Knowyourbank.com’s blogs are focused on topics such as personal finance, credit, and bank fees. Our goal is to help provide readers with information that will help them make better decisions, save money, and avoid unnecessary fees.
What is a CD Ladder?
As an investment product, CD's or certificates of deposit remain a traditionally safe investment option. While safe, CD's also come with their own set of limitations that can hamper a person’s ability to explore other options in the short-term. As an investment strategy, a CD ladder offers investors a way to take advantage of the [...]
How Much Should I Save For Retirement?
Most of us will have to face retirement one day. This being said, it is a must that we begin saving for retirement and the best time to start is now. Many people struggle to save money. Most Americans find that saving for retirement is one of the hardest things to accomplish. With present needs taking [...]
How To Pay Off $95K In Two Years
Homeownership has always been a dream of mine. I remember as a kid I would walk through different neighbourhoods and think that everyone who owned a home was rich. I thought wow; those people must be doctors and lawyers to be able to live in such a nice house. I promised myself that I would [...]
Savings Accounts and CDs: Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Interest?
With tax season under way, one of the questions that often comes up is do you have to pay taxes on interest from savings accounts and CDs. The short answer to that question is yes. The IRS expects you to report all of your income, whether or not you receive a form detailing what you [...]
ING Direct Becomes Capital One 360
Last year, Capital One announced that it had acquired ING Direct. In November 2012, the two legally became one bank. However, the re-branding effort has been moving at a gradual pace. Right now, the colors associated with Sharebuilder (which used to be owned by ING Direct and was also sold to Capital One) have changed [...]
Credit Cards 101: Introductory APR vs. Regular APR
When evaluating credit cards, one of the first things that many consumers consider is the APR. The interest rate is a big deal if you carry a balance, since the higher your interest rate, the more you pay for the privilege of borrowing money. As you consider your credit card options, and compare interest rates, [...]
How to Build Your Credit
Nowadays, a person’s credit report affects a lot more than his or her ability to get a loan. From leasing an apartment to buying a home and getting a job, having a good credit record can go a long way towards making these plans happen. In a worst case scenario, poor credit can prevent a [...]
Knowyourbank $600 Holiday Giveaway
And we're off...The Knowyourbank Holiday Giveaway has officially started. Have you entered yet? Now that the holidays are fast approaching, we wanted to give a couple gifts to you, our loyal readers. We've teamed up with several other Personal Finance bloggers to give away $600 in prizes! >> Click Here to Enter Knowyourbank and our [...]
What The “Fiscal Cliff” Means To Your Taxes
Big changes are coming to your taxes if the government doesn’t come to an agreement on the fiscal cliff, and those changes will make your pockets lighter in 2013. The "fiscal cliff" is a term that is used for changes that will occur in the tax code based on previous tax legislation expiring at the [...]
Business Rainy Day Fund
By Karlene Sinclair-Robinson Many entrepreneurs, especially small business owners, were hit really hard during the last financial meltdown. Before that period, it was spend, spend, spend or in some cases, expand, expand, expand. In business, spending and expansion are good and necessary, and so is having a “rainy day fund”. Whenever I mention this type [...]
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