Checking

I’ve been a little frustrated since moving to Pennsylvania because I still need my checkbook in some cases. While it’s inconvenient to use a check most of the time, I started thinking about some of the other issues that come with using a checkbook. One of the problems with using checks is that they are …

I’ve been trying to phase out my checkbook. I don’t often use cash or check because there are so many other ways to pay that are so much more convenient. However, since moving to Pennsylvania, my checkbook has been making something of a comeback. I was surprised, upon moving here, at some of the changes …

One of the great things about technology is that it makes it possible for you to do your banking from almost anywhere. You can initiate transfers, check your balance, and even pay your bills right from your cell phone. It’s even possible to deposit a check via cell phone. I do it all the time. …

One of the biggest issues that you need to consider when you marry is whether or not you should open a joint checking account with your spouse. Combining finances can be tricky, and you need to make sure you understand the implications before you go the joint account route. Do You Want to Combine Your …

One of the great things about technology is that it’s possible to manage your money online without too much trouble. With so much of our money represented digitally, you can manage most of your finances from a distance, opening low-cost, free checking account online. However, before you decide to open an online account and use …

My son is 11 years old, and he’s had a savings account since he was five or so. As he grows, though, I’ve started thinking about the fact that he should probably have a checking account fairly soon. I was 12 or 13 when my mom opened a joint checking account with me, and the …

One of the biggest financial challenges my family faces is our variable income. The nature of my freelance work means that our income varies a bit from month to month, and my husband is an adjunct professor, so his income changes every semester. Because of the varying income — and the fact that we don’t …

Recently, it seems as though banks are trying their best to squeeze as much money as they can out of consumers. Fees continue to head higher, and account minimums are imposed. In fact, we’ve heard a lot about the demise of the free checking account, and how consumers are a little unhappy about the current …

In the current low-rate environment, many consumers are looking for ways to improve the yield they receive from their deposit accounts. In some cases, opening a money market account can be an attractive option. Some money market accounts have better yields than “regular” bank accounts, and this makes them attractive. But before you open a …

One of the trends gaining a little traction right now is using prepaid debit as a replacement for a checking account. While a prepaid debit card can be useful in some cases, it might not always be the best way to handle your finances. Prepaid Debit: Replacing a Checking Account? In recent years, prepaid debit …

One of the ways that you can improve your financial situation is with the help of interest checking. There are checking accounts that pay interest on your balance, and these can provide you with a little extra money in your pocket. Plus, it’s a great way to earn interest while maintaining the liquidity that comes …

One of the assumptions many of us have is that anyone can open up a checking account, and enjoy the benefits of free checking. While it is true that most consumers can open a checking account, whether or not you end up with free checking is something that is decided according to your consumer profile, …

One of the ways to automate your finances and easily manage your expenses is to have some bills automatically deducted from your checking account. Automatic deductions are great, since you don’t have to worry about being present to make a payment, and you don’t need to write a check. However, before you decide to have …

For many, paper checks are relics from an age of money gone by. Checking accounts came to be because they were made expressly for the purpose of being able to write checks. And, of course, writing checks was more convenient than carrying around cash. However, times have moved on, and many of us feel that …

Not too long ago, consumers were up in arms about the bank fees charged by Bank of America. Indeed, some major banks toyed with the idea of adding a debit card fee. With consumers fresh off the anger of taxpayer-funded bailouts of major banks, additional fees didn’t go over too well. However, banks continue to …

Recently, I received a notice from my local credit union about the demise of their free checking account offering. I don’t have a checking account at that credit union (we opened a share account mainly so our son could have the high-yield kid’s account), so the $9 a month service charge doesn’t affect me. However, …

In a world where free checking is increasingly falling by the wayside, it can be discouraging to look for an account without service fees — especially if you are student who doesn’t expect to keep a high balance. Many financial institutions offer a student checking account, which can provide you with free checking, and possibly …