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IRA & RETIREMENT
  • If your company does not offer a 401(k) match, it’s smart to compare your employer’s 401(k) plan with an IRA to determine which offers better investment options and lower fees. While 401(k) plans still provide tax advantages, such as tax-deferred growth or tax-free withdrawals with a Roth 401(k), they can sometimes come with limited investment choices or high administrative costs. IRAs, on the other hand, often offer a wider range of investments and lower fees, giving you more flexibility and control. If your 401(k) is costly or restrictive, contributing to a Traditional or Roth IRA first may be a better option, especially if you meet the income eligibility requirements.
  • As of 2025, the IRS allows individuals to contribute up to $7,000 per year to a Traditional or Roth IRA, with an additional $1,000 catch-up contribution for those aged 50 and older, bringing their total to $8,000. For workplace retirement plans like 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans, the annual contribution limit is $23,500, with a $7,500 catch-up contribution for individuals aged 50 and older, allowing a total of $31,000. Additionally, under the SECURE 2.0 Act, individuals aged 60 to 63 may be eligible for an enhanced catch-up contribution of $11,250, raising their total allowable 401(k) contribution to $34,750, if their plan permits.
  • As of 2025, employees can contribute up to $23,500 to their 401(k) plans, an increase from $22,500 in 2023. For those aged 50 and older, the catch-up contribution limit remains $7,500, allowing a total contribution of up to $31,000. Additionally, under the SECURE 2.0 Act, individuals aged 60 to 63 are eligible for an enhanced catch-up contribution of $11,250, bringing their total allowable contribution to $34,750, if their plan permits.
  • As of 2025, employees can contribute up to $23,500 to their traditional tax-deferred 401(k) plans. For those aged 50 and older, the IRS allows an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500, bringing their total allowable contribution to $31,000. Furthermore, under the SECURE 2.0 Act, individuals aged 60 to 63 are eligible for an even higher catch-up limit of $11,250, allowing them to contribute up to $34,750 in 2025, if their plan permits.
  • Putting 100% of your retirement savings into Certificates of Deposit (CDs) is not advisable, as it can severely limit long-term growth and increase the risk of falling behind inflation. While CDs are safe, predictable, and FDIC-insured, they typically offer lower returns than other investment options like stocks or mutual funds, making them unsuitable as a sole retirement strategy. Relying entirely on CDs can guarantee underperformance and reduce your purchasing power over time. Instead, CDs should be part of a diversified retirement portfolio that includes a mix of assets—such as stocks, bonds, and tax-advantaged accounts—to balance risk and provide the potential for higher returns needed to sustain income throughout retirement.
  • You need to work at least 10 years in your life to become eligible for retirement benefits.
  • The earliest age at which you can begin getting Social Security retirement benefits is 62 for women and 65 for men. However, the full retirement age is 66 if you were born between 1943 and 1954; 66+ if you were born between 1955 and 1959; and 67 if you were born in 1960 or later. You will receive a reduced benefit if you elect benefits prior to your full retirement age.
  • As of 2025, the Social Security tax rate remains 12.4%, with 6.2% paid by the employee and 6.2% paid by the employer, unchanged from previous years. The Social Security wage base—the maximum amount of earnings subject to this tax—has increased to $176,100, up from $168,600 in 20242. This means that only the first $176,100 of a worker’s wages are subject to the Social Security portion of FICA taxes, resulting in a maximum tax of $10,918.20 per person.
  • As of 2025, the Social Security tax rate remains 12.4%, with 6.2% paid by employees and 6.2% by employers, unchanged from previous years. The Social Security wage base—the maximum amount of earnings subject to this tax—has increased to $176,100, up from $168,600 in 2024. This means that only the first $176,100 of a worker’s wages are subject to the Social Security portion of FICA taxes, resulting in a maximum tax of $10,918.20 per person.
  • As of 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired worker is approximately $2,002.39, according to the Social Security Administration. This reflects a steady increase from previous years, driven in part by cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs).
  • As of 2025, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retired workers is approximately $2,002.39, reflecting steady increases due to cost-of-living adjustments. The total number of people receiving Social Security benefits has grown to about 74.1 million, including retirees, survivors, and those receiving disability benefits. This marks a significant rise from the 56 million beneficiaries in 2012, and the number is projected to continue increasing toward an estimated 91 million by 2035.
  • A nonworking spouse can receive up to 50% of a retired worker’s full Social Security benefit—also known as the primary insurance amount (PIA)—provided they claim the benefit at their full retirement age (FRA). If the nonworking spouse claims benefits before reaching FRA, the amount is permanently reduced, potentially to as low as 32.5% of the worker’s benefit depending on how early they file. To qualify, the couple must have been married for at least one year, and the working spouse must already be receiving their Social Security retirement benefits.
  • According to the 2025 annual report from the Social Security Board of Trustees, the U.S. government estimates that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund—which pays retirement benefits—will be depleted by 2033. At that point, the program will be able to pay only about 77% of scheduled benefits using ongoing payroll tax revenue. If no changes are made, the combined trust funds for retirement and disability benefits are projected to run out in 2034, at which time only about 81% of total scheduled benefits would be payable. These projections highlight the urgent need for legislative action to ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security.
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    SCAM AWARENESS
  • Telemarketing Fraud: Someone you do not know contacts you to ask for your personal and financial information.
  • Tax Return Fraud: Tax return fraud is becoming a bigger and bigger problem every year. Most people panic when they find out they are a victim, and for a good reason.
  • Phishing: E-mails that appear to be sent from a well-known source to attempt to get your sensitive information such as birthday, social security number, usernames/passwords of your bank account and/or credit card details.
  • Internet Merchandise Fraud: Goods are either not delivered or misrepresented.
  • Classified Ad and Auction Site Scams: Criminals post ads for goods that don't exist and steal consumers' credit card or bank account information.
  • Employment/Job Scams: Fake job offered in exchange for an up-front fee and/or personal information, such as social security number and birthday.
  • False Charities: Organizations tricked consumers into giving by claiming that donations would support police or firefighters in the line of duty, people in a disaster area, or that the donations would assist military families serving in overseas, and by misleading consumers about how much of the money would go to those causes. Actually they collect money but don't use it for these philanthropic purposes.
  • Fake Checks: Consumers given mysterious checks and are asked to call back to receive money after paying a fee and/or providing ban account or credit card information. These phony checks that often came in connection with a foreign business or work-at-home offer, or notice that the caller had won a foreign lottery.
  • Gift Card Scams: Fake gift cards sold to people who buy cards through online auction or classified sites.
  • Work-at-Home Scams: Posting advertisements for work-at-home employment that were actually ploys to collect fees for “applications,” or “background checks,” or to steal consumers' identity information.
  • Nigerian Letter Fraud: Criminals send you a letter from Nigeria or overseas offered the recipient the "opportunity" to share in a percentage of millions of dollars after paying an advance fee.

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  • INTERESTING QUOTES
  • "Money has given me the independence to do what I love daily. Beyond that it has no real utility for me but has enormous utility for others. That is why I'm giving it away." - Warren Buffett
    • “The other approach, of course, if you can’t save money, is to be really nice to your kids.” - Dan Ariely.
  • "If nobody knows nothing, you own everything." - John Bogle
    • “Know what you are doing, avoid get-rich-quick schemes, do your homework, don’t bet the ranch.” - Leon Black.
  • "There is nothing emotional about money; you need to have a sound basis for what you buy or own." - Meredith Whitney
    • "My father warned me never to move into the neighborhood of poverty” - Ben Stein: Staying Out Of Bad Money Neighborhoods
    • “Pay attention to the big themes, because that’s what will help you earn ten times your money.” - Barry Sternlicht
  • "Don't put your eggs in one basket" - Larry Kotlikoff.
    • "Sometimes to make money you have to spend it, whether that’s paying for college, buying a house, buying a good stock or investing in a business.” - Kelly Phillips Erb.
  • "First, you have to be very concentrated, develop an expertise like many entrepreneurs do and secondly, you have to get your hands on somebody else's money." - Bruce Greenwald.
    • “Money enables you to put bread on the table at first, but it also enables you to give back in a big way.” - Leon Cooperman.
    • “The best thing you can do with your money in your 20s is to not make mistakes.” - Alexa von Tobel.
    • “If you are going to be a passive, minority investor, don’t do it with borrowed money." - Marty Whitman.



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    Basic Bank Info
    • Types of Bank Accounts: Different types of bank accounts serve different needs. Most banks and credit unions offer the following account types: savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and retirement accounts.
    • Checking Account: A checking account is a federally insured bank account that allows easy access to the money you keep in it, and earn interest on it. You can have your paycheck deposited directly into it, make payments online or write a physical check to pay bills, make purchases and withdraw cash.
    • Savings Account: A savings account is a bank account that allows you deposit, withdraw, and earn interest on your money. It's a federally insured account used for keeping money for a later date, and separate from everyday spending cash withdrawn from a checking account.
    • Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The APR is the annual rate of interest charged to borrowers and paid to investors.
    • Annual Percentage Yield (APY): The APY is the effective annual rate of return earned on a savings deposit or investment taking into account the effect of compounding interest.
    • Certificate of Deposit (CD): A CD is a product offered by consumer financial institutions (e.g.; banks, credit unions) that provides an interest rate premium in exchange for the customer agreeing to leave a lump-sum deposit untouched with a fixed interest rate and fixed date of withdrawal for a predetermined period of time. The maturity date is when money from the CD can be withdrawn, otherwise a penalty is charged if the money is taken out earlier.
    • CD Ladder: A CD ladder is a strategy in which the lump-sum deposit is divided into equal amounts and invested them in CDs with different maturity dates (e.g.; $10,000 in a one-year CD; $10,000 in a two-year CD; $10,000 in a three-year CD, $10,000 in a four-year CD, and $10,000 in a five-year CD).
    • CD Calculator: This Certificate of Deposit (CD) calculator can assist in determining accumulated interest earnings on CDs over time.
    • Retirement Accounts: Retirement account offers 401(k) Plans, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Roth IRAs, Roth 401(k), SIMPLE IRA, and SEP IRA.
    • 401(k) Plan: A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees of a company to save and invest some money from their paycheck before taxes are taken out; taxes are not paid until the money is withdrawn from the 401(k) account.
    • Individual Retirement Account (IRA): An IRA is a place where you can keep money for long-term savings, like retirement. There are two types of IRAs; Traditional IRA are set up to provide you with a tax break for the year you put funds into it; Roth IRAs are designed to give you tax-free money later, you won’t receive a tax break on the amount of money you put into the account. At age 59 and 1/2, when you take out the money you may have to pay taxes on them from the Traditional IRA account, and you won’t be charged taxes on the Roth IRA account.
    • IRA CD: An IRA CD is simply an IRA where all the money is invested in CDs holding in a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA, offering tax advantages.
    • Jumbo CD: Jumbo CD is a CD that traditionally require a minimum balance of $100,000. In exchange for the higher minimum, these CDs may have a slightly higher interest rates than a regular CD.
    • Money Market Account: These are similar to having a savings and checking account rolled into one account. Most money market accounts pay a higher interest rate than regular checking and savings accounts, and often allow you to pay bills and withdraw money, but the account holder could be limited to a certain number of transactions each month. Money market accounts also have a minimum balance and monthly fees, but are backed by the FDIC. It's not money market funds, which are often used in brokerage accounts and are not backed by the FDIC.
    • Renewal Grace Period: This is the time a consumer financial institution (e.g.; banks, credit unions) gives you before rolling over your current CD into one of the same maturity.
    • 529 Plan: A 529 plan, legally known as “qualified tuition plans,” is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future education costs. 529 plans are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.
    • Active Banks: There are 4,236 active FDIC-insured commercial banking institutions with 72,166 commercial bank branches in the U.S. as of 3/2023; most banks have at least one physical branch, and some have dozens or hundreds.
    • FDIC vs NCUA: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) only insures deposits in banks; credit unions have their own insurance fund, run by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

    How to Choose a Bank


    • Fees and Rates: A consumer financial institution (e.g.; bank, credit union) might charge fees for monthly bank account maintenance, ATM use, overdrafts, transferring money between accounts and sending you paper statements, you should look for a bank or credit union that offers no fee or lower fees.
    • Credit Card or Loan: If you’re looking for a consumer financial institution for a credit card or loan, you should compare interest rates for credit cards and loans and the rates you would earn on deposit accounts.
    • Advanced Technology: If you don’t want to step into a consumer financial institution, you should look for a bank or a credit union that helps you stay on track with your money, offers securely remote check deposits, makes online payment and transfers money securely and easily.
    • Money Safety: If you do not want to lose your money when a bank or a credit union files for bankruptcy, you should look for consumer financial institutions whose deposits are backed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp or the National Credit Union Administration, which insure balances of up to $250,000.
    • Electronic Funds Transfer Act: If you didn’t lose your debit card and money disappears from that account, you are not liable for any charges if you report the theft within 60 days. If you wait more than 60 days you won’t get all the money back.

    Did You Know?


