free checking

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 14, 2017 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: When to consider a student loan lawyer. Also in the news: Why gutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will impact your wallet, how much you should expect to pay when applying to college, and why you should try a credit union if you’re looking for free checking.

When to Consider a Student Loan Lawyer
Making a big decision.

Your Wallet Will Suffer If This Agency Is Gutted
It’s on the chopping block.

Applying to College? Expect to Pay at Least This Much
Get ready.

If You Want Free Checking, Try a Credit Union
Avoiding monthly maintenance fees.

Friday’s need-to-know money news

September 12, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to determine if you’re financially ready to buy a house. Also in the news: Are free checking accounts becoming too expensive, understanding the higher education tax credit, and the decisions you need to make before walking down the aisle.

Are You Financially Ready to Buy a House?
How to determine if you’re ready to make one of life’s biggest decisions.

Time to Kiss Your Free Checking Account Goodbye
That “free” checking account could be awfully expensive.

Writing Off College-Related Expenses
Understanding the education tax credit.

5 Financial Decisions You Should Make Before You Get Married
Deciding now could spare you from heartache later.

The 5 Best Places to Hide Emergency Cash at Home
Alternatives to the old under the mattress trick.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

August 28, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Thousands of homeowners are missing out on lower mortgage payments. Also in the news: How safe are your deposits, how to save money while you remodel, and why free checking can be a misnomer.

800,000 Homeowners Are Missing Out on Lower Mortgage Payments
Are you one of them?

How Safe is Your ‘Safe Money’?
How banks are protecting your finances.

3 Ways to Reduce Your Remodeling Budget
DIY doesn’t have to mean $$$.

Checking account costs rise; only 28% are free, study finds
Free comes at a price.

10 Smart Money-Saving Tips for Time-Strapped People
Quick tips that’ll save you money.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

March 3, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Should you splurge or save with your tax refund? Also in the news: Saving for the end of the world, understanding Obamacare tax penalties, and why free checking is becoming a thing of the past.

Tax refunds: Cheap thrills or savvy savings?
Choose wisely.

End-of-world money moves to make
Why should the zombies get your money?

Obamacare Tax Penalties: Will You Have to Pay?
Understanding the new insurance penalties.

Free checking disappearing at the big banks
Free checking is going the way of free toasters.

Will Opening Credit Cards Help My Credit
Possibly. But proceed with caution.

Find cheaper checking and ditch your bank

April 4, 2012 By Liz Weston

If you’re sick of rising bank fees, check out a new feature at NerdWallet that allows you to compare the costs of more than 120 different checking accounts across a spectrum of banks and credit unions.

You’ll answer a few questions about how you use your account, including the minimum balance you can maintain and how much you’ll deposit each month. The feature serves up the best matches based on your answers. If you have enough cash on hand to qualify for an interest-bearing checking account, the feature can help you find some good options.

You also might want to read a couple of my previous posts on this topic: “How to shop for a new bank” and “7 steps to say ‘buh-bye’ to your bank.”

Changing banks isn’t hassle-free, but you can save some decent money switching to an institution that actually wants your business, rather than punishing you for it.