#NewYearMM Money Makeover: Official Rules

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The average cost of colonoscopy procedures

A colonoscopy screens for cancer and other problems. How much does a colonoscopy cost?

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Top 10 tips for ramping up retirement planning in 2017

Resolve to review your accounts, fees and other aspects of your retirement plan.

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Mortgage rates rise for a record 9th week in a row

In the year's final quarter, mortgage rates never fell from one week to the next.

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7 steps to make the homebuying process easier

Buying a house can be confusing. Here's what to know about the homebuying process.

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How much does laser hair removal cost?

Laser hair removal may be a better option than paying $10,000 a year on shaving products.

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10 things we learned at Bankrate in 2016

Trump's win and Brexit top the year's headlines. But what do they mean for you?

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5 tricks to sweeten your savings a little at a time

Contribute small sums of money to your savings to get that powerful snowball effect.

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$10,000 grand prize winner must scale back spending

The Detroit-area teacher must learn lessons about how to save more, spend less money.

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7 easy ways to boost your retirement saving in 2017

Adopt these resolutions to spend smarter, save more and retire well.

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Video: Bankrate helps teacher pay off $30K debt

Torrie needs help paying off her large debt. See what our financial expert has planned.

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George Michael: How much was he worth?

The late pop music superstar left behind a stunning fortune.

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Top 10 investing tips for a killer portfolio in 2017

Will Wall Street's rally continue? Who knows? But here's to a profitable new year!

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How to move your savings when rates rise

As interest rates rise, follow these seven tips to find the right savings account.

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What 8 classic 'Star Wars' stars are worth

The early films helped make Carrie Fisher and her co-stars rich. See just how rich.

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10 tips to have an awesome mortgage in 2017

Here's how to be a happy borrower in the new year, whether you buy a home or refi.

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Hurry! Make these 3 money moves before year-end

Here's a financial to-do list to complete before it's time to say, "Happy New Year!"

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The 10 richest presidents in US history

You can probably guess whose net worth makes him No. 1, but how about the other nine?

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Savings vs. money market accounts: How to choose

Different types of savings vehicles provide access to your money and pay interest, too.

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10 year-end tax moves to lessen your load in 2017

Sure, tax rules may change. But take these steps now to owe less to the IRS in April.

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How to get the most from selling a home 'as is'

When you're selling a property without repairs, you still have some prep work to do.

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The 10 states where you're most likely to hit a deer

Antler alert! See if you live in a place with a high rate for collisions with deer.

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10 best states for retirees who love the holidays

These places are great for seniors who love snow, shopping and giving from the heart.

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Are holiday shoppers going crazy with credit card debt?

Credit experts share what they're watching during the frenzied holiday shopping season.

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Checking vs. savings accounts: How to choose

Checking and savings accounts are different. Should you have one, the other -- or both?

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Use the debt snowball method to pay your debts

This debt reduction strategy with a wintry name is designed to keep you motivated.

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FHA loan requirements: What you need to know

An FHA mortgage offers low down payments and competitive rates. Would you qualify?

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Video: Here it is, the season's hottest toy

Any kid on your holiday list probably wants a Hatchimal. See why they're cool.

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Mortgage rates climb again, for 8th week in a row

Rates have reached a two-year high, but you might still benefit from refinancing.

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The 10 states with the worst foreclosure rates

Even though foreclosure rates have gone down nationwide, these states are still hurting.

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Does your state have foreclosure troubles? See the rankings

New Jersey had the highest rate of foreclosure in November. Where does your state rank?

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10 top tips to get the most from your credit cards in 2017

Using cards wisely in the new year will mean more than paying your bill when it's due.

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What it costs to build your own home

Building a home is a dream, but you need to keep a firm grip on your budget.

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Will Donald Trump shake up the Federal Reserve?

The new president has an opportunity to radically reshape the central bank.

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6 moves for retirees to finish the year off right

Retirees get a last chance to take advantage of some smart moves before the new year.

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5 smart reasons to get a mortgage preapproval

See why it's better to get preapproved before you start shopping for a home.

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11 celebrities who lost millions to Bernie Madoff

The con man's Ponzi scheme snared the late Zsa Zsa Gabor and several other big names.

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10 great tips for saving money in 2017

Make the new year the one when you finally get serious about saving. Here's how.

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See what these 9 well-known political commentators are worth

Ann Coulter, James Carville and other talking heads are very good at making money.

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Sold hubby's business for $60K. How much tax do I owe?

The tax owed from a business sale depends on many things. Here's what you need to know.

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5 great money gifts to help your adult kids build savings

These financial presents can help your grown children mount a secure retirement.

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10 most popular things credit card crooks buy

The bad guys use stolen cards to buy products that sell quickly on the black market.

