Key Takeaways A mistake at the bank might require a simple phone call to your local teller or involve a visit to the branch to speak to someone. It’s important to keep notes if resolving the issue will take multiple steps. If you’ve experienced fraudulent charges, it’s important to notify the bank as quickly as…
Key Takeaways APY stands for annual percentage yield, which provides a full picture of how much interest you can earn on savings over one year. APY includes compound interest, or “interest on interest.” Interest might be compounded daily, monthly or quarterly. The APY and the interest rate are two key figures to know when storing…
Key Takeaways If you’ve had a bad history with a bank account, you’ll typically be reported on ChexSystems, which is a database financial institutions use to measure a customer’s risk. Second-chance checking accounts allow those who have been denied a traditional account to open a specialized one to help them build a strong financial foundation….
Key Takeaways Buy now, pay later apps let you spread out the cost of a purchase over time, sometimes with no interest or fees. Some of the best buy now, pay later apps for shoppers are Afterpay, Splitit, Paypal Pay in 4, Klarna and Affirm. Buy now, pay later apps often don’t require a hard…
Key Takeaways You might not see a business credit card make a difference on your credit report unless you default on the account. Expect to provide a personal guarantee for a business credit card, which means you’re responsible for the debt even if your business fails. Some credit card issuers routinely report business credit activities…
Key Takeaways The median savings account balance for all families in the U.S. was $8,000 in 2022. Generally, higher-income earners and older individuals save more than younger ones. Some experts suggest three to six months’ living expenses as a goal. Are you curious how your savings stack up to other Americans? According to the Federal…
Key Takeaways: Banks and credit unions typically offer bank accounts geared toward children under 18. Some financial institutions offer attractive interest rates on kids’ savings accounts. A bank account for kids might require an initial deposit of $25 to $100. A savings account for youngsters can introduce them to the idea of putting money away…
Key Takeaways Up to $250,000 in combined total balances should be insured at most banks and credit unions. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance probably doesn’t cover loss of cash from theft, fire or flood. It’s important to do your part to protect your money and be vigilant against debit card fraud and other scams. Living…
Deciding how much to put down on a house requires balancing liquid cash with other priorities, but economic conditions in the post-pandemic world and a hot housing market have added a twist. In today’s seller’s market, you need every advantage you can muster to make sure you are in a good position to land the…
If you have a 30-year mortgage, you may feel as though you’ll always be paying off your house. But you can slash the time it takes to pay off your mortgage using a number of strategies, many of which don’t require spending a lot of extra money. Getty Images When it comes to paying off…
