Balancing your checkbook is one of those crucial life skills. It will give you a clear sense of not only how much money is in your bank account, but where your money goes. It can also help prevent you from bouncing checks, stick to your budget, help you avoid fees, and detect errors from your

A money market account is a type of savings account offered by banks and credit unions just like regular savings accounts. The difference is that they usually pay higher interest, have higher minimum balance requirements (sometimes $1000-$­2500), and only allow three to six withdrawals per month. Another difference is that, similar to a checking account, many

Entrepreneurs and small business owners always seem to have 10 things to do before the day is through. You never know what might come up, and sometimes not every planned task gets done on time. In the midst of this fast-paced lifestyle, retirement might not be the first thing on your mind. It’s easy to put

Some employees simply do not like to have their paychecks directly deposited into their checking accounts.  The idea of having a tangible check in their hands after they have earned it provides a certain amount of security and peace of mind.  Furthermore, there may be concern regarding their employer having secure information and access to

  Are you trying to figure out how to consolidate your debt? 1. Check your credit reports and get your credit score. You can get your credit reports from each of the three major credit reporting agencies for free once a year at AnnualCreditReport.com. It’s a good idea to review them so you don’t end

Sold by banks, certificates of deposit (better known as CDs) are low-risk –- and relatively low-return — investments suitable for cash you don’t need for months or years. If you leave the money alone during the investment period (known as the “term” or “duration”), the bank will pay you an interest rate slightly higher than

1. A 401(k) offers three compelling benefits. A 401(k) represents a way to reduce your taxable income since contributions come out of your pay before taxes are withheld; many plans include a matching contribution from your employer; and the money you save benefits from tax-deferred growth, which lets your money compound more quickly than it

Home equity loans allow you to borrow against the value of your home. These loans appeal to borrowers who find that they can borrow relatively large amounts of money, and they’re easier to qualify for than other types of loans (because they are secured by your house). If your home is worth more than you

Don’t ignore your mortgage problem. If you are unable to pay–or haven’t paid–your mortgage, contact your lender or the company that collects your mortgage payment as soon as possible. Mortgage lenders want to work with you to resolve the problem, and you may have more options if you contact them early. Call the phone number

  We live in an express-line society: we want money, goods, and services to be quickly and easily accessible. Conveniences like debit cards and online accounts can seem like the lifelines which make this all possible, but they can also come at a price. You need to protect yourself–and your checking account–by knowing some of