    1. For joint accounts, FDIC insurance covers up to $250,000 per co-owner, per FDIC-insured bank, meaning a joint account with two owners is insured for up to $500,000 in total. This coverage assumes that each co-owner has equal rights to withdraw funds and that there are no other joint accounts at the same bank with the same ownership combination. If the total balance exceeds this limit, opening additional accounts at other FDIC-insured banks can help ensure full protection of your funds.
    2. How much money people should keep in banks depends on their financial goals, spending habits, and risk tolerance, but some widely accepted guidelines can help. Financial experts typically recommend maintaining one to two months’ worth of living expenses in a checking account, along with a small cushion to prevent overdrafts. For savings, especially in a high-yield account, it’s smart to set aside three to six months’ worth of expenses as an emergency fund—providing both liquidity for unexpected costs and the benefit of earning interest. For larger balances or long-term goals, consider diversifying into certificates of deposit (CDs), money market accounts, or investment vehicles. It’s also important to remember that FDIC insurance protects up to $250,000 per depositor, per bank, so if your balances exceed that limit, spreading funds across multiple institutions can ensure full coverage and peace of mind.
    3. As of July 2025, putting money in a Certificate of Deposit (CD) can be a smart move, especially for those seeking safe, fixed returns without market risk. Top CD rates currently range from 4.25% to 4.75% APY, with short-term CDs—such as 6- or 12-month terms—offering some of the most competitive yields. While the national average for a 12-month CD is around 1.62%, many online banks and credit unions are offering significantly higher rates. CDs are FDIC-insured, making them a low-risk option for savers who don’t need immediate access to their funds and want to lock in a high rate before potential interest rate cuts.
    4. High-yield savings accounts (HYSAs) are a low-risk, accessible way to grow savings, offering significantly higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts—often exceeding 4% APY in the current market. They are ideal for short-term savings or emergency funds because they provide better returns while maintaining liquidity, allowing customers to access their money at any time without penalties, unlike certificates of deposit (CDs). In addition to higher interest rates and flexibility, HYSAs are typically FDIC-insured up to $250,000, making them a secure and attractive option for individuals looking to earn steady returns without sacrificing access to their cash.
    5. Banks typically invest heavily in government bonds, which on average make up about 9% of their assets, especially in less financially developed countries. These bonds are generally considered safe, but they carry interest rate risk—when interest rates rise, the market value of existing fixed-rate bonds falls. This inverse relationship has become a source of concern for investors, particularly as many banks increased their bond holdings during periods of low interest rates, such as the pandemic. As rates have risen sharply, the decline in bond values has led to unrealized losses on bank balance sheets, which can affect liquidity, capital ratios, and investor confidence. These concerns have fueled fears that other banks may also be vulnerable to similar losses, especially if they are forced to sell these assets at a loss to meet liquidity needs.
    6. Under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E, banks are generally required to reimburse customers for unauthorized electronic transactions—such as those made by hackers—if the customer reports the issue within 60 days of receiving their bank statement. However, if the customer initiates the transfer themselves, even if they were tricked by a scammer, the transaction may not be considered unauthorized, and the bank is not legally obligated to refund the money. That said, in some cases where a customer is fraudulently induced into granting access, the transaction may still qualify as unauthorized depending on the circumstances. If a bank refuses to issue a refund, customers can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which will forward the issue to the bank; most banks respond within 15 days, although more complex cases may take longer.
    7. Taxpayers generally do not face an IRS underpayment penalty if they owe less than $1,000 in tax after subtracting withholding and refundable credits. Additionally, the IRS will not charge a penalty if the taxpayer has paid at least 90% of the total tax owed for the current year, or 100% of the tax owed for the previous year (110% if their adjusted gross income was over $150,000). These safe harbor rules are designed to protect taxpayers who make a good-faith effort to pay their taxes throughout the year from being penalized for underpayment.
    8. For the 2025 tax year, the IRS has adjusted federal income tax brackets for inflation. The tax rates are as follows: 10% for incomes up to $11,925 for single filers ($23,850 for married couples filing jointly); 12% for incomes over $11,925 ($23,850 for couples); 22% for incomes over $48,475 ($96,950 for couples); 24% for incomes over $103,350 ($206,700 for couples); 32% for incomes over $197,300 ($394,600 for couples); 35% for incomes over $250,525 ($501,050 for couples); and 37% for incomes over $626,350 ($751,600 for couples). These brackets apply to income earned in 2025 and reflect annual inflation adjustments.
    9. The IRS announced the federal income tax brackets for tax year 2024 rates and corresponding annual income amounts:
      • 37% for incomes over $609,350 ($731,200 for married couples filing jointly)
      • 35% for incomes over $243,725 ($487,450 for married couples filing jointly)
      • 32% for incomes over $191,950 ($383,900 for married couples filing jointly)
      • 24% for incomes over $100,525 ($201,050 for married couples filing jointly)
      • 22% for incomes over $47,150 ($94,300 for married couples filing jointly)
      • 12% for incomes over $11,600 ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)
      • 10% for incomes of $11,600 or less ($23,200 for married couples filing jointly)
    10. The IRS reminds people to remain alert to aggressive and threatening phone calls by criminals impersonating IRS agents. These con artists claim to be IRS employees, but are not. They use fake names and bogus IRS identification badge numbers and try sound convincing when they call. They may know a lot about their targets, and they usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. The victims are told they owe money to the IRS and must pay it promptly through a preloaded debit card or wire transfer. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are often threatened with arrest. In many cases, the con artists becomes hostile and insulting. Alternately, victims may be told they have a refund due to try to trick them into sharing private information. If the phone isn’t answered, the phone scammers often leave an “urgent” call-back request. The IRS doesn't do business like that.
    11. The IRS and its authorized private collection agencies never call you to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method (e.g.; a prepaid debit card, bank account, gift card, wire transfer), never ask for credit or debit card numbers over the phone, and never threaten to immediately bring in local police or other law-enforcement groups to have the taxpayer arrested for not paying. The IRS does not use these methods for tax payments. You should safeguard your personal information at all times, and don't let the convincing tone of scam calls to lead you to provide personal or credit card information, just hang up and avoid becoming a victim to these criminals.
    12. As of 2025, the average monthly Social Security retirement benefits in the U.S. vary depending on the age at which individuals begin claiming. For those who start at age 62, the average monthly benefit is approximately $1,341.61. At age 66, which is close to full retirement age for many, the average benefit rises to around $1,975. For those who delay claiming until age 70, the average monthly benefit increases further to about $2,002.39. These figures reflect the impact of delayed retirement credits and the Social Security Administration’s formula, which calculates benefits based on a worker’s 35 highest-earning years, adjusted for wage inflation. Importantly, delaying benefits beyond age 70 does not increase the monthly payout any further.
    13. As of 2024 and 2025, the Social Security tax rate in the United States remains unchanged at 6.2% for employers and 6.2% for employees, totaling 12.4%. However, the Social Security wage base—the maximum amount of earnings subject to this tax—has increased from $168,600 in 2024 to $176,100 in 2025. This means that in 2025, only the first $176,100 of an employee’s earnings are subject to the Social Security portion of FICA taxes, resulting in a maximum tax of $10,918.20 per person. The 2023 tax rate for Social Security in the U.S. is 6.2% for the employer and 6.2% for the employee, or 12.4% total; the Social Security wage base is $147,000 for employers and employees.
    14. The current rate for Medicare in the U.S. is 1.45% for the employer and 1.45% for the employee, or 2.9% total; employers are also responsible for withholding the 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax on an individual's wages paid in excess of $200,000 in a calendar year.
    15. Banks often invest heavily in bonds, rising interest rates have caused the price of such bonds to fail, feeding investor concerns that banks might also be vulnerable.
    16. Bonds have an inverse relationship to interest rates, when the cost of borrowing money rises (when interest rates rise), bond prices usually fall, and vice-versa.
    17. In 2023, Zelle processed approximately $806 billion in payments—nearly three times Venmo’s $275 billion—and by 2024, Zelle surpassed $1 trillion in volume with 3.6 billion transactions and 151 million enrolled users. Despite Zelle’s claim that 99.95% of payments were completed without fraud reports, fraud losses were significant, with estimates reaching $725 million in 2023 and over $125 million in early 2024. In response to growing concerns, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit in December 2024 against Zelle and major banks like JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo, alleging they failed to protect consumers from fraud and did not comply with the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E, which require full refunds for unauthorized transactions. The CFPB claims over $870 million in fraud losses since Zelle’s launch in 2017, while Zelle maintains that it exceeds legal requirements and employs multilayered security to protect users.
    18. In 2021 people sent $490 billion through Zelle, compared with $230 billion through Venmo; and in 2020, nearly 18 million Americans were defrauded through scams involving Zelle, digital wallets and other instant payment applications, and the 1,425 banks and credit unions that use Zelle are aware of the widespread fraud on Zelle. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a policy required each participant institution to provide full refunds for Zelle transactions determined to be unauthorized within the meaning of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA) and Regulation E. Banks have to reimburse customers for losses on transfers that were “initiated by a person other than the consumer without actual authority to initiate the transfer,” including those who obtain a victim’s device through fraud or robbery.
    19. Zelle was created and owned by seven banks, Bank of America, Capital One, JPMorgan Chase, PNC, Truist, U.S. Bank and Wells Fargo, to enable instant digital money transfers, and the 1,425 banks and credit unions that use Zelle can customize the app and add their own security settings. The Zelle network is operated by Early Warning Services, a company based in Scottsdale, Arizona, responsible for manages the system’s technical infrastructure.
    20. Credit cards can often be identified by their starting digits: those beginning with 4 are Visa cards (typically 13 or 16 digits), 5 indicates MasterCard (16 digits), 6 is for Discover (16 digits), and 3 is used by American Express, Diners Club, or Carte Blanche (usually 15 digits). A Visa card starting with 4147 is indeed valid and commonly associated with major U.S. banks, including Bank of America (Alaska Airlines Visa Signature), Citibank (American Airlines and Singapore Airlines co-branded cards), Chase (Sapphire and Amazon Visa Signature), US Bank, Wells Fargo, and occasionally PNC Bank, Capital One, or Merrill Lynch. These 4147-prefixed cards are part of the Visa network and often carry Visa Signature benefits.
    21. You might have been seeing an increase in new scams involving phone calls, emails, or texts about suspicious your email account, credit card account, social security account, products, charities, medical advice and treatments, etc. Scammers often seek personal information, donations, money or gift cards to resolve urgent requests like a lawsuit, account block or an arrest of a loved one. They may pretend to be a relative, police officer, IRS agent, FBI agent, government official, or even a hospital representative requesting payment for medical treatment. A phone call scam often threatens you and requests your personal information or bank account information. You should hang up immediately because no bank or government official uses a phone call to request this type of information. A new text message or an email scam often alerts you that your account has been blocked, along with a link to log into your account. You should always check requests to ensure they are legitimate before taking any action. If a request is related to your financial account, you can call your bank directly using the phone number on the back of your card for verification. You can get more information and sign up for scam alerts at FTC.gov.
    22. A text communications from a bank typically does not show a complete phone number as the sender of the text. Shorter codes of 5 or 6 digits are usually used by a bank in the U.S. and could be displayed with or without dashes (e.g.; 410-98, 227-898, 872-265, 248487). If you see a full phone number as the sender of the text, this may be a scam. In addition, when your bank sends an email or a text with a link to log into your account directly from the text, the email address and link will always include (yourbank).com. If you think you may have been a victim of a scam or that your personal information has been compromised, you should call the number on the back of your card (e.g.; ATM, Debit, credit card) so your bank can assist you in securing your account.
    23. Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service extended the federal income tax filing due date from April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020. Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. This deferment applies to all taxpayers, including individuals, trusts and estates, corporations and other non-corporate tax filers as well as those who pay self-employment tax.
    24. On March 13, 2020, the White House issued an emergency declaration in response to the ongoing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19) pandemic (Emergency Declaration). The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.  The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. This guidance does not change the April 15, 2020 filing deadline.
    25. Capital One no longer offers residential mortgage loans, having exited the mortgage business in 2017–2018. It also does not provide personal loans directly, though it may refer customers to third-party lenders. While Capital One does offer home equity loans, its offerings are limited compared to other banks. Additionally, Capital One does not provide investment or retirement account services like IRAs or brokerage accounts; its focus remains on credit cards, checking and savings accounts, and auto loans. The bank has also been aggressively closing branches, with fewer than 500 locations remaining across eight states and D.C. as of 2025. It closed nearly 50 branches in one quarter alone and continues to prioritize digital banking through its Capital One 360 platform3. This strategy reflects a broader industry trend toward online services, though it has left some customers with reduced access to in-person banking.
    26. Capital One has faced significant backlash and legal action from long-time account holders who claimed they were misled into believing their money was in high-interest savings accounts, only to receive far lower returns than expected. The controversy centers on the bank’s decision to introduce a new account, the 360 Performance Savings, offering much higher interest rates than the older 360 Savings account—without adequately informing existing customers of the change. As a result, many continued earning as little as 0.30% APY while new customers earned up to 4.35% APY, leading to an estimated $2 billion in lost interest. In response to these allegations, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit, and Capital One agreed to a $425 million settlement in June 2025. The incident has reinforced the perception that Capital One prioritizes attracting new customers over supporting its existing ones.
    27. In July 2019, Capital One disclosed a massive data breach in which the personal information of approximately 100 million Americans and 6 million Canadians—mostly credit card customers and applicants from 2005 to early 2019—was unlawfully accessed and shared with third parties. The compromised data included names, addresses, dates of birth, credit scores, self-reported income, and in some cases, Social Security and bank account numbers. The breach was traced to a former Amazon Web Services employee who exploited a vulnerability in Capital One’s cloud infrastructure. In August 2020, Capital One agreed to pay an $80 million fine to settle federal charges brought by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), which found that the bank had failed to implement adequate risk management and security controls prior to migrating sensitive data to the cloud. The incident remains one of the largest financial data breaches in U.S. history.
    28. In July 2012, Capital One was fined by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) for deceptive marketing practices that misled millions of customers into purchasing unnecessary add-on products such as payment protection and credit monitoring when activating their credit cards. Investigations revealed that Capital One’s call center vendors often pressured or misinformed consumers—particularly those with low credit scores—by implying that these products were required or would improve their credit standing. To settle the case, Capital One agreed to pay a total of $210 million, which included $150 million in refunds to approximately two million customers, a $25 million civil penalty to the CFPB, and an additional $35 million penalty to the OCC.
    29. When giving or receiving a gift card, it's important to understand how it works to avoid unexpected fees or loss of value. Under federal law, gift cards cannot expire for less than five years from the date of activation, and inactivity or service fees cannot be charged unless the card has been inactive for at least 12 months—after which only one fee per month may be applied if clearly disclosed. If a gift card has an expiration date but the funds are still available, the issuer must provide a free replacement card upon request. Additionally, some states offer even stronger protections, such as banning expiration dates or inactivity fees altogether. If you believe a gift card issuer is not following these rules, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
    30. Under federal law, when you apply for credit or borrow money, lenders are not allowed to discriminate against you because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, and/or receiving money from public assistance. Lenders are allowed to ask you for this type of information in some situations, but they can’t discourage you from applying for a loan or a credit card. They can’t reject your application for any of the reasons on the list — or for exercising your rights under certain consumer protection laws. Also, lenders are not allowed to charge higher costs, like a higher interest rate or higher fees, for these reasons either. If you believe you are the victim of credit discrimination, you can submit a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
    31. Credit history is a record of your borrowing behavior, including debts, repayment history, and public records like bankruptcies or legal judgments. It begins when you open your first credit account, such as a credit card or loan. A longer credit history—especially one with low debt and consistent on-time payments—can positively impact your credit score. FICO Scores, used in over 90% of lending decisions, typically range from 300 to 850, though some industry-specific models may range from 250 to 900. The length of credit history accounts for about 15% of your FICO score, factoring in the age of your oldest and newest accounts, and the average age of all accounts. While you can build a decent score in a few years, achieving excellent credit generally requires seven years of open accounts and on-time payments. Most premium credit card offers require a strong credit profile, which takes time and responsible financial behavior to develop.
    32. In response to the massive 2017 data breach that exposed the personal information of 147 million Americans, Equifax reached a $700 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and all 50 states. The settlement provided affected individuals with options for compensation, including up to $20,000 for out-of-pocket losses and time spent dealing with the breach, or 10 years of free credit monitoring. Those who already had credit monitoring could opt for a $125 cash payment instead. However, to receive these benefits, individuals had to file a claim by January 22, 2020, and those who wished to retain the right to sue Equifax independently had to opt out of the settlement by November 19, 2019. Failing to take action meant forfeiting both the compensation and the right to pursue future legal claims against Equifax.
    33. Since its inception in 2011, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has handled over 1 million consumer complaints from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, with the top five categories being debt collection (27%), mortgages (23%), credit reporting (17%), credit cards (10%), and bank accounts or services (10%). These complaints highlight the most frequent financial issues faced by consumers, including aggressive debt collection tactics, mortgage servicing problems, inaccuracies in credit reports, and disputes involving credit card charges or banking services.
    34. While most student loan borrowers are young adults between the ages of 18 and 39, consumers aged 60 and older represent the fastest-growing segment of the student loan market. In 2015, older Americans owed an estimated $66.7 billion in student loans, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). This increase is driven not only by older individuals still repaying their own educational debt but also by those who have taken out or co-signed loans to help finance the education of their children or grandchildren. As a result, many older borrowers face significant financial strain, especially as they near or enter retirement with limited income and fewer opportunities to manage or repay this debt.
    35. Paying for college, you may choose a student loan with some options. To be eligible for any federal student loans or grants, you need to fill out the FAFSA form. If your aid package doesn’t cover the full cost of college, you may need to talk to your school’s financial aid office about scholarships or alternative loan options. If you need to borrow to pay for school, federal student loans almost always cost less than private student loans and have more protections when it’s time for repayment. Take subsidized loans first, if you are eligible. The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you are in school. You pay the interest on unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are awarded to students based on financial need. Once you agree to a federal student loan, your interest rate remains the same. Interest rates on private student loans are set by the lender and depend on the lender’s evaluation of your creditworthiness.
    36. A borrower who uses a five-year auto (car) loan to finance $20,000 at a 5 percent interest rate will, after three years, pay $2,190 in interest and have a remaining balance of $8,603. If the same loan is financed over six years at the same interest rate, the borrower will pay about $2,342, which is $152 higher, in interest over the same three-year period and has a remaining balance of $10,747, which is $2,144 higher.
    37. A debt collector may file a lawsuit and win (often by default); as a result, they may be able to seize a car, home or other property after securing a court judgment. However in practice, state and federal law dramatically limit its ability to do so. State exemption laws, which are designed to help protect income and assets from debt collectors, ensure that debtors do not become completely destitute from the payment of debts and to preserve some small amount property for the basic necessities of living.
    38. In 2017, there were 2,043 billionaires worldwide with a combined net worth of $7.67 trillion, marking a significant increase of 233 individuals from the previous year. By 2024, that number had surged to a record 2,781 billionaires with a total net worth of $14.2 trillion—nearly doubling in just seven years. This dramatic growth reflects booming tech valuations, the rise of AI-driven industries, and strong post-pandemic economic rebounds. The top billionaires in 2024 include Elon Musk ($251 billion), Bernard Arnault ($233 billion), a nd Jeff Bezos ($194 billion), underscoring the dominance of technology and luxury sectors in global wealth creation.
    39. As of 2025, the average credit card interest rate in the U.S. is around 23.99%, though it varies slightly depending on the source—Forbes Advisor reports 25.37%, while Federal Reserve data shows 21.91% for accounts that carry a balance. Rates can range widely, from 0% on promotional or balance transfer offers to over 50% for subprime borrowers with poor credit, though most consumers typically see rates between 15% and 30%. This broad variability reflects differences in creditworthiness, card types, and issuer policies.
    40. As of December 2015, there were approximately 318 million credit card accounts in the U.S., with an average monthly spending of $2,330 per account and an average credit line of $9,060 for new customers with excellent credit. By late 2024, the number of credit card accounts had nearly doubled to 617 million, while average monthly spending per card decreased to $1,054, reflecting more cautious consumer behavior amid higher interest rates. In 2025, average annual credit card spending per U.S. adult exceeded $10,700, or about $892 per month, and the average credit limit for superprime borrowers rose to $12,046, indicating increased lender confidence in high-credit consumers.
