Articles on Banking

6 Simple Ways to Safeguard Against Bank Bullying

Banks can be like huge monsters, chomping up your cash with fee after fee. Here are six ways to fight back.

Why I Still Write Paper Checks

I know people who never write checks, but I'm not one of them. Here's why.

Ways That Small Businesses Get Ripped Off by Banks

Learn how to ensure that your new financial services help, and don't harm, your business's profits.

Bank-Based Small-Dollar Loans: An Alternative to Payday Loans

A recent pilot program conducted by the FDIC featured loans with terms designed to beat those offered by payday sharks. Hopefully we'll see these loans replicated.

Co-Signing for a Loan: 4 Things to Consider First

Co-signing a loan for anyone, including your child or best friend, could affect your credit. What to know before you sign.

U.S. Banks and the Tokyo Drift

A nation reeling from popped real estate and financial collapse mopes through a recession, its president urging calm. Just what country are we talking about?

How to Secure Business Financing Without a Personal Guarantee

You can build your business credit fairly quickly and potentially eliminate the need for a personal guarantee if you plan for it from the outset.

Think Twice Before Ditching Your Current Bank

Choosing quality over customer loyalty can be a big decision when it comes to your bank and personal finance goals. Here are some tips for making the decision to switch.

12 Ways Your Financial Statements Tell Lenders the Wrong Story

Your financial statements may not make the bestseller list, but they do tell an intriguing story — at least to a banker. Unfortunately, the tale they tell may be misleading.

Beware the Small Print of High Interest Savings Accounts

How many times have you seen ads for savings accounts that have touted superb interest rates? And how many times have you looked into the offer only to discover that it isn’t quit

Credit Cards vs. Debit Cards: A Comprehensive Comparison

“Credit cards and debit cards have the exact same benefits.” I’ve heard this statement for a long time, but I wanted to test it out to see if it is true.

Are You Saving Too Much Money?

Is there such a thing as too much savings? Let's find out.

What I Learned From Working at a Bank

In the short time I've been at my job, I've seen all kinds of borrower financial statements. Here are some of the best lessons I've learned from working at a bank.

Travel and Money: Using Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid Travel Cards can be a useful — and secure — alternative to debit cards and credit cards, as well as a way to hedge against currency risk.

New Debit Card Rules

Debit-card rules are changing. You won’t notice the difference if you keep a cushion in your checking account, keep meticulous records of your balance and all pending tran

Travel and Money: Using Your Debit Card on the Road

Using a debit card is a great way to access cash and pay for items while traveling. But it’s not infallible; let’s explore tips for using your debit card safely.

Finding Money for a Startup

When you need money to start a business, where should you look? Venture capital, private investors, or a bank? Maybe none of the above. Here's why.

Read Your Financial Statements Like a Banker

Your balance sheet and income statement tell a banker more about your business than you may think. You need to know what goes on in your banker’s head when reading your financia

What Makes a Good Business Bank?

The bank you choose for your business accounts can make a major difference in how well your company operates. Convenience is a factor, but there are considerations that may be m

Who Should Face the Music When the Banks Fail?

Should everyday folks bear the brunt when banks fail, or should the bankers themselves be held responsible?