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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 man wearing a medical mask and taking money out of an ATM on the street.
Dec. 7, 2024 | By Dana George

Why Are More Banks Closing Local Branches?

The number of local bank branches is quickly shrinking. Find out why it's happening.
A pile of currency bills
Dec. 6, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

Banks Are Closing Local Branches. Here’s What That Means for You

If it feels like you're seeing fewer local bank branches, you may be right. This is what's going on, and how it could impact you.
A pile of bills
Dec. 2, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

I'm Retiring With $400,000. Am I in Good Shape?

Is $400,000 enough to retire comfortably? The short answer is that it depends. Find out more here.
A smiling person sitting at a table in a coffee shop and looking at a phone in their hand
Nov. 29, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Here's Why I Keep a Savings Account That Only Pays 0.01% APY

High-yield savings accounts are all the rage, for good reason. But read on to see why even a low-APY savings account can improve your finances.
A pot of change with a plant growing out of it
Nov. 29, 2024 | By Robin Hartill, CFP

Have $5,000 in Your Checking Account? Here Are 3 Better Places to Keep Your Cash

Checking accounts offer convenience, but the interest rates are pitiful. If you've got extra money in your checking accounts, consider these three alternatives.
Man sits at laptop and appears to be in thought.
Nov. 26, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

Should You Open a 5-Year CD in 2025?

With a 5-year CD, you could earn a fixed rate on your money until 2030. Explore the pros and cons to see if this is the right option for your savings.
Two men in thought looking at a laptop screen together.
Nov. 25, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Smart Investors Are Avoiding 12-Month CDs, Even With Rates at 5%. Here's Why

Short-term CDs have the highest rates right now, but they're probably not the wisest investment for you. Here's why and where to invest instead.
Two young adults wearing loungewear use their devices and a pad of paper to discuss finances.
Nov. 24, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

Here's What Will Happen if You Put $5,000 in a 6-Month CD Today

It's a surefire way to guarantee a steady interest return, even when interest rates are dropping across the board. Read on to learn more.
A person sitting at an office desk and looking at a cell phone with a contemplative expression.
Nov. 24, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

CDs vs. I Bonds: What's the Better Place for Your Cash?

CDs have higher yields, for now. Which is the better choice for you? Find out more here.
A person sitting at a desk in front of an open laptop and glancing out the window to his left.
Nov. 23, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

Are CDs a Good Investment for 2025?

CDs are a safe investment that earn a fixed interest rate. See if they're worth getting in 2025 or if you should find another place for your money.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
Nov. 23, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Why I Said 'No' to CDs and 'Yes' to Better Investment Opportunities

I'm an investor getting a late start, and CDs just don't cut it for me. Keep reading to learn why I'm opting for stock market investing instead.
Well-dressed couple walking through greenery drinking champagne.
Nov. 22, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

3 Banking Habits of Millionaires

You don't need to win the lottery to become a millionaire. With time and careful spending, many of us can build wealth. Find out how with these banking practices.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
Nov. 19, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How to Pick a Savings Account for Your Emergency Fund

It's important to have money saved for unforeseen expenses. But where should you put it? Learn the best places here.
A couple counts dollar bills together at home.
Nov. 19, 2024 | By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Are You Saving Enough? See How You Compare to the Average American's Savings

Find out where your savings stand compared to others. Explore averages by age and household, and learn tips to grow your balance.
A hand holding a rolled up wad of bills
Nov. 19, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

How High Could CD Rates Go in 2025?

Experts believe CD rates will go down rather than up in 2025 --but they're not always right. Find out what factors might send savings rates back to record highs.
Couple walking in neighborhood of gated community.
Nov. 18, 2024 | By Dana George

The Single Smartest Financial Move My Husband and I Have Ever Made

No one is born understanding how finances work. After years of hits and misses, here's the wisest financial move one writer ever made.
A woman sitting at her kitchen counter next to bowls of fruit and a laptop and writing in a notebook.
Nov. 18, 2024 | By Kristi Waterworth

Confession: I've Never Put Money in a CD and I Never Will

Certificates of deposit are great -- for other people. Read on to find out why they're a terrible fit for me.
A pile of bills
Nov. 18, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $30K in a High-Yield Savings Account

Keeping your cash in a high-yield savings account can boost your bank account balance. Find out how much you can earn with $30,000 in savings.
Woman using laptop at home for work or study.
Nov. 18, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Should You Use a Savings Account or 1-Year CD for Emergency Savings?

What is the best place for your emergency fund? Here's what you need to keep in mind to decide.
A glass jar full of bills and coins
Nov. 17, 2024 | By Danielle Antosz

This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $20,000 in a High-Yield Savings Account

You'll earn around $800 per year in interest if you put $20,000 in a HYSA today. But there might be better options. Keep reading to learn more.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
Nov. 17, 2024 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

You Might Be Shocked How Much More Online Savings Accounts Pay -- Even After the Fed's Rate Cuts

Online savings account interest rates have come down a bit. But they’re still far higher than the alternative. Here's what you need to know.
Two people holding shopping bags take money from an ATM machine while out on the town.
Nov. 16, 2024 | By Dana George

Here's What Happens When You Try to Deposit Cash in an ATM

Depositing cash in your bank's ATM sounds pretty straightforward. However, find out what you're likely to run into if you try.
A person standing across from a teller at a bank counter and writing a check.
Nov. 15, 2024 | By Brittney Myers

My First-Time Home-Buying Mistake -- and the Banking Hack That Saved the Day

No matter how much you think you know, we all forget something. See how it went for one first-time home buyer.
A woman looking at her finances with a laptop and phone.
Nov. 15, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

I Don't Care If My Savings Account Has the Highest APY. Here's Why

High APYs are great, but they're not the only thing you should focus on in a savings account. These other things matter too. Read on to learn more.
A person typing on a laptop while sitting comfortably on a couch.
Nov. 15, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Is a Money Market Account a Good Place for Your Emergency Fund?

Having access to your emergency fund is important. Learn why one type of bank account might be perfect for this.