savings accounts

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

March 5, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 things you don’t have to pay a tax preparer to do. Also in the news: AmEx Gold’s inconsistent dining rewards are frustrating foodies, what you need to know about surging savings account rates, and what you need to know about “free” credit scores.

5 Things You Don’t Have to Pay a Tax Preparer to Do
Knock these things off your tax list.

AmEx Gold’s Inconsistent Dining Rewards Are Frustrating Foodies
A bumpy relaunch.

Savings Account Rates Are Surging: Here’s What to Know
Online banks are offering the best rates.

What You Need to Know About ‘Free’ Credit Scores
Free doesn’t always mean without cost.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

May 1, 2017 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: NerdWallet’s best credit card tips for May 2017. Also in the news: VA loan funding fees, the best banks for multiple savings accounts, and 401(k) myths you can’t afford to believe.

NerdWallet’s Best Credit Card Tips for May 2017
Which cards you should be considering.

VA Loan Funding Fee: What You’ll Pay and Why in 2017
Don’t be caught off-guard.

Need Multiple Savings Accounts? Here’s Where to Bank
Which banks offer the most bang for your bucks.

401(k) myths you can’t afford to believe
Time for some myth busting.

Q&A: Parking money for a short term

April 10, 2017 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: We will soon be selling our home and moving into an apartment until we purchase a new home. Our proceeds from the sale will be over $600,000. It seems that there is no place to safely put the funds and get some meaningful interest to boot. Savings accounts and money markets pay very little interest, and certificates of deposit have a fixed time. We may need to withdraw the money in as few as 30 days, but it may be six months or longer. Any suggestions where to park our money?

Answer: Some online banks currently offer interest rates around 1% for savings accounts. It’s not much, but it’s better than the 0.06% rate that’s currently the national average, according to the FDIC’s April 3 report. An Internet search for “best savings rates” should turn up competitive offers.

A rate of 1% isn’t much and means that you’ll lose a little ground to inflation, which is currently more than 2%. But it’s more important that your money be safe and liquid, ready when you need it, than for you to try to squeeze a high return from it.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

August 4, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: It’s time to stop ignoring your finances. Also in the news: The best ways to invest in real estate, how to get help for financially assisting your parents, and how you can get rewarded for saving money.

How to Stop Ignoring Your Finances
You can’t keep ignoring the elephant in the room.

The Best Way to Invest in Real Estate
You don’t have to flip houses in order to profit from real estate.

3 Ways to Get Help for Financially Aiding Your Parents
Help is available during difficult times.

Goal-Based Accounts Reward You for Saving Money
Get rewarded for reaching your goal.

How Your Friends Threaten Your Finances
You don’t have to keep up with the Joneses.