10 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About Credit Cards

John Csiszar    Fri, May 12, 2023

Credit cards are so convenient that they are part of daily life for many Americans. Given that fact, it's perhaps surprising that there are so many common misconceptions about credit cards floating around.

Seeing as your credit score and how you manage your credit can affect so many areas of your life, from applying for a car loan or a home mortgage to qualifying for an apartment, it's important to know the facts about credit cards. Here's a look at 10 common misconceptions about credit cards and the truths behind each myth.

9 Easy Banking Tips You Haven't Heard of Before

Nina Derwin   Fri, May 12, 2023

Whether you are brand new to banking or you’ve had the same bank account for several decades, it’s never too early or too late to change up your banking strategy. Earning money is hard enough, and banking shouldn’t make it harder still to hold on to your dollars. Taking small steps and implementing these key tips can help you save money and avoid surprise surcharges and banking fees.

10 Small Changes To Stay On Track With Your Savings Goals

Cynthia Measom   Thu, May 11, 2023

According to Fidelity Investments' annual Financial Resolutions Study, the top financial resolution of respondents for 2022 was to save more money. But not every resolution makes it far past January. Less than halfway into the year, you can still take charge of your finances.

How much you save is a personal decision -- one only you can make. But if you're interested in getting -- or staying -- on track with your savings goals, the time to start is now.

Does Paying in Cash Help You Save Money?

Sam DiSalvo   Wed, May 10, 2023

In a primarily cashless society, you probably rarely have cash on you. Now even cash-run events of the past like flea markets and Girl Scout cookie sales have Square readers to take credit cards. Paying with cards is certainly convenient, but is it costing us more?

5 Ways How You Value Money Affects Your Finances

Lee Huffman  Sun, September 4, 2022

Investors value money differently based on their experiences, goals and beliefs. This process is known as mental accounting, and it often affects how we budget and spend our money. Mental accounting can also affect our investment decisions, leading us to make choices that make it harder to meet our goals. Learn more about mental accounting, including how it applies to finance and whether or not you should use it to make decisions.

For more help with financial planning, consider working with a financial advisor.

How I Got Rich Without an Inheritance

Jacob Wade   Mon, May 8, 2023

Have you ever dreamed of becoming rich?

While it can seem like an impossible task, becoming a millionaire isn’t just a dream, but a reality for everyday Americans, even without an inheritance. And while having a rich uncle is nice, learning what it takes to build a high net worth is much more valuable.

Nate Nead, Principal at Invest.net, shares with us five tips on how to grow your net worth from nothing to millionaire status before you retire. And while some things in this list might feel like common sense, Nate has actually walked the walk to show that these tips work. Here’s how to get rich without an inheritance.

How Much Money Can I Give Away Without ‘Incurring a Tax Issue With the IRS?'

Ask an Advisor: I Want to Give Money to My Son and Daughter-in-Law. How Much Money Can I Give Away Without ‘Incurring a Tax Issue With the IRS?'

Michele Cagan, CPA   Tue, May 9, 2023

How much money can I give to my son and daughter-in-law without incurring a tax issue with the IRS?-Irwin

For 2023, you can give your son and daughter-in-law each $17,000 without having to deal with the IRS. But even if you give more, you won't have to pay any taxes right now. In fact, unless you surpass the lifetime limit, currently around $12 million, you won't have to pay any gift taxes.

The Mindset Of Millionaires — How Their Views Can Lead To Financial Success

Jeannine Mancini   Mon, May 8, 2023

After more than 26 years of interviewing some of the world’s wealthiest individuals, self-made millionaire and author Steve Siebold compiled his findings into the widely acclaimed book “How Rich People Think.” By exploring the mental attitudes and strategies of successful individuals, Siebold’s book has helped countless readers unlock their own potential for financial success.

Studies reveal how rich people’s mindset differs from those who are not wealthy and how this contributes to their financial success.

4 Alternatives To Checking Accounts

GoBankingRates.com

A traditional checking account is the workhorse of the personal finance world.

According to a new GOBankingRates survey of 1,000 adults, more than nine out of 10 people have one, making them more popular than savings accounts — the No. 2 most common type — by nearly 20 percentage points.  People use checking accounts to receive direct deposits, make debit card purchases, transfer funds and, of course, write checks.

How To Transfer Money From Savings Into a High-Yield Savings Account

GoBankingRates.com

Young beautiful woman dressed in stylish outfit transferring money using online banking service on laptop computer connected to wifi.

Switching banks is a chore that requires you to update your information for all direct deposits, automatic payments, subscriptions and recurring transfers to linked accounts. You’ll be getting a new debit card, account number and routing number, and you’ll have to download and navigate a new and unfamiliar app.