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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

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Sept. 9, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Your Emergency Fund Doesn't Belong in the Stock Market -- Here's Why

Why leave your emergency cash sitting around when you could invest it? Read on to find out why it's a bad idea -- and where to put the money instead.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
Sept. 9, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Prediction: This Investment Will Beat 5-Year CDs

CDs can be a great way to establish a steady income stream, but they aren't the best long-term investments for everyone. Here's an alternative to consider.
A dollar bill against a pink background
Sept. 8, 2024 | By Margo Winton Parodi

Forget CDs. Here's Why I Doubled Down on Funding My High-Yield Savings Account Instead

Opening a CD means earning interest on your money practically risk-free. Take a look at why they're not necessarily the best choice for your cash.
A calculator, pad, and pen against a yellow background
Sept. 8, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $50,000 in a CD Ladder

A CD ladder can be a smart financial move. See how you might construct a $50,000 CD ladder, and what you can expect.
A wad of folded dollar bills
Sept. 7, 2024 | By Dana George

5 Reasons I Switched From a Bank to a Credit Union

While their jobs are similar, banks and credit unions can be quite different. Here's why one writer switched to a credit union.
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Sept. 6, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Prediction: High-Yield Savings Account Rate Cuts Are Just Around the Corner

We've enjoyed high savings account rates for the last few years, but that seems likely to come to an end. Here's why and what you can do about it.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
Sept. 6, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

3 Ways the Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Decisions Impact Your Money

Dropping the Federal Funds rate is going to have some big impacts on both savers and borrowers. Read on to find out what's ahead for your money.
A glass jar full of bills and coins
Sept. 5, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

3 Reasons to Pass on 5% CD Rates

Many CDs have impressive rates right now. Read on to find out why they still may not be the right fit for your finances.
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Aug. 31, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

3 Little-Known Ways to Avoid Taxes on CDs

Normally, CD interest is taxable on state and federal levels. But if you hold a CD in one of these accounts, see how you could avoid paying taxes on interest.
A person holding a bunch of dollar bills in front of their face
Aug. 31, 2024 | By Jamie Matthews

APY FOMO: Open a Long-Term CD Today Before Savings Rates Begin to Plummet

You could regret not taking advantage of today's high CD rates if you don't act now. Find out why.
A wad of folded dollar bills
Aug. 30, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

3 Reasons I've Never Opened a CD, Even With Rates Over 5%

CDs are paying spectacular interest rates, but they're not right for everyone. Check out a few reasons to consider other options for your money.
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Aug. 28, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Ranked: 3 of the Top Free Checking Accounts

You don't have to pay monthly fees to get a good bank account. Learn the top three checking accounts in 2024.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
Aug. 28, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Unbanked? Here's How Opening Your First Bank Account Could Boost Your Wealth

You don't need to have a lot of money to make opening a bank account worth it. Here are some of the key benefits bank accounts offer.
Bank teller assisting a customer with cash transaction.
Aug. 27, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

How Much Can You Deposit in a Checking Account?

The government wants to know about cash transactions of over $10,000, but it won't stop you making them. Learn more about checking account deposit restrictions.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
Aug. 27, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

3 Reasons I'm Keeping My HYSA, Even After Rates Drop

Is it worth hanging onto a high-yield savings account once the yield is no longer so high? Learn why one writer is committed to keeping hers.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
Aug. 27, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

Will CDs Still Be Worth It After the Fed Cuts Rates?

A rate cut will definitely impact record CD rates, but won't knock them out of the game. Here's a look at what to expect.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
Aug. 27, 2024 | By Jamie Matthews

My 5-Year CD Stands to Earn Me Nearly $700 More Than My High-Yield Savings With Rates Set to Fall

I decided to lock in a high rate on a 5-year CD instead of leaving all my cash in savings. Find out how much more I stand to earn in interest by doing so.
A person walking away from the wallet they dropped on the ground and a thief's hand hovering over it.
Aug. 26, 2024 | By Dana George

How This Money Laundering Scheme You've Never Heard of Could Land You Behind Bars

Authorities have been looking for money launderers for years. Learn about one scheme that could land an ordinary person behind bars.
Man sits at counter with phone on laptop utilizing online banking.
Aug. 26, 2024 | By Dana George

What Is a Neobank? 10 Things You Need to Know

The past 25 years have ushered in notable changes in banking. Here's what you should know about neobanks.
A pile of currency bills
Aug. 26, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

3 Places I'd Rather Put My Money Than a 5.00% APY CD

CD rates are high right now, but there are better places to put your money. Take a look at three options I recommend.
A class pot filled with coins and a sprout growing
Aug. 25, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Is It Possible for You to Lose Money in a CD?

CDs are quite safe as far as investments go. But check out two situations that could see you losing money in one.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
Aug. 24, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

What Will Savings Account Interest Rates Be in 2025? Here's What We Know

The Federal Reserve is expected to gradually lower interest rates for the next couple of years. Learn what it could mean for your savings account.
A dollar bill against a pink background
Aug. 24, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Forget Savings Accounts for Emergencies. Open This Account Instead

Money market accounts don't have the same buzz as high-yield savings accounts. Read on to learn why one could be perfect for your emergency fund.
Man with glasses looking at laptop.
Aug. 23, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

3 Reasons I Switched to a SoFi Bank Account

The SoFi Checking and Savings is free and boasts a competitive sign-up bonus. Learn why this author switched to SoFi -- and why you might want to as well.
A smiling young adult sitting in an armchair in a sunny room while looking at a phone.
Aug. 23, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Forget Your Local Bank: Put Your Savings Here Instead

A bank with a branch in your neighborhood is the best fit for your cash, right? Maybe not. Learn about the advantages of online banks here.