    41. Payday lenders typically charge fees ranging from $10 to $30 for every $100 borrowed, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. That means for a $500 loan, the fee could be up to $150—which aligns with your example. If the loan is due on your next payday, usually in two weeks, the total repayment would be $650, often withdrawn automatically from the borrower's checking account. This structure results in an effective annual percentage rate (APR) of nearly 400%, making payday loans one of the most expensive forms of borrowing.
    42. According to survey data, 60% of credit card holders with investable assets of $100,000 or more say that cash back is their favorite credit card perk, while 22% prefer frequent flier miles. This reflects a broader trend among affluent consumers who value the simplicity and flexibility of cash rewards over travel-specific benefits.
    43. Your credit reports document your history of using credit, and a longer credit history generally helps your credit score. Credit scoring models like FICO and VantageScore consider the age of your oldest account, the average age of all accounts, and how long specific accounts have been open. When you cancel an account—especially an older one—it can reduce the average age of your credit history, which may lower your credit score, particularly under scoring models like VantageScore that may exclude closed accounts from age calculations. So, keeping older accounts open (even if unused) can be beneficial for maintaining a strong credit profile.
    44. Credit reports and credit scores can significantly impact many areas of your financial life, including your mortgage and car loan interest rates, credit card approvals, rental applications, and in some cases, even job opportunities. Lenders and landlords use your credit history to assess your reliability and risk, while some employers—particularly in financial or security-sensitive roles—may review your credit report (with your permission) as part of the hiring process. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that all the information on your credit reports is accurate and up to date, as errors could negatively affect your financial and professional opportunities.
    45. There are several situations where using a debit card is risky and best avoided. These include online shopping, where data breaches are common; purchasing big-ticket items, which are harder to dispute if something goes wrong; and transactions requiring a deposit, such as hotel stays or car rentals, which can tie up your funds with large holds. It's also wise to avoid using debit cards at restaurants, where your card may leave your sight; with unfamiliar or new businesses; for "buy now, take delivery later" purchases; and for recurring payments that can be difficult to cancel. Future travel bookings pose risks if plans change, and gas stations or hotels often place pre-authorization holds. Lastly, avoid using your debit card at ATMs or checkout terminals that look suspicious, as they may be compromised by skimming devices. In all these cases, credit cards offer better fraud protection, dispute resolution, and financial flexibility.
    46. Swiping your debit card at certain places can expose you to significant fraud risks, with four of the riskiest being ATMs, gas stations, websites, and restaurants. ATMs—especially standalone or outdoor machines—are frequent targets for skimming devices that steal your card information and PIN. Gas stations are similarly vulnerable due to outdated pump technology and the ease with which criminals can install skimmers. Online shopping poses risks because debit cards offer less fraud protection than credit cards, and data breaches can compromise your account. Restaurants are also risky since your card often leaves your sight, giving dishonest employees the opportunity to skim or copy your information. In these situations, using a credit card or a secure digital payment method is typically a safer choice.
    47. One of the biggest retirement mistakes people make is leaving their savings in a regular bank account, where low interest rates fail to keep up with inflation. Over time, this erodes purchasing power—at an average inflation rate of 3%, half the value of your money can disappear in about 24 years, meaning your estimate of a 50% loss every 22 years is quite accurate. While bank accounts offer safety and liquidity, they’re not suitable for long-term growth. To protect retirement savings, money should be placed in safe, inflation-resistant investments such as Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), I Bonds, dividend-paying stocks, or diversified portfolios that include equities and real estate. These options help preserve and grow wealth over time, ensuring your savings maintain their value throughout retirement.
    48. According to recent surveys, a troubling number of Americans are unprepared for retirement, with about 45% reporting no retirement savings at all and another 19% having less than $10,000 saved—meaning roughly 64% of Americans are expected to retire with under $10,000 in savings. Additionally, between 21% and 36% of Americans don’t contribute anything to retirement savings, depending on the survey. These figures highlight a widespread lack of financial preparedness and underscore the importance of early and consistent retirement planning.
    49. Americans working abroad are eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), which in 2025 allows them to exclude up to $130,000 of foreign earned income from U.S. federal income taxes. However, even if they earn less than that amount or are paying higher taxes in the country where they work, they are still required to file a U.S. tax return with the IRS. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, so expats must file annually—typically using Form 2555 to claim the exclusion—and may also qualify for additional benefits like the Foreign Tax Credit or the Foreign Housing Exclusion to further reduce their tax liability.
    50. Your credit score is determined using a weighted formula that draws from the information in your credit report, with the most widely used models—FICO and the latest versions of VantageScore—scoring on a scale from 300 to 850. Among these, FICO is the most commonly used by lenders, and its scoring breakdown includes: 35% based on your payment history, 30% on amounts owed (credit utilization), 15% on the length of your credit history, 10% on new credit inquiries, and 10% on your mix of credit types. Together, these factors provide lenders with a snapshot of your financial behavior and help predict your likelihood of repaying borrowed money responsibly.
    51. The FICO credit score ranges from 300 to 850, with the average score in the U.S. reaching 715 as of 2025. Similarly, the VantageScore now also uses the same 300 to 850 scale, aligning with FICO's range. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, most U.S. lenders typically require a minimum credit score between 620 and 640, depending on the specific loan program and lender criteria. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is generally available to borrowers with scores below 660, but the cost rises as credit scores fall; for instance, those with scores between 620 and 660 may pay between 0.35% and 0.40% of the loan amount annually in PMI premiums. These credit thresholds play a crucial role in determining both loan eligibility and the overall cost of borrowing.
    52. As of June 2025, the average American credit card holder has about four credit cards, although individuals with higher incomes or excellent credit may carry more. Among college students, surveys show that approximately 50% to 60% have at least one credit card, reflecting early engagement with credit but also underscoring the need for financial literacy. These trends highlight the importance of responsible credit use and education, particularly for younger consumers who are just beginning to build their financial profiles.
    53. As of mid-2025, the U.S. federal government continues to rely heavily on borrowing to fund its operations. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the government borrowed $1.1 trillion in just the first seven months of fiscal year 2025, and total federal spending is projected to reach $7.0 trillion for the year. This means that a significant portion—close to 40%—of government spending is financed through borrowing, reflecting a persistent budget deficit and growing national debt. This trend underscores ongoing concerns about the sustainability of federal fiscal policy.
    54. As of June 2025, around 80% of U.S. consumers owned a debit card, slightly more than the 78% who owned a credit card, while 17% reported owning a prepaid card. These figures, drawn from the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice, highlight the widespread adoption of electronic payment methods, with debit cards maintaining a slight lead in ownership. The data also underscores the importance of understanding the distinct features, protections, and risks associated with each type of card.
    55. As of 2025, approximately 214.9 million U.S. adults have a credit card account in their name, according to recent data. This marks a significant increase from previous years—up from 159 million in 2000, 173 million in 2006, 176.8 million in 2008, and 181 million in 2010—reflecting the continued growth and widespread adoption of credit cards across the country.
    56. It is illegal for debt collectors to make empty threats about filing lawsuits or seizing someone’s home if they have no legal basis or intent to follow through. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), debt collectors are prohibited from using false, deceptive, or misleading tactics to collect a debt, including threatening legal action they don’t intend to take or claiming they can seize property without proper legal authority. Such actions violate federal law, and consumers who experience them can report the collector to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or their state attorney general’s office—and may even have grounds to sue for damages.
    57. If you are contacted by someone who is trying to collect a debt that you do not owe, you should:
      • Contact your local law enforcement agencies if you feel you are in immediate danger;
      • Contact your bank(s) and credit card companies;
      • Contact the three major credit bureaus and request an alert be put on your file;
      • If you have received a legitimate loan and want to verify that you do not have any outstanding obligation, contact the loan company directly;
      • File a complaint at www.IC3.gov.
    58. For older debts, the amount of time a collector can legally sue for payment—known as the statute of limitations—varies by state and by the type of debt, typically ranging from two to fifteen years. Once this period expires, the debt becomes “time-barred,” meaning collectors can still attempt to collect it, but they can no longer take legal action to enforce payment. However, in some states, making a payment or even acknowledging the debt can restart the clock on the statute of limitations, so it’s important to understand your rights before responding to old debt claims.
    59. As of early 2025, China and Japan continue to hold the world’s largest foreign exchange reserves, with China maintaining approximately $3.2 trillion and Japan around $1.2 trillion. The Eurozone follows with about $1.1 trillion in reserves, while the United States holds roughly $250 billion—a relatively low amount due to the U.S. dollar’s role as the dominant global reserve currency. These reserves, which include foreign currencies, gold, and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), are used by countries to stabilize their currencies, support trade, and manage economic shocks. While China’s reserves have declined slightly from their 2014 peak, it remains the global leader in total reserve assets.
    60. As of June 2025, 34% of major banks, 70% of community banks, and 78% of credit unions in the U.S. offer no-fee checking accounts to their customers, reflecting a trend toward more consumer-friendly banking options among smaller institutions. At the same time, overdraft fees continue to be a significant source of revenue, accounting for approximately 77% of all checking account fees. This highlights the importance for consumers to carefully review account terms and manage their balances to avoid costly penalties.
    61. From 2022 to 2024, several major U.S. corporations paid little to no federal income tax despite earning billions in profits, continuing a long-standing trend of aggressive tax avoidance. General Electric, for example, earned nearly $7 billion in 2023 but received a $423 million federal tax refund, while Tesla reported $4.4 billion in U.S. profits over five years and paid no federal income tax, largely due to prior-year loss carryforwards. T-Mobile earned $17.9 billion over five years and also paid zero net federal income tax, even as it paid its top five executives a combined $675 million. Other large firms, including Meta, General Motors, and Ford, similarly paid effective tax rates far below the statutory 21%, often leveraging tax credits, offshore profit shifting, and stock-based compensation deductions to minimize their liabilities. It is noted that 30 U.S. companies paid less than zero in federal income taxes in at least one year from 2008 to 2010. These companies, whose pretax U.S. profits totaled $160 billion over the three years, included: Pepco Holdings (Profit: $882M; Tax: –$508M; Rate: -57.6%), General Electric (Profit: $10,460M; Tax: –$4,737; Rate: -45.3%), PG&E (Profit: $4,855M; Tax: –$1,027M; Rate: -21.2%), Computer Sciences (Profit: $1,666M; Tax: –$305M; Rate: -18.3%), DuPont (Profit: $2,124M; Tax: –$72M; Rate: -3.4%), Verizon (Profit: $32,518M; Tax: –$951M; Rate: -2.9%), Boeing (Profit: $9,735M; Tax: –$178M; Rate: -1.8%),Wells Fargo (Profit: $49,370M; Tax: –$681M; Rate: -1.4%), and Honeywell (Profit: $4,903M; Tax: –$34M; Rate: -0.7%).
    62. From 2020 to 2023, Wall Street bonuses fluctuated significantly in response to market conditions. In 2020, financial firms paid out approximately $31.7 billion in bonuses—a 6.8% increase from the previous year—driven by pandemic-induced market volatility and strong trading activity. Bonuses soared even higher in 2021, marking a record-breaking year with investment bankers and traders seeing increases of 20% to 35%. However, 2022 brought a sharp downturn, with bonuses falling by 20% to 45% across sectors, and the average bonus dropping to $176,700 from $240,400 in 2021, making it the worst bonus year since the 2008 financial crisis. In 2023, bonuses remained flat or declined slightly overall, though some areas like equity underwriting and wealth management experienced modest gains. U.S. financial firms paid about $20.8 billion in bonus for work done in 2010.
    63. As of 2025, the average Wall Street salary in New York City is estimated to be around $470,000, reflecting a strong rebound in profits and bonuses following a volatile few years. In contrast, the average private-sector salary in New York City is approximately $109,601. This means that Wall Street professionals now earn more than four times the average private-sector worker’s salary in the city—slightly less than the fivefold gap seen in 2010, when the average Wall Street salary was $361,330. The widening income disparity continues to underscore the outsized compensation structure of the financial sector relative to the broader labor market.
    64. According to data from the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), U.S. financial firms reported approximately $180 billion in net income in 2021, $165 billion in 2022, and $157.2 billion in 2023—amounting to more than $500 billion in profits over three years. These robust earnings were fueled by strong performance in investment banking, trading, and wealth management, even as the industry navigated headwinds like rising interest rates, regulatory shifts, and market volatility.
    65. A debit card may resemble a credit card in appearance, but it functions more like an electronic check. When used at a store, the card is swiped, tapped, or inserted into a payment terminal, which instantly communicates with your financial institution to confirm that sufficient funds are available in your linked checking account. If approved, the transaction is processed and the amount is deducted almost immediately. This real-time verification and direct withdrawal make debit cards a fast, convenient, and secure alternative to carrying cash or writing paper checks.
    66. In November 2024, the U.S. government ran a budget deficit of $366.8 billion, collecting $301.8 billion in revenue while spending $668.5 billion—a 17% increase over the deficit recorded in November 2023. This sharp shortfall contributed to a projected $1.8 trillion deficit for fiscal year 2025, with total federal spending expected to reach $7 trillion against $5.16 trillion in revenue. A major driver of the growing deficit is the rising cost of entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, along with soaring interest payments on the national debt, which alone are projected to exceed $1.2 trillion for the year. In November 2010, the U.S. government ran a $150.39 billion budget deficit; its income was $148.96 billion, and spending was $299.35 billion. In November 2009 the deficit was $120.29 billion
    67. As of June 2025, the total U.S. public debt outstanding has surpassed $36.2 trillion, a dramatic increase from the $13 trillion recorded in June 2010. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury’s special account for public donations to reduce the national debt—originally established in 1843—continues to receive modest contributions. In fiscal year 2022, Americans donated $180,310.32 to this fund. While more recent figures for 2025 have not yet been published, annual contributions in recent years have remained relatively small, typically ranging from $100,000 to $500,000, far below the scale needed to meaningfully impact the national debt.
    68. As of 2025, the United States dollar (USD) is used as the official or de facto currency in several U.S. territories and independent nations. U.S. territories that use the dollar include American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Sovereign nations that have adopted the dollar as legal tender include El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama, Timor-Leste, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Zimbabwe (which uses multiple currencies, including the USD). Additionally, the dollar is widely used in the British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and unincorporated U.S. territories such as Johnston Island, Midway Islands, and Wake Island. In all these regions, the U.S. dollar serves as a stable and widely accepted medium of exchange.
    69. On 1 January 1999, the European Monetary Union introduced the euro (€) as a common currency for financial institutions and electronic transactions among 11 member countries, marking its debut in non-cash form for accounting and financial markets. Three years later, on 1 January 2002, euro banknotes and coins were officially introduced, and the euro became the sole currency for everyday transactions within the participating countries, replacing national currencies like the French franc and Deutsche Mark in daily use.
    70. As of 2025, the euro (€) is the official currency of 20 out of the 27 European Union member countries, collectively known as the eurozone. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. While your original list reflected the early adopters of the euro, several additional countries—such as the Baltic states, Slovakia, Slovenia, and most recently Croatia—have since joined the eurozone, expanding its reach across much of the EU.
    71. As of 2025, seven European Union countries do not use the euro as their official currency: Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria. Denmark has a formal opt-out from adopting the euro, while Sweden has not yet met the necessary criteria and has chosen not to adopt it. The remaining countries—Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria—are legally obligated to adopt the euro in the future but have not yet done so, with Bulgaria expected to join next. Each continues to use its national currency, such as the Danish krone, Swedish krona, Polish zloty, and others.
    72. As of 2025, several non-EU countries and territories use the euro (€) either officially or de facto. Microstates such as Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City have formal agreements with the European Union allowing them to use the euro and mint limited quantities of their own euro coins. Montenegro and Kosovo also use the euro as their de facto currency, though without formal agreements with the EU. Additionally, the euro is the official currency in several EU overseas territories and
    73. Bank of America was originally founded as the Bank of Italy on October 17, 1904, in San Francisco by Amadeo Pietro Giannini to serve working-class immigrants, particularly Italian Americans, who were often underserved by traditional banks. The bank gained prominence after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, when Giannini famously rescued its funds and continued operations from a makeshift desk on a wharf. In 1928, the Bank of Italy merged with Bank of America, Los Angeles, and in 1930, the combined institution officially adopted the name Bank of America. While the name change occurred in 1930, the bank’s origins trace back to its founding in 1904.
    74. As of 2025, the number of payment cards in circulation in the United States has grown substantially since 2009. There are now approximately 827 million credit cards in use, with Visa leading the market at around 198 million U.S. cardholders, followed by MasterCard with a significant share of the remainder. Debit card usage has also surged, with about 1.2 billion debit cards in circulation nationwide, largely dominated by Visa and MasterCard networks. American Express has around 67 million active U.S. cardholders out of 118 million globally, while Discover serves over 51 million cardholders, the majority of whom are based in the U.S. This growth reflects the continued shift toward digital payments and the widespread adoption of credit and debit cards for everyday transactions. As of the end of 2009, there were 270 million Visa credit cards, 82 million Visa debit cards, 203 million MasterCard credit cards, 125 million MasterCard debit cards, 48.9 million American Express credit cards, and 54.4 million Discover credit cards in circulation in the United States.
    75. The United States dollar (USD) is also commonly referred to as the American dollar or U.S. dollar, and its symbol is $. The federal government began issuing paper currency in 1861 during the Civil War to help finance the Union’s war effort. These first notes were called Demand Notes, and they earned the nickname “greenbacks” due to their green ink. They were the first paper money issued by the U.S. Treasury for general circulation and are considered the origin of modern U.S. currency.
    76. The evolution of U.S. currency spans centuries, beginning in 1690 when the Massachusetts Bay Colony issued the first paper money in the American colonies. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress introduced Continental Currency in 1775. The U.S. officially adopted the dollar as its currency unit in 1785, and the Coinage Act of 1792 established the U.S. Mint and a decimal-based coinage system. In 1861, the federal government issued its first paper currency—Demand Notes, or “greenbacks”—to finance the Civil War. The National Banking Act of 1863 standardized banknotes through nationally chartered banks. The creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913 brought a centralized system for issuing currency, and in 1929, U.S. banknotes were standardized in size and design. The U.S. fully abandoned the gold standard in 1971, making the dollar a fiat currency. In the 21st century, the rise of digital payments, contactless cards, and mobile wallets has continued to transform how Americans use money.
    77. The United States Mint is responsible for producing the nation’s coins, while the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has printed paper currency for the Federal Reserve since 1914. Originally, U.S. banknotes were much larger in size, but in 1928, the government standardized them to the smaller, more familiar dimensions used today to reduce production costs and improve handling. As for weight, $1 million in $100 bills weighs approximately 22 pounds, since each bill weighs about one gram and there are 10,000 bills in that amount.
    78. All U.S. paper currency, regardless of denomination, weighs exactly 1 gram per bill, meaning $1 million in $100 bills (10,000 bills) weighs about 10 kilograms, or approximately 22 pounds. In contrast, $1 million in $1 bills would weigh about 1,000 kilograms, or over 2,200 pounds. Coin weights vary by denomination: a penny weighs 2.5 grams, a nickel 5 grams, a dime 2.268 grams, a quarter 5.67 grams, a half dollar 11.34 grams, and a dollar coin 8.1 grams. For example, $1 in quarters weighs about 22.68 grams—the same as $1 in dimes or half dollars—while $100 in quarters weighs roughly 2.27 pounds. This makes high-denomination paper currency far more efficient to transport than coins or lower-value bills.
    79. The $100,000 bill is the largest denomination of U.S. currency ever issued, printed in 1934 as a gold certificate featuring President Woodrow Wilson. It was never released to the public and was used exclusively for transactions between the U.S. Treasury and Federal Reserve Banks as an internal accounting tool during the gold standard era. Although it technically carries the designation of legal tender, it is illegal for private individuals to own one, and the few surviving examples are held by institutions such as the Smithsonian and the Federal Reserve for educational or display purposes only.
    80. The issuance of high-denomination U.S. currency—specifically the $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills—was officially discontinued on July 14, 1969 by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve System. The primary reasons were declining use in everyday transactions and concerns about their potential use in illegal activities, such as money laundering. Although these notes were last printed in 1945, they remained in circulation until their formal withdrawal in 1969. Today, they are still considered legal tender, but they are extremely rare and mostly held by collectors and museums.
    81. In 1946, the Flatbush National Bank of Brooklyn became the first bank to issue a credit card-like product through a program called “Charg-It,” developed by banker John C. Biggins. This early system allowed local customers to make purchases at participating merchants, with the bank acting as an intermediary by reimbursing the merchants and then collecting payment from the customers. Although limited to a small geographic area, the Charg-It program laid the foundation for the modern credit card system and marked a significant milestone in the history of consumer finance.

