Banking

Mobile Banking Safety Tips

I’ve been on kind of a safety kick this month. I started October with a few tips for safe ATM withdrawals, so I figured I’d continue this month with a few tips for safe deposits – specifically mobile deposits. As smartphones have become more common, mobile banking has become a popular choice. After all, why would you want to drive to a cash machine or stand in line at the...

ATM Safety 15 Tips for a Safe Transaction

Here’s a fun fact about ATMs: Did you know that the patent for the first cash machine was filed in October of 1971? That’s right: The ubiquitous ATM machine became common in the U.S. in the early seventies – the very first ones were located in New York City. Since this month represents a 15 year milestone of sorts for the American cash machine, I thought this was the perfect...

Raising Finance Savvy Kids

Financial education is a lifelong undertaking – and, unfortunately, it’s one subject that isn’t taught in schools. If you want to help your kids grow up to be financially responsible adults, it’s really up to you to help them understand money, budgeting, and finances. Ideally slowly with the basics, and work your way up to more complex concepts. Need some suggestions? Read on to get some ideas for age-appropriate...

The Do’s and Don’ts Before Applying for a Mortgage 

Maybe you’re dreaming of a suburban ranch house with a big backyard. Or perhaps a sleek urban condo in the heart of the city. Or a townhome that’s within walking distance to work. Everyone’s idea of a “dream home” is a little different, but there’s one thing that’s the same across the board: We all have to apply for a mortgage loan. You don’t have to have perfect credit...

Best Apps and Websites for Budgeting and Saving

It’s easy to spend money online – too easy, really. It’s near-impossible to surf the web without being bombarded by advertisements and sales emails targeted to your exact preferences and interests. With a few clicks, you can find yourself spending money you don’t have on things you don’t really need. But that’s only part of the story. When it comes to your finances, there’s more to the Internet than...

6 Ways to Avoid Bank Fees

Do bank fees have you at a breaking point?  From ATM fees to overdraft protection to fees for online bill pay and maintenance (whatever that means, exactly), it seems like most banks today are more interested in taking your money than helping you manage it safely. But the good news is that, if you’re willing to put in a little time and effort, you can find ways to sidestep...

7 Rules for Safe, Secure Mobile Banking

7 Rules for Safe, Secure Mobile Banking If you have a smartphone, chances are good that you use a mobile app to do some of your banking – and with good reason.  Mobile banking makes it super-easy to stay on top of your finances from anywhere, and at any time.  But when you take your finances mobile, it’s important to make sure that you aren’t sacrificing security for the...