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Banks are always trying to entice people to switch to their institution. They’ll offer cash rewards to attract you. They’ll promise to treat you like a valued customer—someone they believe in and support, unlike those other banks. Banks and credit unions do what they can to attract customers. People often switch banks to find one… Continue reading Reasons to switch banks: Guide to better banking

People often wait until the new year to get their finances in order. Once the new year hits, they create resolutions in hopes of changing behaviors to finally achieve their goals. However, if you wait until Jan. 1 to focus on your investments, you’ll miss out on valuable opportunities to boost your returns, reduce taxes,… Continue reading Essential year-end investment checklist: Optimize your financial strategy before the year ends

Not sure how to make a budget? You don’t have to look too far for a jumping-off point: simply use artificial intelligence. AI can be a useful tool for developing ideas and can be used for budgeting plans, goal-setting, and tracking financial habits. AI-powered budgeting is a growing trend in financial technology, offering advanced features… Continue reading AI budgeting: How artificial intelligence is changing banking

The stock market found a lot to like in the outcome of the latest Fed meeting. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped by over 300 points immediately following the Dec. 10, 2025, Fed interest rate update. A closer look might have revealed reasons for a little more caution. Fed meeting update: A rate cut and… Continue reading How the December Fed rate cut will affect your savings, CDs, and mortgages

Planning a vacation should feel exciting, but rising travel costs can make even a simple getaway seem out of reach. For many, borrowing through a vacation loan is a way to finally afford their dream trip without depleting savings. With flights, hotels, tours, and meals adding up fast, it is no surprise that some people… Continue reading Vacation loans: Is borrowing for travel a smart choice?

For decades, Social Security payments were processed manually—physical checks were printed, mailed, and cashed in person. However, times have changed. As of September 2025, over 74 million Americans began receiving their benefits digitally. “This shift away from Social Security paper checks sounds simple, but it’s a big deal. It means faster access to cash, a… Continue reading Why did my Social Security payment date change? What you need to know about going paperless

The holiday season is filled with joy, generosity, and — too often — overspending. Between travel costs, gift lists, and countless family and workplace gatherings, it’s easy for seasonal expenses to add up fast. That may be especially true in 2025, given the lingering effects of inflation on consumer goods. According to Deloitte’s 40th Holiday… Continue reading Smart holiday budgeting: Using holiday loans responsibly for seasonal expenses

When you think about the banks you have to choose from, there are probably about half a dozen names that first come to mind. These are likely to be the large, major banks that advertise the most and have names you’ve grown up hearing about. Those big banks may be very fine institutions, but they’re… Continue reading How to choose a bank: Why bigger isn’t always better

Benjamin Franklin famously opined that death and taxes are the only two certainties in life. Uncertainty is certain in life, and we can rarely predict what may happen. Emergency funds are a good way to plan for the unexpected, but they may not always be the best choice to handle a large, unplanned expense. In… Continue reading Emergency personal loan vs. emergency fund: Which is best for a large expense?

Once you get married, no law states you must share a bank account with your spouse. While this is a common financial move, some couples choose separate bank accounts instead.  In fact, a study in the Journal of Consumer Research revealed that while 52% to 65% of newlyweds use joint accounts, 10% to 15% maintain… Continue reading Should married couples have separate bank accounts?