Banking

    Tell me if any of these statements sound like things you’ve said or thoughts you’ve had recently:   I’ll opt into the 401(k) after my next raise. I’ll start contributing to an IRA once I make more. Sure, I’ve got a little debt now, but eventually I’ll be …

The Problem With Payday Advances and Title Loans   The holiday season is fast approaching and, for most of us, that means we are facing higher expenses over the next few months. While some individuals spent the first part of the year saving up to ready themselves for this higher …

The Pros and Cons of Term and Permanent Insurance   One of the biggest decisions you make when you finally start shopping for life insurance policies is deciding between a term and a permanent policy. Neither of these policies is objectively better than the other. They each have pros and …

When a friend comes to you for a loan, it’s easy to just say yes and begin reaching for your wallet. But a loan between friends can be dangerous—to the lender, the borrower and the friendship—which is why it should be considered carefully. Here are five questions you can ask …

Last week we were pretty focused on National Estate Planning Awareness Week, but there was another financial holiday in the air—International Credit Union Day. We’re going to observe this little-known holiday a week late by talking about some of the many benefits of credit unions.   Member-owned: Credit unions aren’t …

  In almost every adult’s life there comes a point when they consider opening a joint bank account. Whether they want to open the account with a parent, sibling, roommate, friend or significant other, they might decide this is a good idea for paying joint bills, saving joint funds and …

Are you happy with your bank, or are you just using the same institution you have been for years because that seems easier than switching? It’s always a good idea to quiz yourself annually about whether your bank is really meeting your needs or if it’s leaving something to be …