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6 tips for the best home remodeling project

Home renovation isn't as easy as it looks on TV. Here's how to avoid overspending.

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10 things to weigh before buying income property

Rentals can be a smart investment. See if you've got the stuff to be a landlord.

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What most workers leave in the bank (and it's not money)

You may crave a vacation, but would you really take it? Probably not, Bankrate finds.

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What are the pros and cons of leasing a car?

Leasing can lower your monthly car payment, but that's not the only consideration.

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These 3 people will feel the Fed's rate hike in different ways

See how the Federal Reserve's interest rate increase touches Americans like you.

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5 essential tips to keep your car in top shape

Failing to do simple things can end up costing you money -- and risking your safety.

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Hey millennials, avoid these 10 fading careers

Looking for a career with long-term growth potential? Don't look at any of these. 

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Can I dump my real estate agent? And do I have to pay him?

It's not easy to dismiss a real estate agent. Here are some ways to go about it.

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Net worth of Mukesh Ambani, India's first trillionaire

Mukesh Ambani has come a long way from his humble beginnings as a gas station attendant.

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A fixed-rate credit card can help -- if you can find one

You can combat Fed rate hikes if you can find one of these rare "pink unicorns."

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Mortgages rates rise in the shadow of the Fed's rate hike

Mortgage rates rise for the seventh week, partly in anticipation of the Fed rate hike.

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Video: 5 money secrets from the Elf on the Shelf

Watch how Santa's little helper can teach your kids big lessons.

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6 cheap and easy ways to donate to charity

Don't have a big chunk of change to donate this season? Giving a little still counts a lot for a charity.

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What did the Fed say -- and does it all mean? We translate

We cut through the jargon in the central bank's announcement it's raising rates.

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The 6 home projects that pay off most at resale

You won't find kitchen remodels on the list, but these fixes are worth the expense.

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These are the 10 worst states for drivers

High costs, grueling commutes and crash risks make these places rough on motorists.

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The Fed's rate hike: Winners and losers

Find out if your finances are likely to get battered or buoyed by the Fed's move.

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Personal loan rates unlikely to jump after Fed rate hike

Competition is likely to keep today's low rates in check for the time being.

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Spielberg's hit movies result in Jaws-dropping wealth

Spielberg's gift for telling a story on the big screen has won him fame and fortune.

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Video: Hear kids explain what Fed day is all about

Not sure what the Fed does when it meets? Let these children fill you in.

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7 ways the Fed's interest rate decisions affect you

See all the ways the Fed affects your pocketbook when it raises interest rates.

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The world's 10 richest tech billionaires

Some of these moguls will meet with President-elect Donald Trump for a tech summit.

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4 common myths about annuities debunked

Annuities don't get much love, but investors' misgivings may be unfounded.

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5 jolly good reasons to buy a home around the holidays

Even if the weather outside is frightful, year-round house-shopping can be delightful.

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Winter housing trends: Home sales, mortgages, Trump

A key question is how the new president will deal with two giant mortgage companies.

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These are the 10 best states for drivers

You'll find lower costs, shorter commutes and more safety from crashes and car thieves.

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The most pleasant and most awful states for driving

See how we rank all 50 states on whether they're heaven or hell behind the wheel.

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Do you make these 5 holiday spending mistakes?

Put everything on credit cards? No! Avoid this and four other mistakes.

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Video: How much does liposuction cost?

Find out what you can expect to pay and factors to weigh before making a decision. 

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5 great, lasting holiday gifts for kids

Want to give your children something to enrich their lives? Check out these ideas.

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7 surprising advantages of Fed rate hikes

An interest rate increase is likely coming. Here's how it could benefit you. 

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The 10 best ways to outsmart your car dealer

Beat the dealership at its own game. Follow these suggestions to get a bargain.

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Face it, the Fed is raising rates this week. But why?

Only the central bank really knows. Here's why its explanation will be so important.

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6 reasons why retirees would love a rate hike

The promise of better returns on their savings is just the beginning of the benefits.

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What your room color says about you

You might be green with envy if it doesn't match the hot new hue for 2017.

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The 10 most expensive cars ever sold at auction

These classics have impressive histories, and you'd need a royal fortune to buy one.

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When is the best time to buy a car?

Several factors go into the timing of an auto purchase. Here are things to consider.

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Can I take possession of abandoned property?

First, you have to find the owner and that takes legwork. Here's how to get started.

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Video: Kids explain how credit card companies make money

Hear youngsters give a fresh take on just how the plastic biz works.  

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8 things to know before the Fed hikes rates

A rate bump looks like a lock. Act now before some borrowing costs rise.

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What is President-elect Donald Trump's net worth?

