Savings bonds aren't just for kids; they can provide anyone with a low risk investment alternative to savings accounts, CDs or high-yield checking accounts, and are less restrictive than you might think. Plus, they often pay higher interest rates than savings accounts and offer … [Read more...] about Savings bonds often pay more, with less tax, than savings accounts
Checking & Savings
Get paid just for opening an account
Online banks and the websites of many major banks will sometimes offer free money just for signing up for an account online, and/or referring a friend. Always check before you open the account; once you do it's usually too late to collect. You can find a fairly up-to-date list … [Read more...] about Get paid just for opening an account
Watch your interest rate
Other than CDs which lock in an interest rate for a specified period of time, most basic savings accounts have interest rates that fluctuate (this includes money market and "high yield" savings accounts). It's worth taking a look at the current rates each time you get … [Read more...] about Watch your interest rate
Cut out the fees from your account for services you don’t need
There's no sense paying for something you don't want or need, so look over your bank statement to see where you are getting hit with fees and contact your bank to get rid of them. Some examples include "check image fees" (for seeing cancelled checks), paper statement fees (which … [Read more...] about Cut out the fees from your account for services you don’t need
“Teaser rates” can yield quick profits, just not as much as it seems
Introductory rates such as "Earn 3.00% for 3 months" can yield an initial bonus, just keep in mind what your rate will be after the trial period is over. If you are willing to move your money around and are not worried about the impact to your credit report, you can try to take … [Read more...] about “Teaser rates” can yield quick profits, just not as much as it seems