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by Kathleen GarvinContributor Approximately 7.1 million Americans were “unbanked” in 2019, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). “Unbanked” refers to people who don’t have a savings or checking account at a bank, credit union or other financial institution. Depending on your needs and eligibility, there are plenty of free checking accounts available if you’re looking to get established with a financial institution.. However, if you’re looking to take

Best for Simple, Fee-Free BankingU.S. Bank$100 Minimum initial depositBest for Business Interest CheckingAxos Bank$1,000Minimum initial depositBest for Fee-Free, Online-Only BankingBlueVine$0Minimum initial depositBest for New Small Business Owners Wells Fargo$25Minimum initial depositby Kathleen GarvinContributor Starting a business is an opportunity to be your own boss, make money and grow your skill set. There are also the not-so-great, somewhat messy and complicated parts about operating a business. If you start off solo

by Quinten PlummerStaff WriterYou work hard for your money. That’s why every time you get your paycheck, you’re sure to stash it somewhere safe — like your savings account… where it may earn less than pennies on the dollar.Doesn’t seem so fair, does it? But the truth is, savings accounts may pay you next to nothing these days. That’s why we like the savings account from a digital bank called

by Brynne ConroyContributor Away from Mom this Mother’s Day? Whether you live across the country or state from dear old Mom and can’t treat her to brunch, you likely want to send more than a text. Whatever’s keeping you and Mom apart this Mother’s Day, May 8, there are plenty of ways you can show her you love and miss her. Not only that, but you can do it all

by Rachel Christian, CEPF®Senior WriterFreaking out over inflation?If you want a nearly risk-free way to grow your cash, Uncle Sam has an attractive offer for you.The U.S. government announced a new eye-popping 9.62% interest rate for Series I savings bonds now through October 2022 — the highest interest rate ever for these investments.Series I bonds — also known as inflation bonds or I bonds — are the only inflation-protected security

Best for Overall PerksAxos Rewards Checking1.00% APYBest for No Overdraft FeesAlly Interest Checking Account0.10% – 0.25%APYBest for Highest APY on the MarketConsumers Credit Union2.09%-4.09%APYBest for Overdraft ProtectionSoFi Checking and Savings1.25%APYby Kathleen GarvinContributorWhen you think of interest-generating bank accounts, your mind likely goes to savings. After all, that’s your reward for building an emergency fund or socking away money for a future expense, right? A regular, end-of-month deposit into your savings

by Catherine HilesContributor Fewer people are sending items by mail these days opting instead for online bill pay, email and social media. But some prefer the traditional feel of mailing cards, bills or letters, or trust the postal service more than the internet with their correspondence. If you use a lot of stamps, the cost can quickly add up. As of April 2022, U.S. Forever stamps cost 58 cents each.

by Matt MatasciContributor If 65 is the new 45, what is 55? It is old enough to receive what might be called the Not-So-Senior discount. Retailers, restaurants and travel services will do whatever they can to get people to buy what they are selling, and that includes extending the senior discounts to customers who are 55 years of age or older. Sometimes, you may need to announce that you are

Real Answers for Life’s Money Challengesby Robin Hartill, CFP®Senior EditorMy partner and I have been together for 15 years, but not really living together. We both own our own homes, mortgage-free. Our financial situation is similar in terms of net worth. Because of my partner’s health issues, at the outset of COVID we decided to have him move in with me, as he could avoid grocery shopping, etc. We thought COVID

by Tiffany ConnorsEditor/WriterThe possibility of student loan forgiveness is on the horizon, so should you stop making payments on your own loans?That depends, but let’s take a look at where things stand now: So what does all this mean for you, the student loan borrower?Depending on your loans and financial situation, you might actually be better off making larger payments right now… or none at all.Don’t worry, we’ll explain.If you’re