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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.


Recent Articles

May 14, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Debt Due to Social Media? It's More Common Than You'd Think

Those social networks could be causing you to blow through your budget. Discover how social media can lead to overspending and the best ways to avoid this.
May 14, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Ask a CFP: How Much Should I Be Saving for Retirement?

There’s no perfect answer to this classic personal finance question, but here’s how to determine your perfect number.
May 12, 2019 | By Jordan Wathen

Why Americans Stuffed $154 Billion Into Certificates of Deposit Last Year

As interest rates rise, see how many savers are locking in high rates by flocking back into certificates of deposit.
April 29, 2019 | By Motley Fool Money Staff

3 Fun Ways to Save More Money

Increasing your savings rate doesn't have to be a chore. Check out these fun and simple ways to boost your savings.
April 29, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

7 Steps to Paying for Your Dream Wedding

You don't need to go broke to have the wedding of your dreams. Follow this step-by-step guide and you'll have no problem paying for your wedding.
April 25, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

The 5 Best Books to Take Hold of Your Finances in 2019

These are five excellent ways to learn more about smart financial habits, how to invest, and how to develop a winning financial mindset.
April 24, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Is Savings Account Interest Tax Deductible?

Savings account interest is generally considered taxable income, and here’s what Americans should know about it.
April 22, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Does Opening a Savings Account Affect Your Credit?

The act of opening a savings account doesn’t directly affect your credit, but there’s more to the story.
April 22, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

How to Freeze Your Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide

A credit freeze is the most effective way to stop fraudulent accounts from being opened in your name, so here’s what you need to know about it.
April 22, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Credit Inquiries and Your FICO® Score: What You Need to Know

Credit inquiries aren’t one of the largest components of your FICO® Score, but they do matter.
April 18, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Do Savings Accounts Have Routing Numbers?

Here’s what a routing number is and why all savings accounts have them.
April 15, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Cut, Keep, Kill: How to Get Your Costs Under Control

Get your budget in order by figuring out which costs you should reduce, which are worth keeping, and which you should get rid of entirely.
April 15, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Independent Contractor? Don’t Make These 5 Tax Mistakes

Taxes for self-employed people are very different than taxes for employees, and there are some costly mistakes that can be made if you aren’t careful.
April 15, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Can't Pay Your Taxes? Here Are Your Options

Figure out what you can do if you’re unable to pay your taxes by the deadline.
April 15, 2019 | By James McClenathen

How My Long-Distance Move Cost $15,000

Moving 1,000 miles or more can cost a shockingly high amount. Read on to learn about the expenses you should plan for.
April 15, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

5 Tax Mistakes I See Too Often as a Certified Financial Planner

Here are some common tax mistakes that are easily avoidable.
April 15, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Here's How Much You Should Have Saved at Every Age

Are you on track with your savings? See how much you should have saved at every age to find out.
April 10, 2019 | By Matt Frankel, CFP®

Stop These Slow Leaks in Your Bank Account

We all have some unnecessary expenses that we could cut. Here are several that might be adding bloat to your budget.
April 8, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Tidy Up Your Finances Like Marie Kondo

Your home isn't the only part of your life that can benefit from a minimalist approach. Apply the KonMari Method to your finances for a more organized, efficient approach.
April 8, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

The 5 Principles of Personal Finance Everyone Must Follow

Follow these principles of personal finance, and you'll set yourself up for success.
April 8, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

Here's How Much Money Bad Credit Will Really Cost You

Get a glimpse of how much more you'll spend if you have bad credit and how much you could save by improving your credit score.
April 5, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

4 Rules to Live by When Getting a Bank Account Bonus

Bank account bonuses can be a smart way to earn some extra money. Find out how you can make the most of them -- and be sure that you qualify.
April 4, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

This Growing Scam Cost Americans a Reported $488 Million Last Year

Don’t be a victim of a costly scam. Learn how to protect yourself from imposter scams, which cost consumers more than any other type of fraud in 2018.
April 2, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Negotiate a Raise in 7 Steps

Make more money by learning the most effective way to negotiate a raise at your work.
April 2, 2019 | By Lyle Daly

How to Handle Debt Collectors: Everything You Need to Know

Don't let debt collectors pull a fast one on you. Find out what your rights are and how you can resolve your debt without getting taken for a ride.