    How, What, Where, When & Why


    1. How to Build Credit | Experian
    2. How to Build Credit | TransUnion
    3. How to Build Credit
    4. How to Build Credit and Achieve a Good Credit Score
    5. How to Build Credit Fast: 7 Simple Strategies
    6. How to Build Credit Fast
    7. How to Build Good Credit During College
    8. How to Rebuild Credit
    9. How to Get an Excellent Credit Score
    10. How to Get a Loan from a Bank
    11. How to Get Low Interest Loans
    12. How to Get the Best Car Loan Rates
    13. How to Get the Best Auto Loan Rate | Bankrate
    14. How to Get the Best Car-Loan Rate Despite a Low Credit Score
    15. How to Get the Best Car Interest Rates
    16. How to Get a Low Interest Car Loan
    17. How to Get the Best Mortgage Rate
    18. How to Get a Great Mortgage Rate
    19. How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt
    20. How to Get Out of Credit Card Debt | Millennial Money
    21. How to Get Out of Debt
    22. How to Request a Zelle Chargeback
    23. How to Use a Credit Card
    24. How to Use a Credit Card: Best Practices Explained
    25. How to Calculate Interest Rates on Bank Loans
    26. How to Calculate Early or Late Social Security Retirement Benefits | (ssa.gov)
    27. How to Recognize Best Mortgage Rates and How to Get Them
    28. How to Find the Best Mortgage Rates
    29. How to Find out If You're Affected by the Equifax Hack
    30. How to Find and Open a High-yield Savings Account
    31. How to Invest in CDs
    32. How to Solve Problems on Your Bank Account
    33. How to Resolve Discrepancies with Your Bank Account
    34. How to Handle a Bank Dispute
    35. How to Handle a Dispute with Your Bank.
    36. How to Handle a Bank Error
    37. How to Manage an Online Banking Outage
    38. How to Spot Fake Money
    39. How to Cash in Savings Bonds
    40. How to Identify a Bank Scam to Keep Your Account Safe/a>
    41. How to Open a Business Checking Account with Bad Credit
    42. How to Overcome Financial Stress and Improve Finances
    43. How to Sue a Bank
    44. How to Close a Bank Account | Forbes
    45. How to Close a Bank Account
    46. How to Close a Bank Account After a Death
    47. How to Cancel a Credit Card
    48. How to Legally Unfreeze a Frozen Bank Account
    49. How to Protect Bank Account from Garnishment and Creditors
    50. How to Dispute a Debit Card Purchase with a Bank
    51. How to Keep Your Bank Accounts Safe from Fraud
    52. How to Link a Bank Account to My PayPal Account?
    53. How to Live With No Bank Account
    54. How to Choose a Checking Account
    55. How to Make Sure Your Bank Is FDIC-Insured — and What to Watch for with Nonbanks
    56. How to Fix Mistakes in Your Credit Card Bill.
    57. How to Survive and Thrive Without Credit Cards
    58. How to Claim Your Benefits of Equifax Data Breach Settlement
    59. How to Maintain a Good Credit Score
    60. How to Cancel a Credit Card
    61. How to Prepare for Lower Interest Rates (and 4 Money Moves You Should Avoid)
    62. How to Plan Financially If You’ve Been Laid Off Unexpectedly
    63. How to Tell Which Card Number Is What Credit Company?
    64. How to Tell If You Should Close Your Credit Card
    65. How to Help Your Aging Parents When Money Is Tight
    66. How to Help Protect Personal Finances during Coronavirus
    67. How to Be Successful in Finance and Life
    68. How to Choose a Credit Card Processing Company.
    69. How to Avoid Common Mortgage Scams
    70. How to Avoid the 8 Latest Zelle Scams
    71. How to Avoid an Online Payday Loan or Window to a Scam.
    72. How to Avoid Bank Fees
    73. How to Save on International Bank Transfer Fees
    74. How to Rebuild Credit in 7 Steps & How Long It Will Take.
    75. How to Check My Bank Account Is Active or Not Online
    76. How to Check Your Credit Report.
    77. How to Deal with a Low Credit Score
    78. How to Deal with Debt Collection Agencies.
    79. How to Verify Whether or Not a Debt Collector Is Legitimate.
    80. How to Respond to a Debt Collector's Request.
    81. How to Pick a Financial Adviser
    82. How to Have the ‘Money Talk’ With Your Kids
    83. How to Manage Your Money.
    84. How to Pass Generational Wealth Tax Free
    85. How to Report Your Interest Income
    86. How to File Your Federal Taxes
    87. How to Deduct Student Loan Interest on Your Taxes (1098-E)
    88. How to Improve Your Credit Score.
    89. How to Improve Your Credit Score | Bankrate
    90. How to Improve Your Credit Score | Credit.com.
    91. How to Improve Your Credit Score | Investopedia
    92. How to Improve Your Credit Score | State Farm®
    93. How to Improve Your Credit Score.
    94. How to Improve Your Credit Score: Tips & Tricks.
    95. How to Improve Your Credit Score: 5 Tips.
    96. How to Improve Your Credit Score: 8 Tips.
    97. How to Improve Your Credit Score Fast
    98. How to Improve Your Finances at Every Age
    99. How to Improve Your Credit Score Right Away
    100. How to Repair Your Credit and Improve Your FICO ® Scores.
    101. How to Raise Your Credit Score Fast.
    102. How to Check My Credit Score.
    103. How to Order Your Free Credit Reports.
    104. How to Maximize Credit Card Rewards
    105. How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards | USBank
    106. How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards | Bankrate
    107. How to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards | The Motley Fool
    108. How to Set Up a Debt Repayment Plan in 6 Easy Steps.
    109. How to Settle Credit Card Debt
    110. How to Recover from Identity Theft
    111. How a FICO Credit Score Is Determined
    112. How a Credit Card Is Processed.
    113. How Credit Card Transaction Processing Works: Steps, Fees.
    114. How Long Does It Take to Improve a Credit Score?.
    115. How Is a Car Taxed?
    116. How Is Interest Income Taxed and Reported?
    117. How Are Groceries, Candy, and Soda Taxed in Your State?
    118. How Are Credit Scores Calculated?.
    119. How Do Banks Work?
    120. How Do US Taxes Compare Internationally?
    121. How Do Payday Loans Work? Dangers & Payday Loan Alternatives
    122. How Do You Compare Credit Score Ranges?
    123. How Do I Get and Keep a Good Credit Score?.
    124. How Do I Get Over Anxiety About Checking My Bank Account?.
    125. How Do Low and Negative Interest Rates Affect Banks?
    126. How Do I Restore Returns in H&R Block® Business 2019 and Newer?
    127. How Do Brokered CDs Work?
    128. How Does the Average American Live?
    129. How Does a Credit Card Work?
    130. How Does Credit Card Processing Work?.
    131. How Credit Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
    132. How Credit Card Processing Works for Small Businesses
    133. How Credit Cards Work
    134. How Credit Cards Work | debt.org
    135. How Credit Score Affects Your Mortgage Rate
    136. How Credit Card Processing Works.
    137. How the Credit Reporting Agencies Exclude Latinos, Younger Consumers, Low-Income Consumers, and Immigrants.
    138. How Your Credit Score Impacts Your Financial Future.
    139. How Your Credit Score Affects Car Financing
    140. How US Banks Can Wiggle Out of the $650 Billion Balance-Sheet Bomb Hanging Over Them
    141. How the Federal Reserve Creates Money
    142. How Banking Works, Types of Banks, and How to Choose the Best Bank
    143. How Currency Works
    144. How Coins Are Made: Bringing Coins Into Circulation
    145. How Cash Gets Into Circulation
    146. How Secret Consumer Scores Threaten Your Privacy and Your Future
    147. How Long It Takes to Build Good Credit
    148. How Many Different Taxes Do We Pay?
    149. How Much Should I Have in Savings?
    150. How Much Should I Keep in My Checking Account?
    151. How Much Money Should I Keep in My Checking Account?
    152. How Much Money Should I Keep in CDs?
    153. How Much Money Should You Keep in a CD | Bankrate
    154. How Much Money Should You Keep in a CD?
    155. How Much Money Should You Keep in a CD Account?
    156. How Much Should You Keep in a CD? Balancing Safety and Yields in a Falling-rate Environment
    157. How Much Money Should You Put in CDs?
    158. How Much Money Is in Circulation?
    159. How Much Money Can You Inherit Before Paying Taxes?
    160. How Much Do You Really Pay Taxes?
    161. How Much Does It Cost to Live the Good Life
    162. How Much Does the Good Life Cost?
    163. How Much Does Life Cost?
    164. How Much Are Credit Card Processing Fees?
    165. How Much Is the Social Security Tax and Who Pays It?
    166. How Much Americans Pay in Taxes in Every US State
    167. How Much Inheritance Is Tax-Free? Do I Have to Pay an Inheritance Tax?
    168. How Much Revenue Has the U.S. Government Collected This Year?
    169. How Good Will CD Interest Rates Forecast in 2023?
    170. How High CD Rates Could Go in 2023
    171. How High CD Rates Will Rates Rise
    172. How Safe Are Money e-Transfers?
    173. How Payday Loans Work
    174. How Banks Conduct Transaction Fraud Investigations
    175. How Banks Set Interest Rates on Your Loans
    176. How American Banks Are Responding to Rising Interest Rates
    177. How Washington Mutual (WaMu) Went Bankrupt
    178. How Compound Interest Works and How to Calculate It
    179. How Central Banks Affect Interest Rates
    180. How States Raise Their Tax Dollars, FY 2022
    181. How Fed Hikes May Affect Your Car Loan, Credit Card Rate, Mortgage
    182. How the Federal Reserve's Rate Hike Impacts Student Loan Borrower
    183. How Technology Aims to Make Banking More Accessible
    184. How Different Forms of Debt Affect Our Mental Health
    185. How Zelle Scams Work, and How to Protect Your Money
    186. What Does a Bank Do with Your Personal Information?
    187. What Does Your Credit Report Says About You?
    188. What to Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
    189. What to Do If You're Denied a Bank Account
    190. What to Do If Financial Anxiety Makes You Scared to Check Bank Account
    191. What to Do When Dealing with Overdrafted Your Bank Account.
    192. What to Do When Don’t Recognize that Debt?
    193. What to Do If Your Stimulus Check Was Deposited into a Wrong Bank Account
    194. What to Do If You Can't Pay Your Credit Card Bill
    195. What to Do Before Finalizing Your Financial Resolutions
    196. What to Do When Your Bills Are Due During Coronavirus Pandemic
    197. What to Do After a Data Breach ...
    198. What to Do With Your Cash Now That Interest Rates Are Rising
    199. What to Do When Chase Cancels Your Credit Card
    200. What to Know About Reverse Mortgages
    201. What to Expect from Your Checking Account
    202. What an IRA Is for and How It Works
    203. What Is a Checking Account and How Does It Work?
    204. What Is the Difference Between the Equifax Credit Score and the FICO Score?
    205. What Is a Good Credit Score? | Experian
    206. What Is a Good Credit Score?
    207. What Is a Good Credit Score and How to Get One?
    208. What Is a Good Credit Score for an Auto Loan?
    209. What Is a Credit Score?
    210. What Is a Credit Score? | Transunion
    211. What Is a Credit Score and How Is It Defined?
    212. What Is a FICO Score and How Does It Work?
    213. What Is a FICO Score and How Does It Work? | DaveRamsey
    214. What Is a FICO Score and Why Is It Important?
    215. What Is a FICO Score? | myFICO
    216. What Is a FICO Score?
    217. What Is in Your FICO Score? - How Your FICO Score Is Calculated
    218. What Is a Good FICO Score Range and How to Improve It
    219. What Is a Credit Card Number? - The Meaning of Each Digit
    220. What Is the Difference Between Visa and MasterCard?
    221. What Is a Callable CD?
    222. What Is an IRA CD?
    223. What Is a CD Ladder?
    224. What Is a High-Yield Savings Account?
    225. What Is a Budget & Why Is Budgeting Important?
    226. What Is Amortization?
    227. What Is Mortgage Fraud?
    228. What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
    229. What Is a Good Interest Rate on a Car Loan?
    230. What Is a Good Interest Rate?
    231. What Is a Good Interest Rate for a Personal Loan?
    232. What Is Predatory Lending?
    233. What Is Debt Collection?
    234. What Is a Debt Collector and Why Are They Contacting Me?
    235. What Is on Your Credit History Report & Who Checks It?
    236. What Is the Difference Between U.S. Bonds vs. Bills vs. Notes?
    237. What Is the Difference Between a Bond vs. Note Payable?
    238. What Is the Difference Between the FDIC and the NCUA?
    239. What Is Credit Card Fraud? & How to Report It
    240. What Is a Credit-Builder Loan?
    241. What Is Double Taxation? - How it Works
    242. What Is the Average Tax Rate in the US
    243. What Is the Minimum Interest to Report to IRS?
    244. What Is Inheritance Tax and Who Pays It?
    245. What Is the Current U.S. Inflation Rate?
    246. What Is Medicare Tax?
    247. What Exactly Is Credit Utilization Ratio?
    248. What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?
    249. What Are Brokered CDs?
    250. What Are the Pros and Cons of Variable Rate CDs?
    251. What Are Credit and Credit Card Debt?
    252. What Are Your Rights If Your Bank Account Is Frozen?
    253. What Are the Different Types of Credit Cards?
    254. What Are the Main Types of Taxes in the USA?
    255. What Are the Types of Debt?
    256. What Are Variable and Fixed Expenses? How Can I Budget for Them?
    257. What Do the Numbers on Your Credit Card Mean?
    258. What Do Credit Card Numbers Mean?
    259. What Do You Need to Know About Currency Exchange?
    260. What You Need to Know of Best Cash Back Credit Cards
    261. What You Need to Know About Credit Card Processing.
    262. What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself When Dealing with Debt Collection.
    263. What You Need to Know About Mortgage Fraud.
    264. What You Should Know About Equifax Data Breach Settlement
    265. What You Should Know: Taxable Income vs. Nontaxable Income
    266. What You Should Know About U.S. Agency Bonds
    267. What Can I Do If DOR/CSE Seizes -“Levies” My Bank Account
    268. What Can I Do If My Bank Account Information Is Rejected
    269. What Happens If You Can't Pay Your Credit Card Bills?
    270. What Happens When the Bank Closes Your Account?
    271. What Happens to Bank Accounts After Death?
    272. What Happens to Old Money?
    273. What Happens If Someone Debits Your Bank Account Without Permission?
    274. What Happens If You Inherit a House With a Reverse Mortgage?
    275. What 2008 Recession Was and What Caused It
    276. What Your Credit Says About You
    277. What Hurt Credit Score?
    278. What APR Tells You About a Loan
    279. What Medicare Tax Is, Who Has to Pay It, Current Rates
    280. What Inheritance Tax Is, How It's Calculated, and Who Pays It
    281. What Federal Income Tax Is and Why We Pay It
    282. What the Fed Rate Increase Means for Savings Accounts
    283. What Fed Rate Increases in 2023 Mean for CDs
    284. What Factors Affect Your Credit Scores?
    285. What Affects Your Credit Scores? | Experian
    286. What Affects Your Credit Score? The Top 5 Factors
    287. What Affects Your Credit Score? | U.S. News
    288. What the Coronavirus Means for Your Credit Cards?
    289. What Credit Card Starts with 4147?
    290. What Credit Card Starts With 5178?
    291. What Investors Need to Know About Certificates of Deposit: Pros & Cons of Rounding Out Your Portfolio With CDs
    292. What Type of Estate and Tax Planning Do I Need to Do?
    293. What Your Bank Doesn't Want You to Know?
    294. What Hackers Want More Than Your Credit Card Number?
    295. What Every Adult Child Beneficiary Should Know About Inheriting Assets
    296. When You Know It’s Time to Switch to an Online Bank.
    297. When Is Social Security Taxable?
    298. When Did Credit Scores Start? | Credit
    299. When Did Credit Scores Start?
    300. When Do Student Loan Payments Resume?
    301. Where Can I Set up a Trust Bank Account for My Children?
    302. Where to Find Financial Help During the Coronavirus | Gofundme
    303. Where to Find Financial Relief During Coronavirus
    304. Which Are the Most Tax-Friendly States for the Wealthy?
    305. Which Should You Choose Between Short-Term and Long-Term CDs?
    306. Which Type of Credit Cards Are Most Accepted Worldwide?
    307. Who Invented Credit Score?
    308. Who Should I Name as My IRA Beneficiary?
    309. Who Will Be Responsible for Credit Card Debt After a Death?
    310. Who Is Keeping Score?
    311. Who Owns the House With a Reverse Mortgage?
    312. Who Pays the Personal Property Tax on a Leased Car?
    313. Who Pays Taxes in America?
    314. Who Decides How Much Money There Should Be in Circulation?
    315. Why Have So Few Bankers Gone to Jail for Their Part in the Crisis?
    316. Why Your Business Bank Account Has Been Frozen
    317. Why You May Be Denied a Checking or Savings Account
    318. Why Should You Have Multiple Bank Accounts
    319. Why You Should Separate Your Personal and Business Funds
    320. Why You Shouldn't Freak Out Equifax Breach 2017
    321. Why Bank Stocks Are Tumbling Even as Interest Rates Climb
    322. Why Grocery Taxes Hurt Low Income Families More
    323. Why We Pay Taxes
    324. Why Do We Pay Taxes?
    325. Why Do We Pay Taxes to the Government?
    326. Why Do Bond Yields Keep Rising?
    327. Why Does Virginia Have a ‘Car Tax’?
    328. Why Does It Matter If the Fed Raises Interest Rates?
    329. Why Did My Credit Card Company Close My Account?
    330. Why Is Good Credit So Important?
    331. Why Is It a Share Account Instead of a Savings Account?
    332. Why Is the Federal Government Buying Bonds?
    333. Why Are Banks Paying So Little Interest on Deposits?
    334. Why Are Interest Rates Going Up?
    335. Why Are Central Banks Pushing to Raise Interest Rates?
    336. Why Would a Netspend Account Be Locked
    337. Why Would a Bank Close Your Account Without Warning
    338. Why Banks Are Suddenly Closing Down Customer Accounts
    339. Why 4 Major Banks Just Issued $40 Billion in Bonds
    340. Why It’s Worth to Switch Between High-Yield Savings and Traditional Savings Account


    News, Info, Facts, Tips & Outlook


    ▷ Finance Discussion Forum
    Discussion Forum .

