits is expiring. This boost has been vital in keeping out-of-work Americans...
The article What to Do When Your $600 Weekly Unemployment Check Expires originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’re contacted about possible exposure to the coronavirus, make sure it’s legit. Scammers are masquerading as contact tracers, and it’s smart to verify calls or texts before giving out any information. A tracer’s job is to help contain the pandemic by reaching out to people who may be spreading the coronavirus. You could be...
The article Is That ‘Contact Tracer’ Really a Scammer? How to Tell originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Fifty percent of Americans with private student loans are currently considering refinancing them since interest rates have dropped dramatically, according to a May 2020 survey commissioned by NerdWallet and conducted online by The Harris Poll. But that number should probably be closer to 100%, as student loan refinance rates have continued to fall even since...
The article Don’t Wait to Refinance These Student Loans originally appeared on NerdWallet.
It’s true that Delta award prices can be unpredictable since the program moved away from a fixed price award chart. However, with a little planning, there is still plenty of value when redeeming miles for award flights in the program. If you’ve been racking up SkyMiles and are now ready to start using them, this...
The article Delta SkyMiles Reward Optimization for Beginners originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Note: As you plan travel during the coronavirus pandemic, please check the CDC and State Department websites for current guidance and travel restrictions. Sometimes the way to escape cabin fever is by visiting an actual cabin. At least, that seems to be the thought process behind some of the latest travel trends. Airbnb says its business hasn’t fully recovered since...
The article Airbnb Stays Are Bouncing Back Amid the Coronavirus Pandemic originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Medicare.gov is the official website for Medicare, the U.S. government health care program for seniors and those with certain disabilities. The site is especially helpful for comparing various plans, finding providers, getting claims paperwork and learning about costs and policies. Here’s how you can use it. Nerd Tip: If you want to enroll in Original...
The article How to Use Medicare.gov originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Chase Sapphire cards are often a go-to credit card for travel enthusiasts, regardless of airline or hotel loyalties. With high sign-up bonuses and lucrative bonus spending categories, it’s easy to stack up Chase Ultimate RewardsⓇ points. However, if you have a Chase Sapphire card only, then you’re potentially missing out on major earning opportunities. Chase...
The article Chase Freedom Unlimited Is Now a Must-Have for Sapphire Cardholders originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The Chase Freedom® and the Chase Freedom Unlimited® will be lucrative cards to use at grocery stores for new cardholders. As of July 24, 2020, the cards not only offer cash sign-up bonuses, but they also have added a whopping 5% back on grocery store purchases for the first year, up to $12,000 in spending....
The article Chase Freedom, Freedom Unlimited Add 5% Back at Grocery Stores to Bonus originally appeared on NerdWallet.
The maximum Social Security benefit in 2020 is $3,790 per month if retiring at age 70. The max Social Security benefit per month is $3,011 for retirement at age 66; $2,857 for retirement at age 65; and $2,265 for retirement at age 62. How is the maximum Social Security benefit calculated? The amount you get...
The article What Is the Maximum Social Security Benefit in 2020? originally appeared on NerdWallet.
If you’re thinking of selling a piece of property that could result in a big profit (and a big tax bill), a 1031 exchange could be a useful strategy. What is a 1031 exchange? A 1031 exchange, named after section 1031 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, is a way to postpone capital gains tax...
The article How to Do a 1031 Exchange: Definition, Rules and What to Know originally appeared on NerdWallet.
Investors looking to diversify their portfolios geographically have a range of options, and getting into China — the world’s second-largest economy — can be particularly appealing. If so, one route is to buy China exchange-traded funds. What are China ETFs? China ETFs are exchange-traded funds that track publicly listed Chinese companies and give investors exposure...
The article Best China ETFs for July 2020 originally appeared on NerdWallet.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to roil the U.S. economy, Americans with credit card debt may be considering a tried-and-true interest-relief tool: balance transfers. Indeed, some have already turned to them. Among U.S. adults who have credit cards and whose financial situation has been impacted by COVID-19, 12% have moved their high-interest credit card debt...
The article Why It’s Harder Than Ever to Find a Balance Transfer Offer Right Now originally appeared on NerdWallet.
For those looking to make money in an easily accessible way, apps provide plenty of avenues to consider. You can use your smartphone to take surveys, pick up a side project, sell your unwanted stuff and more. Here’s the scoop on seven free money-making apps. 1. Ibotta How it works: Ibotta lets you earn cash...
The article 7 of the Best Money-Making Apps of 2020 originally appeared on NerdWallet.
