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Though some studies indicate that couples who combine finances are happier, many younger couples are opting to keep things separate. Here are eight reasons why couples should consider combining finances, and why this idea isn't as old-fashioned as you may think. The average interest rate for a savings account is 0.09% APY, though there are many online banks with savings programs that have a much higher interest rate. Communicate more up front about your financial goals and values with your current partner to make sure you're both on the same page." Combining finances from the beginning and having regular check-ins about your finances can prevent the surprises that lead to conflict.

Persons: —, Amanda Clayman, Sherri Newpol, Clayman, Brian Face, spender, you'll Organizations: Research, Service, Prudential, Newpol Psychological

☆ 5 things you might be doing already that could boost your credit score quickly
▼ + stars: | 2019-10-03 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Building up a strong credit score is key if you want to benefit from great credit cards offering a ton of points and miles. That's because you need to use credit to build credit. Here are some of the most effective ways to increase your credit score that you might be doing already. Opening more accountsIt may seem counterintuitive, but having more credit cards can make your credit score go up. The more money that you have borrowed and paid back on time, the higher your credit score will be.

☆ I used a 0% APR credit card to borrow the money to start my business, and I'd tell anyone to do the same
▼ + stars: | 2019-10-01 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

I'm a big fan of 0% APR credit card offers like those on the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, because if you have a plan, you can borrow the money you need without having to pay interest. That means you can carry a balance month to month without incurring the notoriously high credit card interest rates, essentially using that money as an interest-free loan. I may have gotten this idea from my parents, who financed our pool on a 0% APR credit card back in the early 2000s. then it's definitely worth it to check out some great credit card options. The Amex EveryDay® Credit Card from American ExpressAlternatively, you may consider the Amex EveryDay Credit Card if it's Membership Rewards Points that you're after.

☆ 6 things I wish I could tell my 20-year-old self about money
▼ + stars: | 2019-08-27 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

I wish I could go back and tell my 20-year-old self that I probably don't need a masters degree, to have more than one checking account, and not to be cavalier about student loan debt. I'm 27 now, and I already have six things I wish I could go back and tell myself when I was 20. This is a key difference, because it means that they don't need to pay dividends to shareholders. Lower interest rates when borrowing money, higher deposit rates when saving money, and lower fees. Colleges and universities have a financial interest in your continued enrollment, and they don't have a fiduciary responsibility to you.

☆ What you need to know about your FICO score and how to build good credit
▼ + stars: | 2019-08-08 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Your FICO score may be slightly different at each bureau depending on what information they have about your credit history. Check your credit score through Experian TransUnion , and EquifaxGet the latest tips you need to manage your money — delivered to you biweekly. It's worth noting that while every credit bureau uses the FICO system, not every credit score is a FICO score — other scoring systems exist, such as VantageScore. paying off your credit card balance in full every month and not charging more than you can afford) can help to build your credit score, a high debt-to-credit ratio can hurt your FICO score. Length of credit historyIf you are a new borrower, don't expect to start with a perfect 850 credit score.

☆ Online checking accounts woo millennials with cash back, no fees, and interest on your money, but anyone can take advantage
▼ + stars: | 2019-07-24 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Stephanie Hallett | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Most traditional checking accounts come with a monthly fee and don't offer many (if any) perks or rewards. Some online banks, on the other hand, offer checking accounts that are not only fee-free, but also offer cash back and other rewards. Here, we look at online checking accounts and perks offered by Discover, BECU, Varo Money, and Aspiration. AdvertisementIf your checking account fees just went up again, you might be wondering whether there are better alternatives. This may not end up bothering you much, since online accounts fill the gaps with online services that traditional banks may not have.

Persons: —, it's, you'll Organizations: Discover, Service, BECU, Northwest Credit Union Foundation, MasterCard, The Bancorp, Corp, Coastal Community Bank Locations: Wells, Washington, Charleston , South Carolina, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, Delaware, Everett , Washington

☆ The 5 best tools to keep track of credit card rewards, according to a woman with 25 cards
▼ + stars: | 2019-06-04 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). Alexander Chaikin / Shutterstock.comWriter Caroline Lupini has 25 credit cards and has been managing rewards travel seriously since 2013. She travels six to eight months of the year, largely by using credit card rewards. Not all credit card offers are created equal, and not all credit card offers are right for you or your personal credit. Read more: Why this seemingly expensive credit card is worth its annual fee — especially for anyone who travelsTravel Freely is also a good tool for credit card enthusiasts.

☆ A financial planner says the best way to save for retirement depends on your answers to 2 questions
▼ + stars: | 2019-05-01 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The best way to save for retirement depends on a few different things, says one financial planner. And if you don't have an emergency fund, you'll need to prioritize that first before focusing on your retirement savings. Retirement savings depend on compound interest to grow over time, so generally, you want to leave any funds in retirement accounts untouched until retirement age. A Roth IRA also isn't an option for everyone, since there are income limits for the people who can contribute. "Whether to invest in a Roth IRA or not will depend on your tax bracket and retirement plan at work," he said.

☆ How to choose the right online bank to organize your money, build wealth, and make your life easier
▼ + stars: | 2019-03-05 | by ( Caroline Lupini | Freelance Reporter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

This doesn't mean online banking is perfect, or that every online bank is the same. But what should you look for when selecting an online bank? This is standard at traditional banks, and just as necessary for online banks. And while it might seem obvious, take a moment to make sure your online bank's url starts with HTTPS instead of HTTP. You want your online bank to be secure, convenient, and cost-efficient — and if you find a bank that checks all three boxes, you might have found the bank for you.

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