- Ascent Authors
- Eric Volkman
Eric Volkman
TMFVolkman
NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS: 41 | LAST PUBLISH DATE: 06-17-2019
Summary
Eric has been writing about stocks and finance since the mid-1990s, when he lived in Prague, Czech Republic. Over the course of a varied career, he has also been a radio newscaster, an investment banker, and a bass player in a selection of rock and roll bands. A native New Yorker, he currently lives in Los Angeles.
Eric's Recent Articles
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Checking Account vs. Savings Account: Which Should You Pick?
Jun 17, 2019
Checking and savings accounts are both incredibly valuable for your money management and budgeting. Find out which makes the most sense for your situation now.
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The 5 Most Important Things to Know When Opening a Credit Card
Jan 30, 2019
We know, you can’t wait to use your new credit card to swipe your way to happiness. Before that plastic arrives, though, there are a …
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4 Times You Should Open a Money Market Account
Jan 28, 2019
If you have money to save, a money market account is one of the best options available at your local bank. An MMA is a …
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Are You Ignoring the Most Costly Banking Fees?
Jan 25, 2019
If you have any kind of bank account, it’s almost certain that you’ll be hit with sneaky fees for using it. Luckily, with a bit …
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4 Reasons You Shouldn't Switch Banks Right Now
Jan 24, 2019
Many of us don’t have a good opinion of our banks. But we should definitely think twice before making the decision to switch to another …
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Bonus vs. Flat-Rate Cash-Back Credit Cards
Jan 23, 2019
You can either earn elevated rewards with selected bonus categories or at one steady rate for all purchases. Here’s how to decide between the two …
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What Are Step-Up and Bump-Up CDs?
Jan 23, 2019
A standard CD offered at your local bank has a fixed APY over the life of its term. That’s not the case with step-up and …
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These 4 Times Paying With Cash Is Better Than a Credit Card
Jan 14, 2019
The credit card is one of the most useful financial instruments ever created. Credit cards are so useful that we sometimes forget they can’t be …
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Are Contactless Credit Cards the Future?
Jan 14, 2019
The typical credit card transaction will soon be quite different. Find out exactly what the big change will be.
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How Many Capital One Miles Do You Need for a Free Flight?
Jan 10, 2019
It isn’t hard to reach a point where Capital One effectively pays for your plane ticket.
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This 1 Trend Proves Americans Are Finally Using Credit Cards the Right Way
Jan 1, 2019
We're spending more with plastic, but as this indicator shows we're doing a good job of handling it responsibly.
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Can Anyone Pull Your Credit Report?
Dec 31, 2018
Some worry that their credit history is an open book, available to any person or company with bad intent. For the most part, thankfully, these …
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6 Sad Facts About Credit Cards
Dec 26, 2018
Shockingly, not every aspect of credit cards radiates with happiness and light.
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Does My Discover Credit Card Have Travel Insurance?
Dec 17, 2018
If you find yourself away from home with a Discover credit card, it’s wise to have another card brand with you to ensure some degree …
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This CD Strategy Will Help You Maximize Your Returns
Dec 17, 2018
For strong and consistent returns from a CD, don't just slap some money down for a single high-yielding product. Consider using this strategy instead.
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Is Capital One Venture Card Worth the $95 Annual Fee?
Dec 13, 2018
The card dishes out a bevy of premium perks. But is the modest annual fee worth it?
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5 Ways to Save for a Down Payment on a Home
Dec 10, 2018
Housing prices are through the roof these days, so planning and strategizing are essential if you want to save enough money for a property down …
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4 Credit Card Facts You Won’t Believe
Dec 7, 2018
These four credit card tidbits and trivia might knock you for a bit of a loop.
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How to Sign Up for an Ally Invest Account
Dec 4, 2018
Ally Invest tempts securities investors with some of the lowest trading fees in the business. If that makes you want to open an account with …
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How to Increase Your Discover Credit Limit
Dec 2, 2018
Yes, you too could increase your Discover card’s buying power. Here’s how.
