15 guides
Banking and saving guides
Plain-English guides to everyday banking and saving. General education, not financial or tax advice. We don't rank banks or take referral fees.
Choosing accounts
Checking, savings, banks, credit unions and switching.
- Choosing a checking account that doesn't cost you
No monthly fee, free ATMs nearby and fair overdraft rules.
- Banks vs credit unions
Different owners, often different fees and rates.
- Online banks and banking apps
Often fewer fees and higher rates; check who holds your money.
- How to switch banks without the stress
Open first, move everything, then close.
Avoiding fees
Overdraft, ATM and monthly maintenance fees.
- Stop paying overdraft fees
Opt out, link savings, and set low-balance alerts.
- Avoid ATM fees
Use your network, get cash back, or pick a bank that refunds fees.
- Monthly maintenance fees: avoid or escape
Meet the waiver, or move to a free account.
Growing savings
APY, CDs, Treasury savings and taxes on interest.
- APY and compound interest, explained
What the percentage really means for your money.
- CDs and CD ladders
Lock in a rate, with money coming free regularly.
- Treasury bills and I bonds, in plain English
Government-backed savings options and their rules.
- Taxes on savings interest
Interest is income, and it goes on your tax return.
Saving for goals
Sinking funds, yearly goals and big purchases.
- Sinking funds: the end of surprise expenses
Save a little each month for bills you know are coming.
- Set savings goals you'll actually reach
Specific, dated and automatic.
- Savings buckets: keep every goal separate
Separate accounts or labeled buckets make each goal visible.
- Save for a big purchase instead of financing it
Pay cash and skip the interest.