Time's Person of the Year says he's worth $10 billion. See what experts say.

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Which star of 'Friends' is the richest?

See what the star of "Office Christmas Party" and her former TV cohorts are worth.

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Building a deck: The costs and considerations

You might spend more on that deck than expected, once you factor in permits and taxes.

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What is a modular home?

These homes have several benefits and disadvantages that buyers should consider first.

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10 ways Elf on the Shelf can teach kids about money

Need a way to make finances fun? Put Santa's helper to work.

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Kids explain bitcoin

Baffled by bitcoin? Let these children fill you in on the virtual currency.

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Will Trump help or hurt your finances? See what Americans say

Your financial outlook is likely linked to how you voted, Bankrate finds.

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Acting legend Kirk Douglas: What's his net worth?

The star of "Spartacus" and "Champion" is turning 100. His wealth is lofty, too.

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Annuity Investing: 5 pros and con you need to know

Dig deep to learn all the restrictions, fees and taxes involved before buying annuities.

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Annuity investing: 5 pros and cons you need to know

Dig deep to learn all the restrictions, fees and taxes involved before buying annuities.

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10 cities with the lowest credit scores

Three states dominate this list, but a fourth is represented at the very bottom.

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8 ways to trim your Christmas gift list without looking cheap

Don't break your budget for Christmas. Follow these tips to stay merry and keep your sanity.

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What is Beyonce's net worth? The answer may surprise you

As a singer, songwriter, actress and entrepreneur, Beyonce's net worth keeps climbing. See where it stands today.

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The 4 worst things to do in front of your boss

Don't take cues from Hollywood's wild "Office Christmas Party"! Your job is at stake.

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10 cities with the highest credit scores

One region rules this list of places with best average credit scores, dontcha know?

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10 things you must know before signing up for Medicare

The fall enrollment period ends this week, so be sure you don't miss the deadline.

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How do you get a reverse mortgage loan?

A reverse mortgage loan is not like a conventional loan. Here's what you need to know.

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9 times the US economy tanked -- and why

America has survived panics, crashes and other crises. See how they happened.

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Share profits of property sale with kids to avoid tax?

Gifting the money may not lessen capital gains taxes, but it might still be helpful. 

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The 1 thing your retirement plan might be missing

Financing retirement on investments alone may not be enough. Are annuities the answer?

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VIDEO: Kids explain: What is a mortgage?

Who says home loans are complicated? These kids have it all figured out.

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7 terrific tips for taking your credit cards on vacation

Follow this advice to make sure your cards will be reliable travel companions.

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Hate credit card fees? Here are 5 you can easily avoid

Credit card costs can add up. Find out how to cut the price of your plastic.

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Give great holiday gifts that cost $10 or less

Impress your friends and loved ones with these inexpensive yet thoughtful gifts.

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9 big things you need to know about jumbo loans

A jumbo loan is larger than the usual mortgage. Here's how to size one up.

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Video: Find a mechanic who is good for your car and your budget

Knowing your driving style can save you money in the long run on car maintenance.

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5 tips for classy, frugal holiday party fun

Don't let a tight budget stop you from hosting an affordable party with panache.

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5 warning signs of too much holiday credit card debt

What's your holiday budget? Don't know? That's a clue it's time to start paying with cash.

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Buying a home? Here's how to do it right

Follow these tips during the purchase process and you could save thousands.

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7 new cars that are cheaper to lease than last year's models

You can drive off with more money in your pocket when you lease one of these 2017 models.

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How much does it cost to replace a windshield?

Replacing a windshield is a safety measure that may cost less than you think.

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Costs and considerations when getting a nose job

Nose jobs enhance your facial looks, but health insurance is unlikely to foot the bill.

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Is there aid for disabled person facing eviction?

Help is available to a disabled person who is trying to hold on to the family home.

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Video: How to choose the best mechanic

Start by asking a lot of questions to find the right fit and save money. 

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Can you negotiate the cost of leasing a car?

It's a major transaction, but is it something you can cut a deal on? Find out.

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Trump's golden Cabinet: What his nominees are worth

The president-elect's team is the richest in history. See how they got so wealthy. 

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How to fortify and protect your home against wildfires

Fires have devastated Tennessee. Could your house withstand rampaging flames?

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8 lottery winners who went broke

The recent $420 million Powerball winners might want to heed these cautionary tales.

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5 ways to maximize your 401(k)

Make your account work harder to help ensure a more comfortable retirement.

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Will your pay get better next year? See what experts say

Here's what economists told us when we asked whether Americans' wages will perk up.

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Experts give 50-50 odds Trump will face recession

Economists surveyed by Bankrate also tell what's ahead for interest rates and wages.

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