Monthly Archives: December 2021

by Catherine HilesContributor Since March 2020, more and more Americans have been working from home thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, with vaccinations available widely, many workplaces are asking their employees to return to the office. Or, at least, management is talking about returning while keeping an eye on the Delta and Omicron variants and ever-changing infection numbers around the country before making a firm decision. If the thought

by Robin Hartill, CFP®, Whitney HansenWells Fargo is a Big Four bank that made big headlines back in 2016 and 2017 over a scandal where employees created millions of fake accounts to hit their sales targets.They’ve come a long way since then, working on earning trust back with strong customer service and new mobile services, but ultimately it’s up to you to decide whether you should or shouldn’t trust Wells

by Cassidy Alexander The post-holiday rush to return unwanted gifts is real. We’ve all been there: Smiling, holding a gift you are so grateful to receive but unfortunately know you will never wear or use. It has to go back to the store! And so the annual frustration begins. But the relatively minor inconvenience of an ill-fitting gift could get even worse if your loved one purchased it too far

by Nicole DowSenior WriterWhether you use an app, an Excel spreadsheet or a pen and notebook, your budget isn’t something you just blindly copy over month after month.You should take a little time at the end of each month or the beginning of the next to reflect on your finances and determine whether you need to make any adjustments for the month ahead.Your spending isn’t necessarily the same month after

by Tiffany ConnorsStaff Writer Think of Afterapay as layaway with benefits. If you remember layaway plans (ask your parents!), you know it’s an old retail custom in which you make installment payments over a period of time to buy a product or service you can’t afford upfront. But the new generation of buy-now-pay-later services like Afterpay has upped the ante by letting you keep the merchandise immediately after you make

by Dana Sitar, CEPF®, Jamie CattanachOnline banking is a great way to manage your money without having to schlep to a brick-and-mortar location. Managing your money through an online platform can also help you avoid many of the fees associated with traditional banks.Many online banks offer a full range of financial products, including regular deposit accounts. But if you’ve already got your checking account taken care of, you might still

by Nicole DowSenior WriterThe holiday season is an expensive time of the year.You’re buying presents for loved ones, decorations for the house, extra groceries for big dinners and outfits for holiday parties. You’re giving special tips to service workers and spending money to travel to visit family.All the money leaving your bank account can cause a bunch of financial stress. It’s good to have some things to do during the

Best Overall for Small BusinessesWells FargoAPY n/a Best for High Yield SavingsAxosAPY up to 0.81% Best for Credit Card OfferingsChaseAPY n/a by Dana Sitar, CEPF®, Jake Bateman If you’ve started your own company — or you’re considering the move — you’ve likely marveled at the logistics required to pull it off. Popular first-time small business owner (SMB) questions include: How do taxes work now? What do I need to know

by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterThe COVID-19 crisis has affected the way many Americans are able to save for retirement, with surprising disparities among age groups, gender and even geographic areas.Nearly 17% of Americans say they’re saving less money for retirement due to the pandemic, according to a new survey by The Penny Hoarder, which also found that 16% of respondents are saving more money in response to COVID-19. The survey

by Dave Schafer It might not be much of a stretch to say that saving is more important than ever these days. With so much uncertainty in the air, having some funds tucked away for a rainy day definitely can’t hurt. If those funds can continue to grow, even better.That’s where Synchrony Bank shines. With several highly-competitive savings account options, all with no monthly fees, it’s a fantastic online bank