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Banking Articles

From get out of debt strategies to advice on improving your savings returns, we've got recommendations to help you make smarter banking decisions.

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Recent Articles

A glass jar labeled "Savings" that's full of coins and bills.
June 20, 2025 | By James McClenathen

The Average American Needs $19,800 in Savings -- Most Don't Even Come Close

The $19,800 number isn't random. Here's where it comes from, why it matters, and how a high-yield savings account can help you get there faster.
Six piggy banks in a row ranging from small to large on a blue cream slip background.
June 20, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Should You Open a 6-Month CD Before Interest Rates Drop?

CD rates may fall soon. Locking in a 6-month CD now could help you secure a solid return before banks start trimming yields.
A red balloon tied to small stack of coins on yellow background.
June 18, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Higher Prices Are Coming. Here Are 3 Ways to Prepare

Here's how to protect your budget, build up savings, and make your money go further as inflation and tariffs impact our bills.
A small toy ladder and house centered on baby blue background.
June 15, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

I'm Building a $50,000 'Reverse' CD Ladder to Buy a Rental Property -- Here's How

My wife and I are saving up $50,000 for a rental property using a CD ladder. Here's our plan, our timeline, and how much we'll earn.
A metal ladder with rungs labeled 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year on a blue background.
June 14, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

How to Start a CD Ladder With Just $5,000

You don't need tens of thousands to build a CD ladder. Here's how to start with just $5,000 and earn more on your savings.
A ladder made of green play money against purple background.
June 13, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

My Friend Built a $60,000 CD Ladder. Here's How Much It Pays Him Monthly

A $60,000 CD ladder sounds complex, but it's surprisingly simple. Here's how much my friend earns each month and how it works.
A bank vault on purple background.
June 9, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

This Is the Top High-Yield Savings Account Right Now (It Pays up to 4.00%)

Earn more on your money today with LendingClub's high-yield savings account. See how much more you could be making today.
An hourglass next to a stack of cash.
June 9, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

How Much Money Do You Need in Savings to Get Through a Recession?

Here's how much emergency savings you really need to protect yourself during a recession, plus some smart ways to grow it.
ATM on yellow background.
June 8, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

You're Probably Paying an ATM Fee You Don't Need To

Most ATM fees are entirely avoidable. Here's how to switch to a bank that helps you keep more of your cash.
Four pink piggy banks in a row against yellow background.
June 7, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have? (I Have 4 -- Here's How I Use Them)

Learn how many bank accounts you really need, and get a look inside my personal setup that keeps our money flowing smoothly.
Brooklyn and husband standing in front of gated house with rainbow in the background.
June 6, 2025 | By Brooklyn Sprunger

I Earned Over $5,800 on My House Fund in the Last Year -- Here's Where I Kept It

I earned $5,800 on my house fund by using a high-yield savings account and CD. Here's how to grow your savings fast before rates drop.
White bank building on blue background.
June 4, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

This Bank Pays an APY of 4.00%. Should You Switch Now?

You can earn an uber-competitive APY with a LendingClub LevelUp Savings account. Find out if it's the right time to switch today.
Young man pausing from using his laptop to look at a calendar.
June 1, 2025 | By James McClenathen

6-Month vs. 5-Year CDs: What's the Best Investment Now?

CD rates are high, but they may drop soon. Find out if you should you lock in a guaranteed rate for five years, or take advantage of 6-month rates while they last.
A white piggy bank that says emergency fund next to a stack of U.S. currency.
May 31, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Save $2,000: Boost Your Financial Well-Being by 21%, Says Vanguard

Even a small emergency fund can make a big difference. Here's why $2,000 is the magic number, and how to hit it quicker than you think.
An open safe showing coins and bills inside.
May 30, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

Too Much in Savings? 3 Warning Signs You're Missing Out on Growth

You may be holding on to too much cash. Learn three of the biggest red flags -- and what to do with your money instead.
A couple meets with a financial advisor in their home.
May 29, 2025 | By James McClenathen

3 Habits That Help the Rich Stay Rich

Being wealthy (and staying wealthy) takes more than a high income. Here are three habits of the rich that you can adopt, too.
A standard bank building structure with columns.
May 26, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

Here's What Happens When You Withdraw $10K -- It's Not What You Think

Thinking of taking $10,000 out of your bank account? Here's what really happens -- and why the government will find out.
A piggy bank with a small hammer beside it.
May 25, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Why Every American Should Aim for at Least $19,800 in Savings in 2025

Experts recommend keeping three to six months of living expenses in cash. Here's why that means saving at least $19,800 in 2025 (and how to get there).
An older couple uses a laptop, calculator, and papers to budget while sitting on the living room sofa
May 24, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

5 Ways to Protect Your Money From a Recession

Here are some simple steps to recession-proof your money. Build a buffer, lock in high rates, cut unnecessary expenses, and reduce risky exposure.
Dog with stack of money in its mouth.
May 21, 2025 | By James McClenathen

This Warren Buffett Strategy Could Keep You Out of Debt

Warren Buffett's company maintains a huge cash reserve. Here's why you should have plenty of cash on hand, too.
Teen taking cash out of her wallet.
May 20, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

How I Turned $500 Into $5,000 With This Simple Savings Habit

I saved up $5,000 from my teenage job -- all thanks to one consistent savings habit my mum taught me. Find out what it was.
Man with arms outspread and cash raining down on him.
May 18, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Millionaires Do With Their Paychecks That Most People Don't

Millionaires don't waste paychecks. Here's how they use automation, smart tools, and ROI thinking to build lasting wealth.
A standard bank building structure with columns.
May 16, 2025 | By Ryan Wilcox

Is Your Bank Costing You Money? 4 Signs It's Time to Switch

If you're still using a traditional bank, you're probably losing money. Here are clear signs that it might be time to make a switch.
A generic calendar on a desk beside eyeglasses, an alarm clock, and a small hourglass.
May 16, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

Should You Ever Cash Out a CD Early?

Cashing out a CD early isn't the end of the world -- you'll likely just pay a penalty fee. Read on for some scenarios when cashing out early can make sense.
Pink ceramic piggy bank sitting on a pile of paper money
May 15, 2025 | By Joel O'Leary

The No. 1 Mistake People Make With High-Yield Savings Accounts

Keeping too much in your high-yield savings account can hurt your long-term financial growth. Here's what to do with the extra cash.