In this age of electronic banking, voiding a paper check can seem like an anachronism…so much so that many people no longer even know how...
Personal Finances
All Personal Finances Articles
How Your Emergency Fund Acts as a Personal Form of Insurance
You’ve probably been advised to save up a stash of money to manage life’s emergencies. Of course, we also take out insurance in case of...
Don’t Fall For the Latest AI Scams
You get a call late one afternoon that no parent wants: “Dad, I crashed the Toyota, and someone got really hurt. I need $10,000 for...
What Is the Next of Kin Order?
In the field of estate planning, clients often have questions about “next of kin”—what is next of kin?…what is next of kin order?…who has more...
Estate Planning for Blended Families
The legendary singer Tony Bennett left a multimillion-dollar estate to his complicated family…and that led to inheritance turmoil after his death. Bennett had four children...
When the 50/30/20 Rule Doesn’t Work: Situations That Call for a Different Saving Strategy
Many people who have trouble budgeting money turn to a simple concept known as the 50/30/20 Rule. How it works: You divide your take-home income...
American Express High-Yield Savings Account: Rates, Features and How It Compares
“It’s hard for savers to know where to safely stash their cash these days,” says banking expert Ken Tumin. Rates available from FDIC-insured bank accounts...
High-Yield Checking Accounts: How to Earn More From Your Everyday Banking
Earning interest from a checking account might seem like a wise money move, but Bankrate financial analyst Stephen Kates urges caution. “Checking accounts that advertise...
Best New Side Hustles for 2026
It seems like everybody’s got a side hustle these days. Laura Olert, senior coaching manager at the talent mobility firm Randstad RiseSmart, frequently hears about...
How to Understand and Avoid Common Bank Fees
Banks often emphasize relationships in their advertising…but are they really in their customers’ corner? Don’t bank on it. Many banks thank their customers for depositing...
Estate Planning for Second Marriages
Second marriages inevitably create estate-planning complications, warns attorney Martin Shenkman, CPA. The need to update beneficiary designations, powers of attorney and other documents to name...
How to Calculate Your Discretionary Income
Discretionary income is an intuitive concept, but it is worth more than a passing thought. Understanding your discretionary income can help you align your thinking...
