Personal Finance

Most consumers are aware that certain things, such as causing an accident, will cause their auto insurance rates to take a hike. But there are some factors that can raise your rates -- like the five on this list -- that may surprise you.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Studies show that getting hitched can be good for your health -- and sometimes, your pocketbook. Find out how walking down the aisle can save you money (driving) down the road.

By Gerlinda Grimes

Tax evasion is a serious crime; after all, it tripped up Al Capone. But there's a big difference between making a mistake on your return and doing something that could land you in jail.

By Dave Roos

Chances are your state requires that you have car insurance. But what happens if you get into an accident and you don't have it?

By Jeff Harder

Hybrid cars are good for the environment, but are they good for your wallet? Let's take a look at how these fuel-efficient vehicles stack up against traditional gas guzzlers when it comes to insurance rates.

By Chris Opfer

Insurance can often be complicated, but most people believe that when you hit 25, your rates automatically go down. Is that true?

By Jacob Clifton

Your car may have seen better days, but car insurance covers more than the vehicle itself. How can you avoid underinsuring your faithful clunker?

By Laurie L. Dove

Liability insurance is any insurance you purchase to protect others against something you do -- hit and damage a car, for example. But are there limits to liability auto insurance that can leave you high and dry?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Teens are expensive, especially when it comes to car insurance. There's good reason for that -- they get in more accidents -- but there are ways to insure them without breaking the bank.

By Ed Grabianowski

You probably know that insurance companies base their rates on many factors, including your age and the type of car you own. What may come as a surprise, though, is that where you live can also have a big effect on your insurance premium. How?

By John Kelly

Don't think you need GAP insurance? Don't even know what GAP insurance is? We'll tell you if and when you do and how it could save you big bucks in an accident.

By Mark Boyer

Auto insurance can put a huge dent in your wallet. But you don't want to be caught without it if you end up with a dented front end. We'll tell five ways you can lower your premium.

By John Perritano

Insurance companies don't just have different rates -- they vary greatly in everything from their coverage to the speed of their claims service. What questions should you ask while shopping around to make sure you get the best policy?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

If you don't make a whole lot of money, the Earned Income Tax Credit can help put some much-needed cash in your pocket. Now all you have to do is claim it -- that is, if you qualify.

By Dave Roos

Before you hit the car lot in search of your dream vehicle, do some research. Will that red sports car rev up your rate? Is an older, more reliable model a better bet? We'll start you off with this article.

By Shanna Freeman

Insurance fraud scams, including staging accidents and creating fake titles for nonexistent cars, cost Americans billions of dollars a year. How do savvy insurance agents suss them out?

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Income inequality is a hot topic now, but have the scales always been this imbalanced? Did we -- rich and poor alike -- pay more taxes in the past? As with many things involving the tax code, the answer is a little complicated.

By Dave Roos

You've probably heard the question before: "Are you paying too much for car insurance?" With the help of the Internet, you can find out for yourself.

By Jeff Harder

Car accidents are pretty standard fare, but occasionally, some really weird stuff lands on insurance adjusters' desks. From mattresses to minibuses, you won't believe it until you read it!

By Gerlinda Grimes

Doing your taxes is already stressful enough, but imagine how much worse it could be if you forget to bring your identification or Social Security card. Here are a few more must-haves for your tax preparer.

By Dave Roos

To U.S. taxpayers, April 15 comes with lots of scrambling and sweating to send some cash or paperwork to the IRS. But why does Tax Day fall on that particular date? And why is it on April 18 sometimes?

By Dave Roos

The tax code -- a compilation of every tax law written by Congress since the Constitution was ratified in 1788 -- is ridiculously long and complicated, but who actually enforces it?

By Dave Roos

Your whole future balances on acing one test -- but no pressure. We have 10 tips on how to stay calm, make a plan and study effectively for the MCAT.

By Patrick J. Kiger & Matt Cunningham

How can mobile banking alerts keep your account more secure?

By Jane McGrath

Credit cards come with certain benefits that help protect your personal and financial data when you use them, particularly when shopping online. Do debit cards also protect your sensitive information? Read on for the answer.

By Alison Cooper