Self-directed saving seems easy enough. You set a goal (say, “down payment for a new car”), a dollar amount, and the date you’d like to reach the goal. You figure out how much of each paycheck to set aside to make it happen. And then you dutifully transfer funds from your checking account to your

Do you know what to do if your bank fails? The sudden implosion of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank has millions of once-complacent asking this question. The truth is, banks can and do fail, often without any prior outward signs of trouble. Hundreds of banks went out of business during the savings and loan

What happened to Silicon Valley Bank? The short answer is, it failed after a classic bank run during which depositors rushed to withdraw cash while they still could. The longer answer is quite the read. Though it ranked among the 20 largest banks in the United States when it failed, Silicon Valley Bank had an

Have you ever wondered what an APR really is? Learn how to calculate it and — most important — how to use it to compare the cost of credit.

Commercial banks make money by charging more interest on loans than they pay on deposits, by taking a small cut of debit and credit card transactions, and through various fees on loans and deposit accounts. They may have other income sources, but those are the big ones.

Capital One Business Deals is an online platform that offers exclusive discounts and deals on essential small-business purchases. You’ll find dozens if not hundreds of deals in popular expense categories like office supplies, communications, sales and marketing, HR and benefits, and business travel.

How much do you keep in your bank account? Is it enough? Too much? We've got the answer to these questions plus tips for determining the sweet spot for your savings account.

Four credit card payment processors share the U.S. market: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Find out which one dominates all the others. Hint: It's not Discover.

With a credit builder loan from CreditStrong, you can start building your credit history and improving your credit score without the risk of racking up high-interest debt or damaging your credit further. Whether you're just starting out or trying to rebuild your credit, CreditStrong may be able to help you achieve your financial goals.

No one's forcing you to save money — except when they are. The idea of forced savings seems positively un-American. Fortunately, it's just a slightly scary-sounding word for something most people actually want to do.

Looking for a mobile banking platform that can help you manage your money more efficiently? Consider Spruce, built by H&R Block and supported by Pathward, N.A. (member FDIC). With no sign-up or maintenance fees, and thousands of Allpoint ATMs available for fee-free withdrawals, Spruce stands out for its simplicity, usefulness, and transparent fee structure.

The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card is a rewards credit card that’s great for people who drive a lot, dine out, buy groceries, and watch or listen to streaming content. In short, it’s a card for just about everyone.

When it comes to rewards credit cards, sometimes simpler is better. “Simple” certainly describes the Fifth Third Preferred Cash/Back Card, which has the most straightforward rewards program imaginable and an otherwise standard menu of perks and benefits.  The Fifth Third Preferred Cash/Back Card doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does offer solid returns on every

The FDIC hasn't met its target reserve ratio in years. Should you be worried there won't be any money if your bank fails? Probably not, but it's more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Cash App is an easy way to send and receive funds, pay merchants, and manage day-to-day expenses. But is it a bank? And if not, how can you be sure it's safe?

If you use Venmo to send and receive money, you could be a good candidate for the Venmo Credit Card. Find out how this cash-back credit card can make everyday spending more rewarding for you.

Your bank's "member FDIC" logo isn't there for show. It means your money is insured in case something happens to the bank. Find out how much insurance you get, past, present, and future.

BMO Harris Bank is a full-service financial institution with checking, savings, money market, and CD accounts. Learn about its account types, interest rates, and other features.

You need an emergency fund to cover unanticipated hardships like major medical bills, car repairs, job loss, and more. Find out how to start an emergency fund and build it over time.

Full disclosure: I love credit cards almost as much as I love credit card statistics. I have multiple cash-back credit cards, multiple travel rewards credit cards, a gas credit card (which doubles as my Costco credit card), and a few others too. I’m honestly not sure off the top of my head how many active