 | While you might think you have a free checking account, odds are you do not. You might be required to maintain a certain balance or pay a fee for writing more than your monthly quota of checks, meaning that your account is likely not free. By Jaceson Maughan |
Shop around for the most cost-effective ATM fees, debit card fees, and credit card fees to lower your bank fees. |
 | When you're choosing a bank, location and service should be your first considerations and minimizing fees should be a priority. By knowing what to look for, you'll discover that there's a real difference between banks and learn how to choose a bank that's best for you. By Rachel Mork |
As much as we may not like to admit it, money is an extremely important part of all of our lives. Consequently, choosing the institution that takes custody of and handles your finances is also an important decision. |
Perhaps the most widely used financial tool is a checking account. By understanding the basics of a checking account, you can be sure to make the most of it and make it work for you. |
A savings account is an easy and safe place to keep your money. Understanding the different types of savings accounts and how they work can help you to make the best choices for saving your money. |
Remember when your parents offered you cash to do chores or your homework? A certificate of deposit (CD) works the same way-except the bank pays you extra for doing nothing. |
Checking accounts are some of the simplest - and least lucrative - financial accounts out there. They usually offer pretty low interest rates compared to savings accounts, CDs, and other places where you can easily stash your cash. |
There are old-fashioned savings accounts at brick and mortar banks, which for reasons we outline in the next section, aren't a smart place for your money. They give such measly interest on the money, if they pay any interest at all, you're almost as well off sticking those funds under your mattress. |
 | Money is a common cause of marital discord. But keeping separate bank accounts may not be a quick fix. |
