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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

Bank teller assisting a customer with cash transaction.
May 9, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Is a Brick-and-Mortar Savings Account Ever Worth It?

Brick-and-mortar savings accounts usually don't have high interest rates, but there are a few exceptions. Here's how to know if one is right for you.
A glass jar full of bills and coins
May 8, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

Understanding the Downside of CDs for Young Investors

CDs are red-hot right now, but they're not the best fit for everyone. Learn why younger investors may struggle with CDs.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
May 8, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

CD Rates Are Already Falling. Is Now the Time to Lock in a 5% APY?

CD rates have been exceptionally high over the last year, but they're beginning to come down. Here's what to know if you're thinking about opening one.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
May 8, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

CDs vs. Savings Accounts: Here's How to Decide

High interest rates have led many Americans to buy CDs in recent years. Find out how they differ from savings accounts and if they might make sense for you.
A stack of coins against a yellow background
May 7, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

Thinking About Getting a 6-Month CD? Pay Attention to This Detail

Today's best 6-month CDs have incredible rates. Before you start counting your plunder, make sure you avoid this common math mistake.
A class pot filled with coins and a sprout growing
May 7, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

5 Smart Money Moves to Make With $5,000 Right Now

There are many ways $5,000 can improve your finances. Read on to find out some of the best places to put it right now.
A wallet with a fan of five bills coming out of it
May 7, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

If You Closed a Chime Account, the Banking App Might Owe You $150 or More. Here's Why

Chime may owe money to customers who closed Chime accounts. Find out whether you qualify for this payout.
A mature couple sitting at a kitchen table with papers, a laptop, and a calculator.
May 7, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Is Closing a CD Early Ever a Good Idea?

Closing a CD early usually brings penalties, but sometimes it makes sense. Here's what you need to know to decide what you should do.
A class pot filled with coins and a sprout growing
May 6, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

Here's What Happens When a Young Investor Starts a CD

CDs are a popular investment option. Read on to see four things you should know about CDs before jumping in.
Young woman using laptop on the couch
May 6, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

Why I Like Savings Accounts More Than CDs, Even Though CD Rates Are Over 5%

CDs can help you lock in high interest rates, but they have their drawbacks, too. See why I prefer to keep my cash in a savings account.
Man with glasses using laptop looks away appearing to be in thought.
May 6, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

3 Reasons You Shouldn't Open a High-Yield Savings Account, Even With Rates at 5.55%

The best high-yield savings accounts have mind-boggling APYs. But here are three reasons you might want to avoid them in 2024.
A class pot filled with coins and a sprout growing
May 6, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

This Is How Much Money You Can Make With $20K in a 5-Year CD

CDs are risk-free investments with generous interest rates. Find out how much you can earn over five years with $20,000 invested.
A glass jar tipped over with coins falling out
May 5, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

​​Don't Make These 3 Common Expensive Mistakes With Your CDs

CDs are FDIC-insured and relatively risk free. But if you make any of these three errors, you could be missing out on bigger returns. Read on for more.
A person holding a cell phone while looking out a window surrounded by house plants.
May 5, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

If a Savings Account Doesn't Have These 5 Features, It's Not Worth Your Time

There are thousands of savings accounts out there. Focus on these five criteria to find the best one for you.
A young adult sits cross-legged while typing on a laptop in their bedroom.
May 4, 2024 | By Chris Neiger

How To Start Your First CD: A Young Investor's Guide

CDs can be a good investment option. Read on to find out what you need to know before you open one up.
A person holding a bunch of dollar bills in front of their face
May 4, 2024 | By Emma Newbery

This Checking Account Pays a Welcome Bonus of Up to $600. Is It Worth It?

The Associated Bank is offering welcome bonuses of $300 to $600 to new customers. Find out how to decide if a sign-up bonus is a good deal.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
May 4, 2024 | By Cole Tretheway

Here's What Happens When You Open and Immediately Close a Bank Account

You could lose bonuses and pay fees when you open and immediately close a bank account. Find out what happens next.
A mature couple sitting at a kitchen table with papers, a laptop, and a calculator.
May 4, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

3 Little-Known Perks of High-Yield Savings Accounts

The interest rate is important when choosing a savings account, but it's not the only factor. Here are three other benefits you may want to watch for.
An older couple sit together and go over their investment portfolio.
May 3, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

The 4 Safest Places for Retirees to Put Their Money

When you're retired, your savings needs to last you the rest of your life. Learn about the safest places you can put your money to make that happen.
A pile of bills
May 3, 2024 | By Lyle Daly

Should You Move Your Emergency Fund Into a CD Before Rates Drop?

CD rates are high right now, but this won't last forever. Find out if you should lock in a high rate for your emergency fund by putting it into a CD.
A red piggy bank against a yellow background
May 2, 2024 | By Natasha Etzel

Here's Why I Wouldn't Keep My Emergency Fund in a CD

It pays to choose the right bank account for your savings. Discover why you may want to put your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account instead of a CD.
A pile of money with a seedling growing out of it
May 2, 2024 | By Ashley Maready

5 Factors to Weigh When Choosing Your First CD

CDs are red hot right now. Here's how to choose between multiple options from multiple banks.
Two people holding shopping bags take money from an ATM machine while out on the town.
May 2, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

3 Checking Account Features That Are Overrated and 3 That Really Matter

Some checking account features are worth your time, and others are just gimmicks. Learn how to tell which is which.
A calculator, pad, and pen against a yellow background
May 2, 2024 | By Steven Porrello

The Single Best Strategy for Maximizing CD Profits in May 2024

CDs continue to pay out at generous rates in May 2024. Find out how to make CDs work even harder for you this month.
An older man uses his laptop to read the news while sitting in a coffee shop.
May 1, 2024 | By Kailey Hagen

How Much Money Should You Keep in a Savings Account in Retirement?

This important decision affects how long your money will last. Here's how to decide how much you should keep in savings in retirement.