Banking & Credit
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What is a Prepayment Penalty for Personal Loans?
If you borrowed funds through a personal loan, you may find yourself in a position to pay the balance early before the term expires. Before making that early payment, you should consider whether the lender charges a prepayment penalty.
Online Bank vs. Brick-and-Mortar Bank: Which One Is Right for You?
One of the pivotal choices is deciding whether to use an online bank or a traditional brick-and-mortar banking institution. In this article, we examine each option's benefits and drawbacks.
Free Travel Insurance with Your Credit Card
Travel insurance is one of the many underutilized perks available with many credit cards. Know the details and make sure you're covered when you go on vacation!
What is the Card Act of 2009?
In 2009, Congress passed the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (CARD Act) to address a growing number of predatory and unfair practices in the credit card industry.
Top 5 Things to Consider In a Checking Account
Looking to open a new checking account. Here is a list of the Top 5 most important things to consider before opening the account and making that initial deposit.
How Much Money to Keep In Your Checking Account
One of the many challenges in personal finance is managing your cash balances. It's important to find a balance between liquidity and maximizing your return on investment.
Debit Card vs. Credit Card – What to Use?
Debit cards and credit cards play a vital role in our financial marketplace. Deciding which one to use can be challenging for many individuals and businesses.
Use a Personal Loan to Consolidate Credit Card Debts
If you're struggling with multiple high-interest credit card balances, using a personal loan to consolidate those balances may be a useful financial tool.
Are Credit Card Annual Fees Worth the Cost?
The vast majority of credit cards charge no annual fee for using the card. Certain cards will charge an annual fee for additional perks and benefits - but are the fees worth it?
Parent’s Guide to Bank Accounts for Children
A minor child is generally unable to open a bank account without their parent or guardian. This guide summarizes the key things to remember when opening a joint or custodial bank account.
Foreign Bank Accounts for US Persons – What Do You Need to Know?
When a U.S. person opens a foreign bank account, the U.S. person may have some additional tax filing and reporting obligations. This article and video discuss those issues for U.S. persons.
Are Credit Card Rewards Taxable Income?
Credit card rewards are generally exempt from federal income taxes; however, there are cases where they might be included in your income.
Top 5 Best Habits for Using Credit Cards
Credit cards can be a great way to build credit and earn rewards; however, they should be used responsibly. In this article we detail some Top 5 best habits for credit card use.
Is a Personal Loan the Right Decision for You?
Borrowing money through a personal loan can be a great way to consolidate debts or fund emergency expenses. It's important for individuals to consider the benefits and drawbacks of personal loans.
Secured vs. Unsecured Debt Obligations
Whether you're considering secured or unsecured debt, it's important to fully understand the loan terms, including interest rates, repayment timelines, and their impact on your credit score.