Articles Index

Does Co-Signing Affect Credit?

When a friend or family member asks you to co-sign, what happens? Can co-signing hurt or help your credit?

What Factors Affect Credit?

Credit is important, but what factors affect credit? There are a lot of myths about how credit scores work and what affects credit in general. Let’s review how your credit works and what will hurt you or help you.

Student Loans 101

Student loans are a way to pay for higher education. Whether you love debt or you hate it, student loans are an investment in your future. They can make an education possible when there is no other way. This page covers the basics of student loans and points you towards additional resources.

Unsubsidized Loan Basics

When using an unsubsidized loan, you are responsible for all interest costs. Nobody (the government or a local organization, for example) pays interest for you. Unsubsidized loans are more expensive than subsidized ones, but they’re easier to get.

Advantages of Federal Student Loans

When borrowing for college, federal student loans are often your best choice. Why? Loans offered by the government have certain advantages. Learn why you should use federal student loans before using private loans.

Choosing a Bank

Choosing the best bank for your needs is easy. First, you have to figure out exactly what you need from a bank. Once you know what to look for, you can quickly evaluate the competition and end up with the best bank account out there. See how to choose the right bank for your needs, and get some ideas for starting your checklist.

Bank vs. Credit Union

So you need a loan or a new account, and you’re not sure where to go. Both banks and credit unions can probably help you, but one may be better. What can you expect from banks vs. credit unions and why does it matter?

Credit Unions - Overview of Credit Unions

Most people never notice the differences between credit unions and banks. However, as an educated consumer looking to get the best deals (that is you, right?) you should know how the institutions differ. By reading these fast facts about credit unions, you’ll know what to expect.

How to Find a Credit Union

How do you find an account at a credit union? It’s a matter of finding one that you’re eligible for and that meets your needs. Learn what it takes to open an account that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Annual Percentage Rate (APR)

Annual Percentage Rate (APR) helps you compare loans and understand costs. It won't give you a perfect answer, but it's as close as you can get to an apples-to-apples comparison among lenders. Find out how APR works and how it's calculated.

Savings Account Interest Rate Scorecard

The Savings Account Interest Rate Scorecard highlights some of the leading savings account interest rates. It is most useful for a quick answer on where to stash your cash. If you really want the best rates, you can start here and continue on for even better deals.

CD Interest Rate Scorecard

A quick sampling of competitive CD interest rates. This is a short list of ideas that can help you earn a decent return on your cash.

Avoid New Checking Fees

Free checking is not dead yet. While it’s now more difficult, you can still avoid checking fees at a number of banks and credit unions.

How to Get a Loan

Learn what it takes to get a loan. Find out what you need to decide, and what to do next.

How to Check a Check

Question: I was paid with a check, but I’m exactly confident with the person who wrote the check. I’d like to find out if the check is going to bounce before I deposit it (my bank charges a fee for bad checks). Is there any way to check the check out and find out if it’s bad - without depositing it and waiting to find out?

How to Verify Funds

Can you verify funds on a check somebody writes you? It may be helpful to know if the check will bounce ahead of time. You can avoid bank fees if you verify funds, and you can start taking steps to collect a valid payment from the person.

Deposit Checks

So you need to deposit a check. It may be the first time, or it may have been so long that you forgot how to deposit checks. Make sure you know your options, including where to go, where not to go, and how technology makes it easier to deposit checks.

CD Penalties - Basics, Tips, and What to Expect

CD's are great savings vehicles for some. However, the most commonly overlooked drawback to CD's is the early withdrawal penalty. Read all about CD penalties, how they work, and how you might be able to avoid paying a penalty.

How can I Make Mobile Check Deposits?

Question: I hate going to the bank when I get a check. I keep hearing about mobile check deposits and I want to try it out. What do I need to do? Answer: You can save a lot of time and hassle if you make mobile check deposits. The process itself is easy, but you may not yet have the ability to make deposits. Your bank has to offer the service, and you need to have the right phone.

Mortgage Help Basics

Since the mortgage crisis boiled to a head in 2008, several mortgage help programs were put in place to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. Over time, the programs evolved to address borrowers in need of different types of mortgage help. Let’s review some of the major programs available.

Bouncing Checks?

It’s easier than ever to write a bad check, the practice can create real problems. Learn what you can do to avoid bouncing a check, and why you should keep it from becoming a habit.

How to Switch Banks

It may be time to switch banks for any number of reasons. Where to you start? Use this process to change from one bank to another without missing anything.

Mortgage Loan Calculators

Mortgage loan calculators help you understand your loan. This page covers several mortgage loan calculators for different types of mortgages, and different pieces of your mortgage. By running the numbers yourself, you can understand what you’re getting into. Use these mortgage loan calculators to educate yourself, save time, and get the best deal.

Check Registers - Overview - Where to Find Free Check Registers

A check register is your personal record of your checking account. It’s a good idea to use your check register as a backup system even if you trust the bank. You can use the paper check registers that come with your checks, or you can use an electronic system. Let’s look at how check registers work and how you can get them for free.

No Check Register? No Problem

In need of a check register? You can still track your checking account even if your bank or check printer failed to provide a register.