    ▷ News, Info & Facts
    1. Majority of Americans Aren’t Confident in the Safety and Reliability of Cryptocurrency
    2. Most Americans Don’t Feel Crypto Is Safe
    3. Most Americans Still Skeptical of Crypto, Says Survey
    4. Americans Are Right. Cryptocurrency Investing Isn’t Safe or Reliable
    5. The Cryptocurrency-Cybercrime Connection
    6. Bitcoin: More than a Bit Risky.
    7. Zelle Fraud Is Rising. And Banks Aren’t Coming to the Rescue
    8. Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Banks Say It’s Not Their Problem
    9. Bank of America's Zelle Issues: What to Know
    10. The Collapse of a Fintech Firm With 10 Million Users Has Left Many Americans Without Access to Their Money
    11. Are Banks Closing Customer Accounts Without Warning — And Should You Be Worried?
    12. Big Four Banks Failing to Protect Customers Against Scams
    13. U.S. Banks Are Abruptly Freezing Accounts, Halting Withdrawals Without Warning or Explanation
    14. U.S. Bank Fined for Opening 'Sham' Accounts for Customers
    15. U.S. Bank Opened Fake Accounts for Unsuspecting Customers
    16. U.S. Banking Giants to Report Higher Profits Even as Dealmaking Drags
    17. U.S. Banking Sector Shaken: Moody's Drops Credit Ratings of 10 Banks, Sounds Alarm for More Downgrades
    18. U.S. Inflation Rate 1960-2022
    19. U.S. Inflation Rate by Year: 1929-2023
    20. U.S. Inflation Rate
    21. U.S. Credit Cards - Statistics & Facts
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    23. Banks, Government Bonds, and Default
    24. Banks Aren't Doing Enough to Protect Customers From Scams
    25. Banks & Credit Unions Reviews
    26. Moody's Downgrades US Banks, Warns of Possible Cuts to Others
    27. Moody's Cuts ratings of 10 U.S. Banks and Puts Some Big Names on Downgrade Watch
    28. Moody's Warns It Could Cut Credit Ratings of 6 Big US Banks
    29. Global Banks Rattled After Moody's Cuts, Italy Windfall Tax
    30. Another Bank Has Been Accused of Fake Accounts. Keep an Eye on Yours.
    31. Failed Bank List
    32. High-Yield CD Offers Can Be Bait for High-Commission Investments.
    33. Certificate of Deposit (CD) Calculator.
    34. Certificate of Deposit (CD) Rates.
    35. Certificate of Deposit (CD).
    36. Certificate of Deposit (CD) | Fidelity
    37. Are CDs Worth Investing In Right Now?
    38. Are CDs Worth It?
    39. CD Rate Predictions: When to Lock in for the Long Term ...
    40. CD Interest Rates Forecast: Will CD Rates Go Up In 2024?
    41. CD Interest Rates Forecast for 2023: Expect Yields to Peak Before Leveling Off
    42. CD Investing: The Pros and Cons
    43. Pros and Cons of CDs
    44. Pros and Cons of Using a Certificate of Deposit (CD) for Your Savings
    45. The Pros and Cons of Certificates of Deposit (CD)
    46. The Pros and Cons of Online Banking
    47. Automatic Bill Payments: Pros and Cons
    48. High-Yield CDs: Red Flags that Signal a Scam.
    49. Should Seniors Put Money into a Long-term CD?
    50. High-Yield Savings Accounts: Pros and Cons
    51. Joint Checking Account: Things to Consider When Combining Finances
    52. Comparing Credit Unions With Other Depository Institutions
    53. Changes in U.S. Family Finances from 2016 to 2019: Evidence from the Survey of Consumer Finances
    54. Low Interest Rates, High Inflation Impact How Americans Save
    55. Currency in Circulation Definition
    56. Currency in Circulation
    57. Understanding the Concept of Money
    58. Currency in Circulation: Volume
    59. The Problem With Adding Your Child to Your Bank Account
    60. The Right Way to Add Adult Children to Your Bank Account
    61. The Seven Denominations
    62. The Most Powerful People in Finance
    63. The Most Diabolical Credit Card Scams of the Past Decade
    64. The Most Counterfeit-Proof Currencies
    65. The Costs of Financial Mistakes: Evidence from US Customers
    66. Money Mistakes
    67. Money Mistakes to Avoid over 50
    68. Avoiding Financial Mistakes
    69. Too Many Bank Accounts Can Harm Your Money
    70. Wells Fargo Is Shutting Down All Personal Line of Credit Accounts
    71. Interest Rates and Bank Profitability
    72. Interest Rates: Definition, Types and Why They're So Important
    73. Central Banks, Summary of Current Interest Rates
    74. Learning from Financial Regulation's Mistakes
    75. Coronavirus Stimulus Checks, Debt Relief and Your Finances
    76. Protect Yourself Against Zelle® Scams
    77. Protect Yourself Financially from the Impact of the Coronavirus
    78. Protecting Your Credit During the Coronavirus
    79. Protecting Your Credit During the Coronavirus Pandemic
    80. Protecting Your Finances During the Coronavirus Pandemic
    81. Protecting Against Credit Card Fraud
    82. Personal Finance Advice for the Coronavirus Crisis
    83. Coronavirus and Your Money
    84. Coronavirus and Credit Card Relief
    85. Coronavirus Stimulus Checks, Debt Relief and Your Finances
    86. Managing Your Money During Coronavirus
    87. Managing Your Financial Health During Coronavirus
    88. List of Banks Offering Help to Customers Impacted by the Coronavirus
    89. List of Banks Offering Relief to Customers Affected by Coronavirus
    90. Fraud Is Flourishing on Zelle. The Banks Say It’s Not Their Problem
    91. Family Finances - Money Management
    92. Common Scams and Frauds
    93. Common Mistakes in Financial Statements
    94. Common Scams and Crimes | FBI
    95. Common Financial Scams
    96. Common Scams that Target Seniors (and How to Avoid Them)
    97. Top Scams that Target Seniors and How to Avoid Them
    98. Top Scams Targeting Older Americans
    99. From Puppies to Tech Support: Popular Scams Targeting People | PFCU
    100. Watch Out for This Clever Credit Card Scam
    101. Visa Fraud Investigation Scam
    102. Financial Scams
    103. Financial Resolutions, Mistakes, and Accomplishments
    104. Financial Literacy: An Essential Tool for Informed Consumer Choice.
    105. Financial Planning for Singles.
    106. Time to Democratize the Banking System
    107. Biden Wants to Change How Credit Scores Work in America
    108. The System that Determines Credit Scores Is 'Broken'
    109. Scoring and Modeling | FDIC
    110. The Basics of Credit Scores.
    111. The Invention of the Modern Credit Score
    112. FICO Credit Score Algorithm
    113. FICO Score Definition.
    114. FICO Credit Score Basics.
    115. The Highest Achievable FICO Score
    116. The Difference Between VantageScore and FICO Score
    117. Damage Control for Your Credit Score.
    118. The Impact of Credit Scoring on Consumer Lending
    119. All About Credit Scores
    120. Types of Credit Cards Compared
    121. Types of Suspicious Activities or Transactions
    122. Types of Bankruptcies Explained: Chapter 7, 11 and 13
    123. Types of Credit Cards That Start With 4147.
    124. A 4427 Credit Card Type
    125. Different Types of Credit Cards and Debit Cards
    126. Different Types of Credit Cards, Explained
    127. Types of Credit Cards: Understanding the Differences
    128. Dealing with a Payment Incorrectly Deposited into Bank Account
    129. Consumer Credit Reporting, Credit Bureaus, Credit Scoring, and Related Policy Issues
    130. Consumer Credit Bill of Rights
    131. Consumer Protection on Debt Collection. | FDIC
    132. Consumer Credit Card Industry Study
    133. Consumer Debt Statistics & Demographics in America
    134. Consumer Credit - G.19
    135. Consumer Spending Statistics
    136. Consumer Credit Review | Experian
    137. Consumer Credit Card Industry Study
    138. Consumers Count: Tools and Resources for Money Decisions
    139. The Consumer Credit Card Market
    140. The Consumer Credit Card Market Reports: 2015 - 2017 - 2019
    141. Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
    142. Discriminatory Effects of Credit Scoring on Communities of Color
    143. Scaling Up Affordable Lending: Inclusive Credit Scoring
    144. The Problems with Current Credit Scoring Models
    145. A Quantitative Theory of the Credit Score
    146. The Predictive Value of Alternative Credit Scores
    147. The Importance of Credit Scoring for Economic Growth
    148. The Impact of Differences between Consumer - and Creditor-Purchased Credit Scores
    149. Knowing the Score: New Data, Underwriting, and Marketing in the Consumer Credit Marketplace
    150. Report to the Congress on Credit Scoring and Its Effects on ...
    151. Know the Score: Credit Score Modeling and Impacts
    152. Summary Report of Issues Identified in the Selected Credit Rating Agencies
    153. The Importance of Credit Scoring for Economic
    154. Can I Raise My Credit Score Fast?
    155. Number of Credit Cards and Credit Card Holders
    156. The Basics of Credit Cards
    157. Interesting Credit Card Facts
    158. Proven Ways to Earn More Credit Card Rewards
    159. Keys to Successfully Managing Personal Finances
    160. Equifax Data Breach Settlement for Benefits Claim
    161. Equifax Breach: Q&A | CNN
    162. An Equifax Hack Settlement Promises a $125
    163. Affected by Equifax Data Breach? How to File a Claim
    164. The Landscape of U.S. Credit Card Debt
    165. Improving Your Credit Score | Federal Reserve
    166. Identity Theft 101
    167. Identity Theft and Online Security
    168. Budgeting 101
    169. US Health Care & Medical Debt Statistics
    170. Staying out of Trouble With Credit Cards
    171. Data Point: Mortgage Market Activity and Trends
    172. Study: Intro Bonus Offers for Travel Rewards Cards Nearly Triple in 10 Years
    173. MasterCard - Understanding Interchange Rates
    174. The Visa System: Rates, Fees and Rules
    175. The Visa Interchange Rates
    176. Current US Interchange Rates
    177. Mastercard 2022–2023 U.S. Region Interchange Programs and Rates
    178. States Most Vulnerable to Identity Theft & Fraud
    179. My Data Was Compromised in the Equifax Hack. What Now?
    180. Does Closing a Credit Card Hurt Your Credit?
    181. Beware of Fake Check Scams.
    182. Household Finance | Harvard.
    183. Daily Mortgage Rates | Time
    184. Compare Today's Current Mortgage Rates | Zillow
    185. Beware of Reverse Mortgage Scams
    186. Reverse Mortgages | FTC
    187. Reverse Mortgage Scams | FBI
    188. Reverse Mortgage Scams | ConsumerAffairs
    189. Reverse Mortgages Common Issues | CFPB
    190. Reverse Mortgages: Avoiding a Reversal of Fortune.
    191. Reverse Mortgage Problems
    192. Reverse Mortgage Problems: Myths and Truths
    193. Reverse Mortgage Reviews: Is It a Rip Off or a Good Idea?
    194. Reverse Mortgages: FHA Needs to Improve Monitoring and Oversight of Loan Outcomes and Servicing
    195. Snapshot Reverse Mortgage Complaints
    196. Problems with Reverse Mortgage
    197. Can You Lose Your House With a Reverse Mortgage?
    198. Hacking Reverse Mortgages | MIT
    199. The Unfulfilled Promise of Reverse Mortgages: Can a Better Market Improve Retirement Security?
    200. Review of Reverse Mortgage Lending in Australia
    201. Failing Borrowers Throughout Mortgage Servicing Process | CFPB
    202. The Detection and Deterrence of Mortgage Fraud Against Financial Institutions
    203. Traditional Mortgages vs. Reverse Mortgages
    204. Don’t Be Misled by Reverse Mortgage Advertising
    205. Recognizing the Signs of Mortgage Fraud
    206. Mortgage Fraud. | FBI
    207. Mortgage Fraud.
    208. Mortgage Fraud: Understanding and Avoiding It.
    209. Mortgage Loan Fraud | FinCEN.gov
    210. Quick Facts of Mortgage Fraud Offenses
    211. Compute Loan Interest with Calculators or Templates.
    212. The Detection and Deterrence of Mortgage Fraud Against Financial Institutions.
    213. New Twists to Telephone Collection Scam Related to Delinquent Payday Loans.
    214. Joe Biden, CFPB Target Junk Fees, ...
    215. CFPB Orders Bank Of America to Pay $727 Million in Consumer Relief for Illegal Credit Card Practices
    216. CFPB Orders Bank of America to Pay $10 Million Penalty for Illegal Garnishments
    217. The Good, Bad and Worrisome News about Credit Cards.
    218. Know Your Risk Before Giving Credit Card to a Relative
    219. Dispute an Error on My Credit Report
    220. Negotiate Down My Credit Card APR
    221. Managing the Financial Impact of Unexpected Job Loss
    222. An Overview of Consumer Finance and Policy Issues
    223. The Consequences of Aggressive Debt Repayment
    224. Your Credit Card Is Changing: What You Need to Know
    225. Places to Never Use a Debit or Credit Card to Make a Payment
    226. Go Inside Your Credit Report
    227. Interest Rates Vs. Rewards: Choosing the Better Credit Card
    228. Raise Your Credit Score Without Lifting a Finger
    229. Closing Bank Accounts and Your Credit Score
    230. Protecting Credit Cards from RFID Scanning Theft.
    231. Cracking Your PIN Code: Easy as 1-2-3-4
    232. ATM Thieves Conducted Massive Cyber Attack.
    233. Hackers Stole $45M in ATM Card Breach.
    234. 'Like a Drug': Payday Loan Users Hooked on Quick-Cash Cycle.
    235. Payday Lending | FDIC
    236. Payday Lending Abuses and Predatory Practices
    237. Payday Lending in America: Who Borrows, Where They Borrow, and Why
    238. Payday Lending Stores in Alabama: Facts and Issues
    239. Payday Lending in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas: Toward Effective Protections for Borrowers
    240. Payday, Vehicle Title, and High-Cost Installment Lending Rule
    241. Payday Lending: Protecting or Harming Consumers?
    242. Payday Lending: A Profitability Analysis
    243. Opportunities and Challenges in Online Marketplace Lending
    244. Racism, Capitalism, and Predatory Lending ...
    245. Predatory Payday Lending
    246. Circumventing State Consumer Protection Laws: Tribal Immunity and Internet Payday Lending
    247. The Politics of Payday Lending Regulation in Australia
    248. An Economic Analysis of the Payday Loan Industry ...
    249. Drowning in Debt: A Health Impact Assessment of How Payday Loan Reforms Improve the Health of Minnesota's Most Vulnerable
    250. On Poverty, Interest Rates, and Payday Loans
    251. An Analysis of Consumers’ Use of Payday Loans
    252. The Portability of Payday Loans
    253. Disputing a Charge on Your Credit Card.
    254. Secrets of Surviving Bankruptcy
    255. Ways to Make More Money to Pay Down Your Debt
    256. Prepaid Debit Cards: A Weak Link in Bank Security
    257. Basic Money Lessons You (Probably) Missed in High School
    258. Coping with Financial Stress.
    259. State of Credit: Rise in Scores Despite Pandemic Challenges
    260. The Age of Reason: Financial Decisions over the Life Cycle.
    261. Does Paying off Debt Lower Credit Scores?
    262. Present-Biased Preferences and Credit Card Borrowing
    263. Putting Credit Card Debt on Notice
    264. The Structure and Practices of the Debt Buying Industry
    265. Average U.S. Credit Card Debt Statistics
    266. Average Credit Card Debt in America (50+ Facts & Stats)
    267. Average Credit Card Debt in America | Ramsey
    268. Average Credit Card Debt in America
    269. Average Credit Score Hits New High, While Debt Balances Rise
    270. Ways to Pay Off Credit Card Debt
    271. Proof of Consumer Credit Indebtedness
    272. In Debt and Afraid: Dealing with Debt Collectors.
    273. Know Your Rights Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
    274. Dealing With Debt | Harvard
    275. The Real Effects of Debt
    276. Complaint Snapshot: An Analysis of Debt Collection Complaints
    277. Inside the Dark, Lucrative World of Consumer Debt Collection.
    278. The Secret World of Government Debt Collection.
    279. Someone Else's Debt Could Ruin Your Credit Rating.
    280. Handling Debt Collection Calls: Dos and Don'ts.
    281. Short-Term Debt: Definition, Types & Examples
    282. A Debt Collector's Day.
    283. Facing Debt Collection? Know Your Rights.
    284. U.S. State Debt Collection Policies
    285. State Debt Collection Laws
    286. Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.
    287. Debt Collection Laws in Every State
    288. Debt Collection FAQs | FTC
    289. Debt Collection | FTC
    290. Debt and Mental Health
    291. Debt Collection Practices: When Hardball Tactics Go Too Far.
    292. Can a Debt Collector Get into My Bank Account?
    293. Out of Debt-Collecting and Bullying.
    294. The State of Debt Among Americans
    295. Substantive Defenses to Consumer Debt Collection Suits
    296. Proof of Consumer Credit Indebtedness
    297. Universal Credit and Debt
    298. American Household Credit Card Debt Statistics
    299. Canceled Debts, Foreclosures, Repossessions, and Abandonments - IRS Publication 4681
    300. Millennials and Credit Card Debt Study
    301. Solving Credit Card and Debt Problems.
    302. Credit Card Debt Study
    303. Credit Card Statistics & Studies
    304. Credit Card Debt Statistics
    305. Credit Card Debt Statistics in America
    306. Credit Card Debt and Spending Statistics in the US
    307. Credit Card Debt Can Be Bad for Your Health, Study Finds
    308. Credit Card Debt Statute of Limitations
    309. Credit Card Debt Relief Options
    310. Credit Card Debt Collection
    311. Credit Card Debt and Age
    312. Credit Card Debt Study: Trends & Insights
    313. Credit Card Balances Fall Sharply Again.
    314. Credit Card Reform and Gift Cards.
    315. Credit Card Countdown: Higher Rates Abound.
    316. Credit Cards: Break Up, or Make Up?
    317. Credit Card Legislation Gaining Momentum and Fed Rules.
    318. Credit Cards Canceled Without Warning
    319. Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act
    320. Credit Card Usage of College Students
    321. Credit Cards News.
    322. Credit Card Transaction Processing Basics.
    323. Credit Card Processing in 8 Simple Steps.
    324. Credit Card Order Process Flowchart.
    325. Credit Card Transaction Process (Flowchart).
    326. Credit Cards - General Overview
    327. Credit Card for:
    328. Credit and Your Consumer Rights
