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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 young man in a suit using an outdoor ATM.
March 14, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

The Quiet Way Banks Make Billions From Checking Accounts

Banks earn billions from checking accounts through fees and interest rate gaps. Here's how that works -- and how you can get a piece of that money, too.
Woman sitting on sofa holding cash and using a calculator.
March 14, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

I Made $800 Last Year Just From My Savings Account

Last year my high-yield savings account earned over $800 in interest. Here's how the math worked and why it's one of the easiest money moves you can make.
Woman using laptop and phone to track her personal finances.
March 13, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Your Bank Account Might Matter More Than Your Income

Income gets all the attention. But the type of bank account you use may have a bigger impact on your finances than you realize.
Man smiling at the contents of an open envelope.
March 12, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Financial Move That Pays You Back Forever

One simple financial move can quietly earn you hundreds more every year. Here's why switching savings accounts can pay you back forever.
Person making a shocked expression while looking at laptop screen.
March 12, 2026 | By James McClenathen

6% APY: Is the New X Money Account Too Good to Be True?

Elon Musk's new X Money account could offer 6% APY on cash. Here's what we know so far -- and why you shouldn't wait to open a high-yield savings account.
An arm raising a red flag with a background of blue sky and clouds.
March 11, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Really Happens When a Bank Says 'Suspicious Activity'

What does suspicious activity actually mean on a bank account? Here's what banks are really doing behind the scenes when they flag transactions.
Three people are sitting in an office, waiting to be interviewed.
March 11, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Average American's Income Might Shock You

The average U.S. income is far higher than most people expect. Here's why the number is misleading and what actually matters for your finances.
A person typing on a calculator while sitting in front of a laptop and notebook at a sunny cafe table.
March 10, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's How Much $20,000 Would Earn in High-Yield Savings in 2026

A top high-yield savings account could earn you $800+ in a year if rates hold steady. Here's the math -- and how to make the switch.
Couple has what appears to be a serious conversation over paperwork in the kitchen.
March 10, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Your Savings Account Might Be Costing You Hundreds in 2026

Many savings accounts pay just 0.01% APY. High-yield savings accounts offer up to 4.00% APY with zero added risk. Here's what you could be earning.
Person hiding cash under mattress.
March 7, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

5 Smarter Places to Keep Your Cash Than at Home

Keeping money at home isn't just risky -- it also earns you absolutely nothing. Here are five safer, more profitable options to look into now.
Female bank teller smiling at customer.
March 7, 2026 | By Ryan Wilcox

The 3 Smartest Ways to Withdraw $10,000+ From the Bank

Looking to take out $10,000 or more from the bank? Here are the smartest -- and safest -- ways to do it today.
Man reading newspaper and looking at a tablet
March 6, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Average American Has This Much in Emergency Savings. Do You?

How much do Americans actually have saved for emergencies? Federal Reserve data tells a clearer story than most headlines.
Bank customer dealing with cash with teller.
March 6, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's Why Your Bank Doesn't Like Large Cash Deposits

Large cash deposits aren't illegal. But they do trigger reporting. Here's what your bank is actually reacting to.
A person holding his head in his hands while looking disappointed at his laptop.
March 5, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Nearly Half of Americans Make This Expensive Money Mistake Every Month

Nearly half of Americans are making the same quiet money mistake every month. Here's what it is and how to fix it.
A dial labeled Risk and set on a high setting.
March 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's Why CDs Are More Risky Than You Think

CDs feel safe. But locking your money up in 2026 carries a risk most savers don't think about.
Senior woman looking at laptop with frustrated expression
March 4, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Actually Triggers a Bank to Freeze Your Account

Banks can freeze your account without warning. Here's what usually triggers it and what to do next.
A happy family walking through a park with the young kids on the parents' shoulders.
Feb. 27, 2026 | By James McClenathen

Here's What It Really Means to Be 'Middle Class' Right Now

The "middle class" can't really be defined, but these numbers could help you see where you stand. Here are some key figures.
Man in suit using ladder to climb a tall stack of coins with a percentage sign at the top.
Feb. 27, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

The Single Best Strategy for Making Money With CDs in 2026

CD rates are still elevated in 2026. Here's the simplest strategy to lock in yield without getting stuck if rates fall.
Woman standing with hand on chin contemplating her decision.
Feb. 27, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

How Much Money Should You Keep in Your Checking Account? Here's the Sweet Spot

A lot of people keep too much cash in their checking account. Here's the simple rule of thumb that protects you from overdrafts without costing you interest.
Five-dollar bills flying between two cell phones
Feb. 27, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

I'm Slowly Moving Money Out of My High-Yield Savings Account. Here's Why.

High-yield savings rates won't stay high forever. Here's why I'm starting to lock some of mine into CDs.
Sunlit facade of an archaic bank edifice.
Feb. 27, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Forget Big Banks: Here's Why I Moved My Savings to an Online Bank

My old bank paid 0.01% APY on savings, and charged a monthly fee. Here's how switching earned thousands more -- with zero extra risk.
Vault filled with stacks and rolls of money.
Feb. 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

Here's What Happens When Your Emergency Fund Is Too Big

Keeping too much cash in savings can hurt your long-term wealth. Here's how to find the right emergency fund size and what to do with the excess.
Jar of coins with "emergency" label
Feb. 26, 2026 | By Joel O'Leary

There's Only One Place Your Emergency Fund Should Be. Here's Why

Your emergency fund needs more than safety -- it needs to earn interest. A high-yield savings account offers both. Here's where to keep yours and how to build it.
Well-dressed couple walking through greenery drinking champagne.
Feb. 26, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Here's What Income Actually Makes You Upper Class in 2026

Most people think upper class means ultra-wealthy. The data tells a more grounded story.
Female bank teller smiling at customer.
Feb. 25, 2026 | By Jake FitzGerald

Need to Withdraw $10,000+ in Cash? The Government Will Know About It

Withdrawing $10,000 or more in cash can trigger a federal report. Here's what actually happens and what doesn't.