Sarah C. Brady

    Contributor

    Sarah Brady is a freelance writer and credit expert who's been helping individuals and entrepreneurs improve their financial wellness since 2013. Sarah covers personal and business finance for Yahoo Finance, Forbes Advisor, CNN Underscored, Kiplinger and more. Before becoming a writer, Sarah worked as an NFCC-Certified Credit Counselor, a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, and she taught financial education workshops for the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Housing.

  • Are high-yield checking accounts worth it?

    A high-yield checking account allows you to earn a much higher interest rate on your balance. But are high-yield checking accounts worth the added restrictions and potential fees? Here’s what you should know..

  • What are basis points, and how do they work?

    When discussing interest rates, it can help to talk about changes in terms of basis points (BPS). So what is a basis point and what does it mean? Here’s what you should know.

  • How do banks set their savings account interest rates?

    Banking rates are influenced by a variety of factors, and they can change at any time. Here’s a look at how bank savings interest rates are set, and how to find an account with a competitive rate.

  • How much money should you keep in a savings account?

    Here are the guidelines you should follow to determine the right amount to keep in a savings account.

  • APY vs. interest rate: What’s the difference, and why does it matter?

    A bank account's interest rate is how much it earns in one year, while APY represents your total annual interest with compounding factored in. Read on to learn more about APY vs. interest rate.

  • Can non-U.S. citizens open a bank account?

    If you aren’t a U.S. citizen, you may be wondering: “Can a foreigner open a bank account in the U.S.?” The short answer is yes, but you must follow certain guidelines. Here’s what you need to know.

  • What is a bank statement, and how do you read one?

    A bank statement is a document that details all of your bank account activity and transaction history. Learn more about how to read a bank statement, including a detailed example statement.

  • Guide to ATM safety: Tips for protecting yourself and your money

    In general, ATMs are safe. But there are certain habits you can follow to protect yourself from potential ATM skimmers and thieves.

  • Do checks expire? Here's how long a check is good for.

    While most checks expire at some point, how long a check is good for depends on the type. So if you have an old check sitting around waiting to be cashed, find out if it’s still good and what to do if you need a replacement.

  • What happens if you use a debit card as credit?

    It’s possible to run your debit card as “credit” at the register, which has its pros and cons. Here’s what happens when you select credit for a debit card purchase.

  • What is an ABA routing number?

    ABA routing numbers are nine-digit codes that identify financial institutions. Learn more about how bank ABA numbers work and when you need to know them.

  • What is fractional reserve banking?

    Fractional reserve banking is a system that requires banks to keep a certain amount of cash available at all times. Here’s how fractional reserve banking works and why it matters.

  • How to use mobile check deposit: A step-by-step guide

    If you hate running to the bank to deposit a check, mobile check deposit is your solution. Here’s a handy how-to for using mobile check deposit, including how to endorse a check for mobile deposit.

  • How to cash a savings bond

    If you have an existing paper or electronic savings bond, you might want to redeem it and get your money. Here’s how to cash savings bonds via mail or online.

  • Can you write checks from a savings account?

    Savings accounts are typically used to store money long-term, not make payments. So can you write checks from a traditional savings account?

  • How to deposit cash at an online bank

    If you do your banking online, you might be wondering how to deposit cash at an online bank. Here are several options, plus a list of online banks that accept cash deposits.

  • Guide to post-dated checks: Are they legal, and can you cash them?

    A post-dated check is written with the expectation that it’ll be cashed at a future date. Here’s what to know about writing and accepting post-dated checks.

  • 7 signs it’s time to ditch your bank

    If your banking relationship feels one-sided, it might be time to ditch your bank for a better one. Here are seven signs you need a new bank.

  • What is a debit card, and how does it work?

    When you open a checking account, you’ll be issued a debit card. But what is a debit card, exactly? Here’s what you need to know about how debit cards work.

  • Should unmarried couples have joint bank accounts?

    Do joint accounts for unmarried couples make sense? Here’s what to consider if you’re thinking about opening a joint bank account with your partner.