    329. Credit Report Reboot: 4 Changes You Need to Know About
    330. Credit Report Mistake 1 in 3 Americans Make
    331. Credit Report Scoring.
    332. Credit Reports and Scores | usa.gov
    333. Credit Reports and Credit Scores
    334. Credit Reports and Credit Scores | Federal Reserve
    335. Credit Score in the United States
    336. Credit Score Range (300 - 850) Explained
    337. Credit Scores 101
    338. Credit Score Breakdown (Infographic)
    339. Credit Scoring in the Era of Big Data
    340. Credit Scores Are Supposed to Be Race-Neutral. That’s Impossible.
    341. Credit Issues and Bad Credit
    342. Credit Card Issuers Offer Customer Assistance in Response to Coronavirus
    343. Credit Suisse Guilty Plea Takes Financial Sector Into Rarely Explored Territory
    344. Credit Bureaus in the Digital Age
    345. Credit Card Scams
    346. Credit Card Fraud
    347. Credit Card Fraud | Wikipedia
    348. Credit Card Reward Programs Under Scrutiny by Federal Regulators
    349. Credit Protection Laws - The Consumer Credit Protection Act
    350. Credit Monitoring Services for Feds Affected by 2015 OPM Data Breach
    351. Credit Management: Five Simple Steps Toward Better Credit.
    352. Payment Processing - Get the Basics on Payment Processing.
    353. Payments 101: Credit and Debit Card Payments.
    354. First Credit Card: How to Get Credit
    355. The Real Problem with Credit Cards: The Cardholders.
    356. FBI Warns of Banking Scam.
    357. "Phishing" and Other Online Identity Theft Scams: Don't Take the Bait.
    358. Beware Banking Text Messages.
    359. Email Hack Attack? Notify Brokerage Firms and Financial Institutions
    360. Beware Tricky Overdraft Pitches.
    361. Sex + Lies + Overspending = Financial Infidelity
    362. Safety a Key Issue for Mobile Banking.
    363. Picking the Best Income-Driven Repayment Plan for a Student Loan.
    364. Time to Stop Tossing Those Notices About Your Credit Cards.
    365. There's a Cost to Paying Less Than You Owe.
    366. Understanding Your Credit Score and How Credit Scoring Works
    367. Understanding Credit Card Interest
    368. Understanding Your Debt Collection Rights.
    369. Understanding Your FICO Score.
    370. Understanding FICO Scores
    371. Understanding Your Credit Report and Score.
    372. Understanding Credit
    373. Understanding Credit Cards and Credit Management
    374. A Detailed Timeline of the 2008 Financial Crisis
    375. Failed Bank List | FDIC |
    376. Silicon Valley Bank Collapse
    377. The Inside Story of WaMu - The Biggest Bank Failure in American History
    378. SVB Is Largest Bank Failure Since 2008 Financial Crisis
    379. Timeline: The U.S. Financial Crisis
    380. Best Banks for Savings Accounts for 2024
    381. Best Banks in America
    382. Best Banks in the U.S.
    383. Best Checking, Savings, CD and Online Bank Accounts
    384. Best Banks for Savings Accounts
    385. Best National Banks
    386. Best Credit Cards
    387. Best Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
    388. Best Credit Card Processing Companies.
    389. Best Credit Card Processors | Consumer Affairs
    390. The Best Credit Card Processing for Small Business Owners.
    391. The Best Banks
    392. The Best Big Banks
    393. Ally Bank Review 2024
    394. Bank of America to Pay Over $250 Million Over Junk Fees, Other Issues
    395. Bank of America Accused of Opening Fake Accounts and Charging Illegal Junk Fees
    396. Bank of America Review 2024
    397. Barclays Bank Review 2024
    398. Capital One Bank Review 2024
    399. Capital One Reviews 2024 – All You Need to Know
    400. Capital One Data Breach: 100 Million People Impacted, Including SSNs
    401. Capital One $190 Million Data Breach Settlement
    402. Chase Bank Review
    403. PNC Bank Review
    404. Popular Direct Bank Review 2024
    405. Truist Bank Review 2024
    406. U.S. Bank Review
    407. Wells Fargo Bank Review
    408. Wells Fargo Bank Review 2024
    409. Wells Fargo Forced to Pay $3 Billion for the Bank’s Fake Account Scandal
    410. Wells Fargo Cross-Selling Scandal
    411. Vast Leak Exposes How Swiss Bank Served Strongmen, Spies
    412. Data Leak Exposes How a Swiss Bank Served Strongmen and Spies
    413. Data Leak Exposes How a Swiss Bank Served Strongmen and Spies | NYT
    414. 3-6-3 Rule: Slang Term for How Banks Used to Operate
    415. 3 Tricks How to Save Money.
    416. 3 Strategies to Deal With Debt Collectors.
    417. 4 Features Your Checking Account Should Have
    418. 4 Top Reasons to Use an Online Bank.
    419. 4 Crazy New Credit Card Scams & Protection from Becoming a Victim
    420. 4 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Fast
    421. 5 Best National Banks
    422. 5 Personal Finance Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s
    423. 5 Facts About Debit, Credit, and Prepaid Cards
    424. 5 Easy Steps to Improve Your Credit Score | CNN Business
    425. 5 Keys to Successfully Managing Your Personal Finances
    426. 5 Sneaky Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
    427. 5 Ways to Increase Your FICO Score
    428. 5 Ways to Build Credit If You Have No Credit History
    429. 5 Do's and Don'ts That Can Help You Achieve Greater Financial Security
    430. 5 Reasons a Credit Card Company Can Close Your Account With No Notice
    431. 5 Reasons Not to Purchase the Extended Warranty
    432. 5 Reasons to Refinance Your Home.
    433. 6 Reasons to Beware of Market-Linked CDs
    434. 6 Reasons for a Credit Card Account Cancellation
    435. 6 Ways to Deal With a Financial Emergency
    436. 6 Daily Habits to Create Financial Success
    437. 6 Indicators That It’s Time to Refinance.
    438. 6 Common Money Management Mistakes College Students Make
    439. 6 Things to Consider Before Choosing a Credit Card
    440. 6 Scams that Target Your Bank Account
    441. 6 Steps to Get Out of Debt
    442. 7 Steps to Manage Your Money
    443. 7 Steps to a Healthier Credit Score.
    444. 7 Best Ways to Resolve a Bank Dispute
    445. 7 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score Fast
    446. 7 Ways to Build and Improve Your Personal Credit Score
    447. 7 Ways to Track Your Monthly Expenses
    448. 7 Things You Must Know About Credit Cards
    449. 7 Things You May Not Know About U.S. Currency
    450. 7 Keys to Achieve Financial Success
    451. 7 Reverse Mortgage Scams to Watch Out For
    452. 8 Strategies to Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards
    453. 8 Simple Ways to Start Saving Money
    454. 8 Things You Must Know About Credit Card Debt
    455. 8 Financial Mistakes to Avoid When Building a New Home
    456. 8 Crucial Money Lessons We Can Learn From the Holidays
    457. 8 Fun Facts About Credit Cards.
    458. 8 Most Sophisticated Phone Scams the Average Person Falls for
    459. 8 Best Payment Gateways of 2023
    460. 9 Best Banks With the Highest-Interest CD Rates
    461. 9 Best Credit Card Processing
    462. 9 Ways to Take Your Credit Card Rewards to the Next Level
    463. 9 Things You Need to Know About Prepaid Credit Card.
    464. 9 Common Zelle Scams to Avoid
    465. 10 Essential Strategies to Help You Qualify for a Credit Card
    466. 10 More Common Money Mistakes.
    467. 10 Most Common Bank Customer Complaints.
    468. 10 Most Common Life Insurance Mistakes and how to Avoid Them
    469. 10 Best CD Rates
    470. 10 Best National Banks in America.
    471. 10 Best Credit Card Processing Companies
    472. 10 Payment Processing Companies.
    473. 10 States Where Credit Data Is Most and Least Significant
    474. 10 Easy Ways to Pay Off Debt
    475. 10 Places Not to Use Your Debit Card.
    476. 10 Debt Collection Rights for Consumers.
    477. 10 Dangers of Mobile Banking
    478. 10 Ways Your Debt May Be Hurting You
    479. 10 Ways to Save Money When You Return to College
    480. 10 Things Everyone Should Know About Credit Scores
    481. 10 Things First-Time Credit Card Users Need to Know
    482. 11 Things to Know Before Getting Your First Credit Card
    483. 11 Credit Card Debt Settlement Facts
    484. 12 Best CD Rates
    485. 12 Common Questions About Consumer Credit and Direct Marketing
    486. 13 Money Mistakes You Need to Avoid
    487. 15 Largest Banks in the US
    488. 15 of the World’s Most Exclusive Credit Cards
    489. 15 Financial Resolutions for 2025
    490. 15 Must Avoid Personal Finance Mistakes.
    491. 20 Money Mistakes to Avoid in Your 20s
    492. 21 Best High Interest Savings Accounts in Canada
    493. 23 Things Beginners Absolutely Must Know About Saving.
    494. 24 Personal Finance Facts You Should Know – But Probably Don't.
    495. 30 Credit Card Do's and Don'ts
    496. 50 Ways to Improve Your Finances
    497. 51 Ways to Save Hundreds on Loans and Credit Cards.
    498. 54 Ways to Save Money
    499. 60 Super Simple Ways to Save Money
    500. 66 Interesting Credit Card Facts
    501. 77 Common Financial Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
    502. 100 Ways to Save Money
    503. 100 Largest Banks in the World
    504. 101 Ways to Legally Improve Credit Score
    ▷ Taxes
    1. Taxes | USAGov
    2. Types of Taxes
    3. Types of Taxes in the US
    4. Taxation in the United States
    5. The Tax System in the USA
    6. Income Tax
    7. Income Taxes in the United States
    8. Income Tax Around the World
    9. US Income Taxes and the Constitution ...
    10. Federal Income Tax Brackets
    11. Tax Brackets and Federal Income Tax Rates
    12. Tax Burden by State
    13. Tax and Other Consequences of Inheriting a POD Account
    14. Tax-exempt Interest Income?
    15. Tax Facts Infographic
    16. Tax Scams - Consumer Alerts | IRS
    17. Tax Comparisons Around the World
    18. Tax-to-GDP Ratio: Comparing Tax Systems Around the World
    19. Taxation
    20. Taxation in the United States
    21. Taxation of Foreign Nationals by the United States
    22. Taxable Interest
    23. Interest Income and Taxes
    24. Understanding Double Taxation and 7 Ways to Avoid It
    25. Understanding Taxes
    26. Digital Taxation Around the World
    27. Property Taxes by State
    28. List of Countries by Tax Rates
    29. List of State Income Tax Rates
    30. State Income Tax Rates Across America
    31. States That Don't Tax Retirement Income, Pensions, Social Security
    32. State Sales Tax Rates
    33. Sales Tax on Grocery Items
    34. State Government Tax Revenue by State U.S. 2022
    35. State and Local Sales Tax Rates 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020 & 2019
    36. States With the Best & Worst Taxpayer ROI
    37. States With the Highest and Lowest Taxes
    38. States With the Lowest Property and Vehicle Taxes
    39. States With the Highest & Lowest Tax Rates
    40. U.S. Tax Rates by State
    41. US States With No Income Tax
    42. US Taxes Abroad for Dummies
    43. Annual Survey of State Government Tax Collections
    44. Government Taxes (State Tax Collections / Quarterly Tax Revenues)
    45. Best States to Be Rich or Poor from a Tax Perspective
    46. The Best States for High-Earners and Affluent Families
    47. The Most Tax-Friendly States for the Rich
    48. Ranking Individual Income Taxes on the 2023 State Business Tax Climate Index
    49. IRS Tax Refund Calendar 2023 and Direct Deposit Dates
    50. IRS Quietly Changed the Rules on Your Children’s Inheritance
    51. IRS Unveils "Dirty Dozen" List of Tax Scams
    52. Remote Work Tax Issues to Consider When Filing Your Return
    53. Corporate Tax Rates by Country
    54. Corporate Tax Rate Report
    55. Americans Are Moving to the Most Tax-Friendly States in the Country
    56. Inheriting Parents' Real Estate: Can You Inherit Favorable Tax Treatment?
    57. Must You Pay Income Tax on Inherited Money?
    58. Is the Inheritance I Received Taxable? | IRS
    59. Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities | IRS
    60. Taxpayers Should Know the Signs of a Phone Scam, Especially During Filing Season
    61. Phone Scams on the Rise During Tax Season
    62. Deferred Tax – A Chief Financial Officer’s Guide to Avoiding the Pitfalls
    63. Doing Business in the United States: Federal Tax Issues
    64. Understanding Employment Taxes | Internal Revenue Service
    65. The Behavioral and Tax Factors Behind When to Sell Stocks at a Loss
    66. The 2023-2024 Income Tax Rates by State
    67. Minimum Income Requirements for 2022 Tax Returns
    68. Reporting Interest Income on the 2022 Federal Income Tax Return
    69. Filing Tax Form 1099-INT: Interest Income
    70. Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Your Car Every Year?
    71. Do I Have to Claim Interest If It Is Less than $1.00?
    72. Grocery Taxes Increase the Likelihood of Food Insecurity
    73. Researchers Find Grocery Taxes Harm Low Income Households
    74. Will You Pay Tax on the Sale of Your Home?
    75. Is Living in a State With No Income Tax Better or Worse?
    76. Gas Taxes and What You Need to Know
    77. 4 Ways to Get Out of Tax Debt
    78. 5 Ways to Minimize Your Tax Bill
    79. 5 Taxation Systems Around the World
    80. 6 Biggest Screw-ups People Make on Their Tax Returns
    81. 7 Top Tax Mistakes Made in Planning a Wealth Transfer
    82. 7 Different Types of Taxes That You Pay
    83. 9 States With No Income Tax
    84. 9 States With No Income Tax and the Lowest Tax Burdens
    85. 10 Most Tax-Friendly States for Retirees
    86. 10 Best States for High Earners
    87. 12 IRS Tax Refund Scams - Common Frauds to Avoid
    88. 15 Ways to Invite an IRS Audit.
    89. 18 Most Tax-Friendly States to Retire in 2024
    ▷ History, Guides & Tips
    1. Historical Inflation Rates: 1914-2022
    2. History of Money - From 12,000 B.C. to the Present
    3. The History of Credit Cards.
    4. The History of Consumer Credit in One Giant (Infographic)
    5. The History of Credit Cards - Timeline and Major Events
    6. The History of Credit Cards | Experian
    7. Historical Credit Card Interest Rates
    8. Historical CD Interest Rates 1984-2021
    9. Historical CD Rates: Highs, Lows and the Stories Behind Them
    10. The History of the FICO Score.
    11. The History of Credit Scores (1989 - 2021).
    12. The Long, Twisted History of Your Credit Score.
    13. The Use of Credit History for Personal Lines of Insurance
    14. A Brief History of Taxes in the U.S.
    15. Your Credit History: Five Surprising Things That May Impact Your Score.
    16. Credit Card for No Credit History
    17. Indian Currency History, History of Indian Rupee
    18. A Guide to US Taxes for Citizens Living Abroad
    19. A Guide to COVID-19 and Your Finances
    20. A Guide to the Different Types of Taxes
    21. A Judicial Guide to Credit Card Debt Cases
    22. Guide to Understanding Credit Scores and Score Ranges
    23. Guide to CD Rates
    24. Guide to Credit Rating Essentials
    25. Guide to Build Good Credit
    26. Guide to Financial Literacy: Definition and How to Improve
    27. Guide to Your Employers Benefits Programs, Tax-Wise (401(k)
    28. Credit Card Basics: A Beginner's Guide to Credit Cards
    29. Beginner's Guide to Managing Your Money
    30. Beginner's Guide to Credit Cards
    31. The Complete Tax Guide for Buying and Selling Cars in the USA
    32. U.S. Tax Time Guide | IRS
    33. Publication 15 (2022), (Circular E), Employer's Tax Guide | IRS
    34. Income Tax Guide for Tax Season 2022
    35. A Visual Guide to Taxing Bonuses (Infographic)
    36. US Taxes for Expats - A Complete Guide
    37. IRS Issues Guidance on State Tax Payments to Help Taxpayers
    38. Credit Card Tips and Advice
    39. Personal Finance Tips
    40. Personal Finance Tips: The ABCs of Managing Your Money
    41. Personal Finance Tips from Billionaires
    42. Most Popular Personal Finance Tips.
    43. Financial Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic
    44. Keeping Your Account Secure: Tips for Protecting Your Financial Information.
    45. Credit Card Facts and Tips
    46. Coronavirus-Related Fraud Prevention Tips and Resources
    47. Tips for Getting First Credit Card and Building Credit
    48. Tips to Avoid Common Budgeting Mistakes
    49. Tipping Do’s and Don’ts: When and How Much to Tip
    50. IRS Tax Tips
    51. 4 Best Ways to Use a Credit Card
    52. 4 Common Personal Finance Tips That Will Actually Fail You.
    53. 5 Helpful Tips to Build Good Credit With a Credit Card
    54. 5 Tips on Using a Secured Credit Card Wisely
    55. 5 Tips to Help You Get Approved for a Mortgage.
    56. 5 Tips for a Tiptop Credit Score
    57. 5 Tips to Keep Your Finances from Going Off a Cliff.
    58. 6 Simple Personal Finance Tips that Lead to a Big Payoff
    59. 6 Coronavirus Fighting Tips for Your Finances
    60. 6 Tips for Dealing with Debt Collectors.
    61. 7 Credit Card Tips Everyone Should Know.
    62. 7 Credit Card Tips
    63. 7 Credit Card Tips for Smart Users
    64. 7 Credit Card Tips Everyone Should Know
    65. 7 Best Personal Finance Tips
    66. 7 Money Management Tips
    67. 7 Tips for Handling Your First Credit Card.
    68. 7 Tips for Paying off Credit Card Debt
    69. 8 Tips for Using Credit in Uncertain Times
    70. 8 Tips to Help You Succeed in Finance
    71. 8 Tips for Never Missing a Due Date.
    72. 8 Financial Tips for Young Adults.
    73. 10 Top Financial Tips
    74. 10 Tips for Managing Credit Card Debt
    75. 11 Money Tips for Women.
    76. 12 Credit Card Tips
    77. 12-Step Guide to Financial Success
    78. 13 Financial Tips for Newlyweds
    79. 14 Helpful Tips for Maintaining a Good Credit Score
    80. 17 Tips to Save Money.
    81. 18 Top Money Management Tips to Help Your Personal Finance.
    82. 20 Simple Tips to Save Money
    83. 20 Best Financial Tips
    84. 29 of the Best Personal Finance Tips for Beginners and Beyond
    85. 50 Personal Finance Tips That Will Change the Way You Think About Money.
    86. 54 Great Personal Finance Tips
    87. 75 Personal Finance Tips to Help You Make & Save Money
    88. 75 Money Management Tips to Follow (2020)




