I literally can’t conceive of a world without banks. They give us a safe place to store our cash, facilitate fast electronic payments to people and businesses thousands of miles away, and lend us money to finance big purchases we can’t afford all at once. I’ve had checking or savings accounts with about a dozen … Read more

Payment apps like Zelle make transferring funds easy. Unfortunately, they also make it easy for scammers to get ahold of your money. In 2021 alone, users lost around $440 million on the peer-to-peer payment system. What’s worse, Zelle warns they’re “unable to assist with getting your money back.” You can report fraud to your bank … Read more

I’ve invested in precious metals for more than a decade and have worked with several precious metals companies along the way.  I’m not the only one interested in these assets either. Gold, silver, and other precious metals have long been staples in many retirement portfolios. These assets have been used throughout history as a solid … Read more

They didn’t have app-based custodial debit cards when I was a kid, but my parents still did what they could to prepare me for financial self-sufficiency. Now that I have my own kids, the appeal of a kid-friendly debit card I can effortlessly load, monitor, and control from my phone is clear. I’ve spent hours … Read more

Quick Look If you receive your paycheck via direct deposit, then you probably already use e-checks.  E-checks work like paper checks, but you authorize, send, and receive them electronically. Thanks to the efficiency of the ACH network, e-checks are fast and usually free to the consumer.  E-checks are much safer and more secure than paper … Read more

Quick Look The Fed will likely raise interest rates by 75 basis points this week. Economists expect another 50-basis-point hike in December. Interest rates on credit cards and mortgages will continue to increase as a result. Savings account yields could increase as well. The Fed hopes to stop hiking rates early next year, but that … Read more

If you’re a renter, JPMorgan Chase is coming for your checkbook. The banking and investment giant is piloting a new platform that allows property owners to bill and accept payment digitally. That’s good news if you, like many renters, only keep a checkbook because you have to pay rent. It may be even better news … Read more

Your parents warned you about all the missteps they made early in their credit journey. From facing foreclosure on their first house to racking up hundreds of dollars in late fees to the electric company, their credit score wasn’t always the rosy picture of a stable household it is today.  So you’ve spent the last … Read more

I’ve been following cryptocurrency and blockchain technology since Bitcoin was the only crypto on the market. It’s been enjoyable to watch the industry evolve, bringing new features to customers and offering higher levels of simplicity in finance.  One thing I’ve found challenging in the world of cryptocurrency is utility. Sure, you can sell your cryptocurrency … Read more

Few words in the English language are as positive and upbeat as “bonus.” Sure, it can be used sarcastically at times, but it makes most of us think of extra cash around the holidays or perhaps a prize from a contest or raffle. I’m sure you’ve seen advertisements online, found fliers in your mailbox, and … Read more