Tools to Help You Reach Your Money Goals - Page 3

Most experts recommend saving a minimum of three to six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund. Some households may need more, up to 12 months. The right amount depends on factors specific to you, such as income security, household responsibilities, and risk tolerance. According to BlackRock research, nearly four in ten U.S.… Continue reading How much should an emergency fund be in 2026?

In September of 2025, Congress blocked a rule that would have capped overdraft fees. That leaves it up to consumers to take matters into their own hands. This is important because bank and credit union customers pay several billion dollars worth of overdraft fees annually. These fees often exceed over $30 per occurrence. Overdraft fees… Continue reading What is overdraft protection? The pros and cons of opting out

Personal loans can be a helpful resource for eliminating high-interest debt. Such loans have various uses, with consolidating and paying off credit card debt being one of the top uses. While a powerful tool, personal loans aren’t static. If your financial situation has changed since receiving the initial funds, it’s possible to refinance the loan… Continue reading When and how to refinance a personal loan

Like most products, bank accounts generally involve both costs and benefits. For example, bank account fees represent a cost, while interest earned can be a benefit. Personal checking accounts are the most common type of account for everyday banking needs. Unfortunately, with checking accounts, the costs are especially likely to exceed the benefits. The good… Continue reading Why checking account fees may matter more than interest rates

A checking account is the financial command center for many Americans. Most receive their paychecks and pay bills from their checking accounts and use them on a near-daily basis. Knowing exactly how much money to keep in your checking account is crucial for optimal money management. Having too little in the account leaves you open… Continue reading How much money should I keep in my checking account?

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?