It’s good to shop around for a checking account that works for you! Free checking accounts are sparse, but they’re out there, and some even come with rewards. It’s easy to get comfortable when it comes to banking, but you could save hundreds each year just by keeping your money somewhere else. If you’re on the hunt for a better checking account option, here’s what you need to figure out before deciding: What Services Does it Come With? At the bare minimum, you should be able to have access to a Bill Pay service and a 24/7 Telephone Banking (call)…

Did you know that 37% of Americans resolved to lose weight, and 32% resolved to stay fit in the New Year? The weight loss industry definitely knows! It ramps up its marketing this time of year – you’ve likely seen offers for discounts at local and national gym chains. What these advertisements omit is that gym memberships are still expensive, averaging $58 per month. And that’s without counting any miscellaneous upfront charges. If you want to get fit without spending a ton, here are some budget- and body-friendly ideas to help you have a healthier 2017! 1.) Diet It doesn’t…

Q: This is the year I finally got that raise! What should I do with the extra money? A: Beyond the money, getting a raise is recognition that the work you’re doing is valued. You’re on the right career path! Let’s not overlook the money, though. The raise can boost your financial stability, or it can blow right through your checking account, leaving you worse off than you were before. The difference between these two outcomes is planning. Without a plan to use your new bounty responsibly, it’s difficult to resist the temptation to spend lavishly because you “deserve” it.…

Amazon has become the go-to global marketplace to find what you want at a good price. Amazon serves over 300 million customers, with about half of U.S. households holding a Prime membership. Don’t forget to stay savvy with this online e-commerce giant though – here are seven tips to help you out. Get a Refund for Television Price Drops If you buy a television through Amazon (and it’s sold through them), keep an eye on the price of the television over the next week. If you see the price drop, you can ask for a refund on the difference. Rumor…

Black Friday is still technically only one day, but it has morphed into a whole different animal. Black Friday sales can be seen starting in early November and run past the actual day as well. Because of its evolution, your shopping strategy needs to adapt. Make a List Figure out who you need to shop for and what you’d like to get them. This will make it easier for you to determine what retailers you need to look at, plus shopping with a list makes impulse buying less tempting. Start Checking Your Favorite Stores Now Black Friday may still be…