Sample issue

Hi there,

This month's tip: start your holiday sinking fund now

Add up what you spent on gifts, food and travel last holiday season. Divide by the months until the holidays and move that amount to a savings bucket each payday. If you start early, the monthly amount stays small.

More in Sinking funds: the end of surprise expenses.

Fee to check for: the monthly maintenance fee

Look for a line called "monthly service fee" or "maintenance fee" on your last statement. If it's there, find out how to waive it, or ask the bank to move you to a no-fee account. See Common bank fees and how to avoid them.

Reader question

"Is my money safe in an online bank?" If the bank is FDIC insured (or the credit union is NCUA insured), deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution, per ownership category. With money apps, check which bank actually holds your deposits.

Bank better,
Nickel Savings