    Currency
    Exchange Rate per U.S. Dollar -
    Latest Update


    Assets - 10 Largest Banks in the U.S.
    J.P Morgan Chase
    Bank of America
    City Group
    Wells Fargo
    Goldman Sachs
    $2,737 B
    $2,370 B
    $1,950 B
    $1,880 B
    $920 B
    Morgan Stanley
    U.S Bankcorp
    Truist Financial
    PNC
    TD Bank
    $870 B
    $475 B
    $447 B
    $392 B
    $384 B

    U.S. Banks (by States)
    | Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | District of Columbia | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Texas | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming |

    Alabama

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    Fees for Checking & Debit Card

    BANK CHECKING DEBIT CARD
    ------------------ ----------------------------------------------- ---------------
    Bank of America $25 deposit to open; $8.95 monthly fee unless statements are paperless and deposits/ withdrawals are done online or by ATM. No fee
    Wells Fargo $100 deposit to open; $5 monthly fee unless direct deposit or average balance of $1,500. No fee
    JPMorgan Chase $25 deposit to open; $12 monthly fee unless direct deposit of at least $500, minimum balance of $1,500 or $5,000 average daily balance in linked accounts. No fee
    Citigroup $0 to open; $10 monthly fee unless balance of at least $1,500 in prior month or one direct deposit and one bill payment each month. No fee
    US Bank $50 to open; $6.95 monthly fee with online statements or $8.95 with paper statements unless direct deposits of at least $500 or average account balance of $1,500. No fee
    PNC $25 to open; no monthly fee. No fee
    TD Bank $0 to open; $2.99 monthly fee with online statements or $3.99 monthly fee with paper statements. No fee
    Capital One $50 to open; $8.95 monthly fee unless $300 minimum daily balance or monthly direct deposit of at least $250. No fee
    Sun Trust $100 to open; $7 monthly fee unless minimum balance of $500 or direct deposit. No fee
    BB&T $50 to open; $10 monthly fee unless direct deposit of at least $100; $1,500 average balance or a mortgage with BB&T. No fee.