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How to Increase Your Citi Credit Limit
Dec 2, 2018
There’s a Citibank credit card for nearly every type of customer. And for prudent Citi cardholders, it’s not hard to score a credit limit increase.
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How to Increase Your American Express Credit Limit
Dec 2, 2018
Certain American Express cards have enormous buying power. We’ll show you how to crank that power even higher.
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5 Ways to Avoid Monthly Banking Fees
Dec 2, 2018
No one likes paying monthly fees simply to hold an account at their bank. Here’s a quintet of methods to avoid them entirely.
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Why Retirees Should Be Worried About Rising Housing Costs and What They Can Do
Dec 2, 2018
These days, it seems that home prices will go up forever. Here are a few ways retirees can cope with the situation.
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Here’s Why Credit Card Benefits Are Being Rolled Back
Dec 2, 2018
Credit card benefit sets aren't what they used to be. Here's the lowdown on several credit card perks that seem to be going extinct.
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4 Things to Ask Yourself Before Getting a New Credit Card
Nov 23, 2018
Applying for a credit card without doing your homework can be a big mistake. Here are 4 questions to ask yourself before applying for a …
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How to Plan Your Next Vacation With Credit Card Points
Nov 22, 2018
Want to get away on the cheap? Find out how to plan your next vacation entirely with credit card points.
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This 1 Credit Card Tip Changed My Life
Nov 22, 2018
The right credit card for you really comes down to how much travel you do. Follow this 1 tip to develop your own credit card …
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Here's How Many Points You Need to Get a Free Southwest Flight
Nov 21, 2018
Want to travel for free on Southwest Airlines? Find out which credit cards you should be using to rack up points, and how many points …
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The 4 Best Places to Put Your Savings
Nov 20, 2018
While shoving money under a mattress is one place to store your savings, there are better options that will earn you better interest. Find out …
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5 Things That Do NOT Affect Your Credit Score
Nov 15, 2018
There are plenty of factors that you should monitor to maintain a high credit score. But, there are also factors that don't matter. Find out …
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3 Simple Ways to Raise Your Credit Score
Nov 15, 2018
Your credit score is important for all kinds of things from applying for new credit cards to car insurance. Here are 3 simple ways to …
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No Sale! 5 Things You (Usually) Can't Buy With a Credit Card
Nov 13, 2018
Want to gamble or pay a mortgage with your plastic? Well, you're probably clean out of luck.
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4 Surprising Ways Millionaires Use Credit Cards
Nov 1, 2018
The ultra-wealthy use their credit cards in very intriguing ways. Do you share any of their habits?
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Does My Chase Credit Card Have Travel Insurance?
Nov 1, 2018
You don't want to be caught short if you have a mishap when traveling. Here are the Chase credit cards that carry travel insurance.
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How to Add an Authorized User to a Discover Credit Card
Nov 1, 2018
There are times when you might want to include an additional person or people on your Discover credit card account. Here's how, and why, to …
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5 Things to Do When You Miss a Credit Card Payment
Oct 22, 2018
Missing payments is a big no-no, but the damage can be mitigated if you’re quick and effective.
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4 Common Things You're Overspending On
Oct 22, 2018
Yes, your tap water is completely fine and you can easily save money on electronic literature. Here’s the skinny on four items you can buy …
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Is the Target REDcard Worth It?
Sep 21, 2018
Thinking about getting the Target REDcard? Find out if this credit card makes sense for you now.
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Here's How Many Points You Need to Get a Free American Airlines Flight
Sep 21, 2018
The well-known American Airlines AAdvantage program offers plenty of opportunities to earn miles. Get some tips on how to earn more miles and find out …
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Here's How Many Miles You Need to Get a Free United Flight
Sep 21, 2018
There's a lot to be said for the United MileagePlus travel rewards program. Find out how many miles you need (and all the ways you …
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We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team. The Motley Fool has a Disclosure Policy. The Author and/or The Motley Fool may have an interest in companies mentioned.