529 plans vs. prepaid 529 plans
Saving for college is daunting enough, but as any parent of college-age kids can tell you, you also need to learn a whole new vocabulary -- FAFSA, 529 plans, Coverdell accounts.
It can be a lot to process. One common question is the difference between a 529 plan and a 529 "prepaid" plan. While pre-paid plans aren't nearly as common as they used to be, it's important to know the difference. Here's all that you need to know:
Creative Ways To Reduce Student-Loan Debt
Each time tuition rises, students become more dependent upon loan programs to pay for school.
But the long-term consequences of those decisions means students and graduates will spend years working to get rid of the financial strain associated with student-loan debt.
Time.com put it best: "This year, more than two-thirds of college graduates graduated with debt, and their average debt at graduation was about $35,000, tripling in two decades."<
Review: Goldman Sachs Bank
Switching banks can be a giant pain, something to schedule in between taxes and a root canal. That's why some of us stick with a bank long after the relationship has stopped working in our favor. In an effort to help you explore and compare banking options, we'll be presenting unbiased reviews in this space as often as we can. You can be part of the conversation, too: Do you love your bank? Hate it? Which bank or credit union should we review next? Let us know in the comments or reach us directly at [email protected].
The name Goldman Sachs isn't usually associated with everyday banking for the 99%, but that may be changing. GE Capital is now Goldman Sachs Bank, also known as GS Bank or GSB. Here's what you need to know:
What is Goldman Sachs Bank?
It is a new consumer online banking initiative from the long-established investment banking behemoth Goldman Sachs & Co. Having acquired the online banking platform of GE Capital, along with that bank's $16 billion in deposits, GSB makes this offer to potential customers: Deposit your money in an FDIC-insured online savings account or certificate of deposit at GS Bank and appreciate the perks of no minimum deposit and no transaction fees.
Goldman Sachs Bank review
By Jeffrey Steele
The name Goldman Sachs isn't usually associated with everyday banking for the 99%, but that may be changing. GE Capital is now Goldman Sachs Bank (GS Bank or GSB). Here's our unbiased review so you can choose banking partners wisely:
What is Goldman Sachs Bank? It is a new consumer online banking initiative from the long-established investment banking behemoth Goldman Sachs & Co. Having acquired the online banking platform of GE Capital, along with that bank's $16 billion in deposits, GSB makes this offer to potential customers: Deposit your money in an FDIC-insured online savings account or certificate of deposit at GS Bank and appreciate the perks of no minimum deposit and no transaction fees.
Chase Bank Review
By Jeffrey Steele
JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., a national bank headquartered in Chicago, is best known to the public simply as "Chase." Here we'll review their more popular banking products and services.
Rates and opening perks
In an overt departure from online banks, whose rates tend to be higher, Chase Bank instead touts its introductory offers and backs them with heavy ad spending.
Featured Credit Cards from Our Partners
If shopping for credit card deals was a sport, the offers you'll find on this page would be a good start. Keeping an open mind about brands, bonuses and other rewards could lead you to some money-saving opportunities in personal finance.
Our credit card list features deals in each of our most popular categories. Cash back rewards, zero percent APR, air miles, and low fees all rank highly on this chart. Deals change frequently, especially with competition heating up among banks. You may have to act quickly to snag a credit card offer with a low introductory rate, a sign-up bonus offer or a generous rewards program.
Find the Best Credit Cards Across Categories - Top Recommended Cards
Cash back rewards
Recent research shows that American consumers respond very well to cash back rewards and signup bonuses. If you're disciplined about paying your balance at the end of your statement cycle, you could earn a few pennies back from every dollar you spend.
EverBank: Offering the best CD rates and money market rates
By Maryalene LaPonsie
EverBank's history begins some 50 years ago when it originally served as a regional bank in Florida. While EverBank has evolved into a major direct bank, it has never forgotten its roots, and customers can still visit one of its branches while in the Sunshine State.
Although it has branches only in and around Florida, EverBank serves customers across the country. Its high CD rates and money market rates make the institution an attractive option for those seeking a convenient way to maximize their interest.
Small Business Credit Cards from Our Partners
Cash flow helps companies thrive. That's why so many small business owners have turned to specialized credit cards to help even out their accounts payable. Some small business credit cards offer 30-day or 60-day terms with zero interest charges, while more traditional company accounts enable owners to spread out payments on major purchases.
However, small business credit cards don't always carry the same protections as consumer accounts. Some lenders even require owners and directors to personally guarantee new accounts. Our interactive credit card comparison tool can help you find the right small business credit card, based on your company's history and risk level.
Find the Best Small Business Credit Card for You
Charge cards and "terms account" credit cards
Even large banks have embraced the idea that small businesses can drive economic growth both in big cities and small towns. Instead of enabling small business owners to dive too deeply into debt, many lenders now provide "terms" accounts that can consolidate record keeping while smoothing out cash flow.
Compare Discover Bank Credit Cards from Our Partner
America's youngest credit card brand shook up the industry by launching the first nationwide credit card with a cash back rewards program and no annual fee. Since its splashy debut via a 1986 Super Bowl ad, Discover has grown into one of the industry's most respected companies. With competitive balance transfer offers and a proven track record for delivering solid customer service, Discover has settled into an enviable role in the credit card landscape.
Discover it®-New! Double Cash Back your first year
Credit Needed: Excellent<
Balance Transfer Deals from Our Partners
For years, credit card companies battled for your business by letting you surf your balance at a low introductory rate. While some cards carry fees, other balance transfer deals can qualify you for extra perks and rewards.
Looking at the real cost of say, a zero percent balance transfer can save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you think you'll need longer than the introductory offer period to pay off your new account. Our credit card tables include some of the industry's most attractive balance transfer offers.