    Safeguarding Your Credit Score



    Fraud Prevention & Detection


    • Regularly review credit cards and bank statements for possible misuse.
    • Report suspicious activity to credit card companies, banks or financial institutions immediately.
    • Contact the Federal Trade Commission or law enforcement with any reports of identity theft.
    • Get free credit reports from each nationwide credit reporting agency: Equifax (1-800-685-1111), Experian (1-888-397-3742), and TransUnion Corporation (1-800-916-8800); review each carefully, and request any fraudulent transactions be deleted.
    • Fraud and Scams resource | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

    Credit Card Act: Charges & Changes


    • If a credit card company raises your interest rate, it will have to tell you the reasons. Furthermore, credit card issuers must give you 45 days advance warning of upcoming changes (e.g.; interest rates).
    • If your credit rate increases, credit card issuers must reevaluate it every six-month period. If you deserve to have it lowered, the card issuer must comply within 45 days of the evaluation.
    • Customers have the right to opt out of fee increases and interest rate hikes (e.g.; cancel cards and pay off the existing balances).
    • Consumers get 21 days to make a payment after a bill is delivered instead of 14 days.
    • Credit card issuers can not raise rates on any existing balances. If your rate increases, it will only apply to new charges.
    • Issuers cannot raise your rates because you miss a payment or fall behind on a different account.
    • Payments will be applied to the balance with the highest interest rate first.
    • Penalty rates on existing balances can only be applied if your payment is 60 days late. If you then remain in good standing, your rate must go back down after six months.
    • Promotional rates must last at least six months.
    • Any penalty fees or rates must be "reasonable and proportional," as defined by the Federal Reserve.
    • Card issuers must periodically review your account and potentially reduce your rates.
    • Credit card issuers cannot charge you a penalty fee that is larger the infraction. For example, if you are late on a $10 payment or you spend more $10 more than your max, your penalty fee cannot be more than $10.
    • Credit card issuers will no longer be able to charge you an inactivity fee or not using your card.
    • All gift cards sold must be good for at least five years. You can also request a replacement for any expired gift card for free. Only one fee per month can be charged and dormancy fees can only be assessed if you haven't used your gift card in a year.

    Credit Card 101 for Students


    • To open a credit card account if you are under 21, you will need to show that you have the income to make required payments or get a co-signer 21 or older who has the ability to do so.
    • Anyone 21 or older - not just parents, legal guardian or a spouse - can co-sign for younger students to get a credit card.
    • Once you have a credit card with a co-signer, if you want a higher credit limit, the co-signer must agree in writing to the increase.
    • Co-signer is equally responsible for the debt, and his/her credit card scores can be impacted.
    • If you need to use a credit card to buy a product online, you only use it with a "https" site; never use a credit card on a site without "s" after http.

    Financial Scams Prevention & Detection


  • If someone contacts you by phone, text, email, computer alert or social media to ask you to act immediately, provide your personal information or codes, and/or pay in an unusual way, these are signs you're being scammed.

  • Never Wire Money to ...
    • Someone you don't know.
    • Someone claiming to be a relative in a crisis - and who wants to keep their request for money a secret.
    • Someone who says a money transfer is the only form of payment that's acceptable.
    • Someone who asks you to deposit a check and send some of the money back.

  • Be Alert:
    • A scammer may call, email, or text you, pretending to be from your bank, and ask for information that allows them to access your bank account.
      • If you receive a one-time passcode you didn’t request, discard it.
      • If you receive a text message or an email appeared to be from your bank requesting to click on a link, discard it.
      • Scammers may tell you there is an urgent fraud situation to catch you off guard.
      • Hang up on suspicious calls immediately, even if they appear to be from your bank. Scammers sometimes use technology to "spoof" phone numbers, so it appears the call is originating from your bank. If you have any concerns that the call might not be legitimate, call your bank at the number found on your account statement.
    • Scammers may make unusual requests for sending or transferring money.
      • Fraudsters may contact you to pretend to help you with an ongoing fraud situation. To reverse it, they suggest you transfer money "to yourself" when, in fact, the account you transfer money to belongs to the scammer. This could cause you to lose money or even become unknowingly involved in a crime.
      • If you have any concerns that the call might not be legitimate, call your bank at the number found on your bank account statement.
  • Be Proactive:
    • Monitor your account activity regularly.
    • Set up bank account alerts so that you are notified for high dollar transactions or withdrawals on your bank accounts
    • Stay calm. Scammers may try to alarm you, so you will give them what they want. If you're told to take action right away, it could be a scam.

    Identity Protection


    Online:
    • Create complex passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, cases, and symbols to form an unpredictable string of characters that doesn't resemble words or names.
    • Change the password quarterly.
    • Use security feature on your mobile device, such as installing the free AT&T ActiveArmor mobile security app.
    • Avoid using public wifi network to eliminate risk of accidentally sharing secret, important, or sensitive information.
    • Update sharing and firewall setting.

    Doing Business:
    • Do not carry your Social Security card in your purse or wallet; once it's loose, identify thieves can exploit it to get loans, obtain credit cards or other financial chicanery in your name.
    • Only give out your Social Security number when necessary.
    • Keep your personally identifiable information (PII) private. PII is information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual’s identity, such as name, home address, phone number, social security number, driver’s license number, passport number, credit account number, or bank account number.
    • Do not share personal information via email or over the phone. Financial institutions never ask for your account number, Social Security number, address, PIN, or password in an email, text message, or incoming phone call. If you have any concerns that the call might not be legitimate, call your bank at the number found on your account statement or credit card.
    At Home:
    • Securely keep your financial records, academic records (e.g.; transcripts), insurance cards, account number, birth certificate, Social Security number, address, PIN, or password.
    • Check your bills and account statements carefully for unusual activity
    • Review your credit report and credit score at least once a year.
    • Check your mail; make an investigation if you stop getting a bill or start getting mails you do not recognize.
    Identity Theft Protection:
    • Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission. File a report online at IdentityTheft.gov or call their hotline at 1-877-438-4338.
    • Lock down your credit files. You have a right to a free credit freeze. To learn how to place a freeze on the FTC’s website by searching for “Credit Freeze.” Once a freeze is placed, the credit bureaus can’t release any information without your permission.
    • Contact the Social Security Administration. Let the agency know that someone has stolen your Social Security number and is fraudulently using it for their employment. If you know your Social Security number has been compromised, you can ask the Social Security Administration to block electronic access by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will have to verify your identity if you want to remove the block.
    • Get a “Self Lock” with E-Verify — a free online service that the federal government provides to employers to check if an employee is eligible to work in the U.S. and also protects against identity fraud. Individuals can also create an E-Verify account. If you use this option, you should unlock your Social Security number to allow an employer to check your status.
    • Get an identity protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). The IP PIN is known only to you and the IRS.

    eMacromall.com


    Financial Crisis



    1. FDIC - Latest U.S. Failed Bank List.
    2. Global Financial Crisis — Global Issues
    3. Financial Crises: Explanations, Types, and Implications
    4. Timeline: The U.S. Financial Crisis (1992-2018)
    5. Financial Crisis of 2007–2008 | Wikipedia
    6. The 2007–2008 Financial Crisis in Review
    7. Financial Crisis of 2007–08: Definition, Causes, Effects, & Facts
    8. Financial Crisis - Meaning, Explained, Timeline, Causes, Examples
    9. The Six Root Causes of the Financial Crisis
    10. Financial Crisis - Overview, How It Happens, Future Occurrences
    11. Problem Bank List.
    12. HSBC Issues.
    13. Bank Failures Drain FDIC Insurance.
    14. FDIC Asks Banks to Cover an Expected $100B in Losses
    15. Record U.S. Deficit of $1.4 Trillion Could Have Been Worse
    16. The Message of Dollar Disdain.
    17. When Credit Problems Become a Personal Financial Crisis.
    18. The IMF’s Unresolved Financial Crisis.
    19. Financial Crisis: Effects of the Financial Crisis
    20. Therapy for Money and Financial Issues
    21. Financial Crisis: Effects of the Financial Crisis
    22. The Current Financial Crisis - Causes and Policy Issues
    23. A History of the Past 40 Years in Financial Crises
    24. Greek Debt Crisis: Summary, Causes, Timeline, Outlook
    25. Does Financial Crisis Threaten America's Central Role in Global Economy?
    26. The Social and Political Costs of the Financial Crisis, 10 Years Later
    27. White House Overhauling Rescue Plan (2008).
    28. From Booms to Bailouts: The Banking Crisis of the 1980s
    29. Victimizing the Borrowers: Predatory Lending's Role in the Subprime Mortgage Crisis
    30. Financial Crisis FAQs

    U.S. Deficit Spending Facts (Source: Heritage.org)





    Public Debts
    Source: CIA

    Country % of GDP Year Country % of GDP Year
      USA 78.8 2017 Portugal 125.7 2017
      Japan 237.6 2017 Austria 78.6 2017
      Germany 63.9 2017 Hungary 73.6 2017
      Italy 131.8 2017 Syria 94.8 2017
      India 71.2 2017 Israel 72.6 2017
      China 47.0 2017 Croatia 77.8 2017
      France 96.8 2017 European Union 86.8 2016
      UK 87.5 2017 Ukraine 71.0 2017
      Brazil 84.0 2017 U.A.E 19.7 2017
      Canada 89.7 2017 Denmark 35.3 2017
      Spain 98.4 2017 Romania 36.8 2017
      Mexico 54.3 2017 Indonesia 28.8 2017
      Greece 181.8 2017 Iran 39.5 2017
      Netherlands 56.5 2017 Saudi Arabia 17.2 2017
      Turkey 32.7 2016 Norway 36.5 2017
      Belgium 103.4 2017 Australia 40.8 2017
      Egypt 103.0 2017 Philippines 39.9 2017
      Poland 50.0 2017 Sweden 40.8 2017
      South Korea 39.5 2017 Vietnam 58.5 2017
      Singapore 111.1 2017 Thailand 41.9 2017
      Taiwan 35.7 2017 Kenya 54.2 2017

    Public Debt is the total of all government borrowings less repayments that are denominated in a country's home currency.

    * CIA's World Factbook list only percentage of GDP, the debt amount and per capita is calculated with GDP (PPP) and population figures of same report.


    Loan Calculator
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    Credit-Rating Firms
    Moody's   - Found in 1900 and began rating securities in 1909, Moody's Corporation rates more than 150,000 corporate, government securities, 75,000 public finance obligations, 10,000 corporate relationships, and 100 nations. Moody’s has more than 2,100 employees in 18 countries. Its revenue is $1.25 billion, including about $363.9 million in net income. The firm makes up about 40% of the credit-rating business.





    Standard & Poor's   - Found in 1860 and began rating corporate debt in 1916, Standard & Poor's rates about 100 countries with more than $7 trillion in bonds and other financial obligations in more than 50 countries. Standard & Poor's has more than 5,000 employees in 20 countries. Its revenue is about $1 billion. The firm makes up about 40% of the credit-rating business.


    Fitch Ratings   - Found in 1913 and began rating business in 1924, Fitch Ratings (Paris-based Fimalac SA), rates about 3,000 financial institutions, 1000 corporations, 85 countries and 39,000 municipal offerings. Fitch Ratings has about 1,400 employees in 50 countries. Its revenue is about $500 million, $125 million in net income. The firm makes up about 14% of the credit-rating business.

    eMacromall.com - Credit Card Payment Calculator
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    VISA - Visa is a private, membership association jointly owned by 21,000 member financial institutions around the world. With more than 1 billion cards in circulation, and with unsurpassed acceptance in over 150 countries, the reach and popularity of Visa-branded cards is nearly universal.

    Master Card - MC is one of the most recognized and respected global payment brands in the world. With approximately 25,000 MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro members worldwide, MasterCard serves consumers and businesses, both large and small, in 210 countries and territories with over 22 million locations around the globe.

    American Express - Established in 1850 in New York, American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company. It is a leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, investment products, insurance and international and online banking.

    Discover Financial Services - A business unit of Morgan Stanley, operates the Discover® Card brands. It offers a variety of Cards, including Discover Classic Card, Discover Gold Card, Discover Platinum Card, Miles Card from Discover Card and an array of affinity cards.

    The Federal Reserve System - is the central bank of the United States, responsible for providing the US with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system, supervising financial institutions, and ensuring that consumers receive adequate information and fair treatment in their business with the banking system.

    Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - FDDI, a US independent agency, preserves and promotes public confidence in the US financial system by insuring deposits in banks for up to $100,000 (temporary $250,000 during the current world financial crisis), and by monitoring and addressing risks to the deposit insurance funds.

    The World Bank - is the financial organization that provides low-interest loans, interest-free credit, and grants to developing countries. Some 10,000 development professionals from nearly every country in the world work in the World Bank's Washington DC headquarters or in its 109 country offices.

    The International Monetary Fund - The IMF is an international organization of 184 member countries with the headquarters in Washington, DC. Its operations -- which involve surveillance, financial assistance, and technical assistance -- have developed to meet the changing needs of its member countries in an evolving world economy.

    The African Development Bank - The AFDB is a regional multilateral development finance institution established in 1964 and engaged in mobilizing resources towards the economic and social progress of its regional member countries. It is headquartered in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire).

    The Asian Development Bank - The ADB is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, it is now owned by 64 members, mostly from the region. The ADB's headquarters is in Manila with 26 other offices around the world.

    The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)- Established in 1991, owned by 60 countries and 2 intergovernmental institutions, the EBRD uses tools of investment to help build market economies and democracies in 27 countries from central Europe to central Asia.

    The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)- Established in 1959 as a partnership between 19 Latin American countries and the United States, the IDB is the main source of multilateral financing for economic, social and institutional development projects as well as trade and regional integration programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.


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    64. List of Economics Journals
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