Store Credit Cards, Balance Transfers & More: Make the Smart Money Decision

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Fri Oct 13 08:55:31 PDT 2017

Every day we’re faced with making decisions about our money. What feels like a smart money choice in the moment may have repercussions in the future. You might be tempted to save money on a purchase now only to have your credit score suffer.  You might choose to delay payments on a big ticket item […]

The post Store Credit Cards, Balance Transfers & More: Make the Smart Money Decision appeared first on LRRCU.

Safe Online Banking: For You & Your Money

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Mar 26 13:44:22 PDT 2018

From 24/7 account access to quick and easy bill paying, online banking offers members a convenient way to handle their finances. However, the rise of technology also brings an increase in potential hackers, scams, and fraud cases. Whether you’re looking to shield your small business or family’s finances, there are many strategies to stay vigilant […]

The post Safe Online Banking: For You & Your Money appeared first on LRRCU.

Do You Know About the 2017 Tax Filing Extension?

by Liz Oliver @ LRRCU

Thu Mar 15 02:14:14 PDT 2018

The date April 15 is probably as quickly recognizable to most Americans as July 4 or December 25. Traditionally recognized as Tax Day, it’s the deadline for filing your previous year’s tax return.  With one month to go, you may be feeling the pressure and scrambling to get the task completed in the remaining days.  But […]

The post Do You Know About the 2017 Tax Filing Extension? appeared first on LRRCU.

Discover Bank Online Savings Account Review

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Sun Feb 25 09:00:18 PST 2018

Discover Bank is an online only bank that offers excellent rates for savers with low fees. In this review, we cover its products, rates and fees. Interested in opening a savings account at Discover® Bank? Read this article first. Most every consumer knows the Discover brand, but for it’s extensive line of credit card products. […]

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The Correct Way to Pay Off Personal Debt: The Debt Avalanche

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Fri Dec 01 05:00:46 PST 2017

The debt avalanche is the fastest and cheapest way to pay off you debts. But is it always the best way? Sometimes the debt snowball may be better. When it comes to math, things are pretty straightforward. No matter what language you speak, one and one always equals two. And, in theory, finances should work […]

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15 Applications of AI and Machine Learning in Financial Marketing

by Jim Marous @ The Financial Brand

Sun Mar 18 21:04:59 PDT 2018

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning are very powerful marketing tools that must be used by banks and credit unions to meet consumer expectations.

The post 15 Applications of AI and Machine Learning in Financial Marketing appeared first on The Financial Brand.

5 Ways Fintech Firms Help Banks and Credit Unions

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Wed Mar 14 18:03:14 PDT 2018

Combining benefits of traditional banking organizations and new fintech start-ups can improve the development of digital solutions and enhance the consumer experience.

The post 5 Ways Fintech Firms Help Banks and Credit Unions appeared first on The Financial Brand.

How Long Should It Take to Build a Digital Bank?

by Jim Marous @ The Financial Brand

Sun Mar 11 21:03:54 PDT 2018

To keep up with the market, the competition and the consumer, financial institutions that want to roll out a digital bank need to move quickly.

The post How Long Should It Take to Build a Digital Bank? appeared first on The Financial Brand.

How to Open Your First IRA Account

by Stephanie Colestock @ Consumerism Commentary

Tue Feb 20 03:00:00 PST 2018

No more excuses. It’s time to open your first IRA account. We walk you through the entire process, including where to open your account. It’s easy! Establishing your first IRA, or Independent Retirement Account, is a big deal in the world of finance. This tax-advantaged account is a great way to save and invest for […]

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How Financial Services CEOs Can Embrace Social and Lead By Example

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Thu Mar 08 21:03:21 PST 2018

Social media is an important communications tool for bank and credit union CEOs, providing a 'voice' to customers, employees, partners and shareholders.

The post How Financial Services CEOs Can Embrace Social and Lead By Example appeared first on The Financial Brand.

10 Tips for Avoiding Overdraft Fees

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Thu Mar 08 04:00:37 PST 2018

What’s a quick way to empty your pockets? Paying for overdraft fees. Here are ten tips to help you avoid those bank penalties. Consumers overdraft their bank accounts . . . a lot. According to data compiled by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, these fees totaled more than $11 billion in 2015. More recent data […]

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New Banking Ecosystems Will Use Data and Collaboration to Deliver Value

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Wed Mar 21 21:03:04 PDT 2018

Open banking requires strong data and analytics skills, a digital culture and a willingness to share and collaborate with alternative providers.

The post New Banking Ecosystems Will Use Data and Collaboration to Deliver Value appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Bringing Simplicity to Banking

by Michelle Brown @ The Financial Brand

Sun Mar 25 21:02:21 PDT 2018

With banking, people don’t want to have to think too hard or put forth a lot of effort. Today's consumer demands the banking experience be simple across every touchpoint.

The post Bringing Simplicity to Banking appeared first on The Financial Brand.

How to Save Money Without Worrying About Coupons

by Abby Hayes @ Consumerism Commentary

Sat Nov 25 05:00:00 PST 2017

Clipping coupons can save you money. It’s also a pain. Here’s how you can save money without coupons or the hassle that comes with them. The retail industry has everyone fooled. Millions of people spend their time scouring for deals, clipping coupons from the newspaper, plugging into the latest mobile deal applications, and sharing their […]

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When to Pay Employees for FLSA Hours Worked

by Kaylee Riley @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Wed Mar 28 05:15:18 PDT 2018

When nonexempt employees are doing their primary job duties, it’s easy to tell that they are working. Their working time should be compensated. But, when nonexempt employees are not doing their main job duties, it can be more difficult to tell if they are working and if they should be compensated. The Fair Labor Standards […]

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The Massive Millennial Shake Up in Traditional Wealth Management

by Jim Marous @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 19 21:03:50 PDT 2018

As baby boomers change their financial objectives, the millennial investor provides wealth management opportunities that can't be ignored.

The post The Massive Millennial Shake Up in Traditional Wealth Management appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Digital Lending Must Go Beyond Eliminating Paper

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 12 21:03:54 PDT 2018

To get the optimal benefits of digital lending, back office processes, front office solutions and marketing communication all must be digitally-based.

The post Digital Lending Must Go Beyond Eliminating Paper appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Meet 11 of the Most Interesting Chatbots in Banking

by Jim Marous @ The Financial Brand

Tue Mar 13 21:03:23 PDT 2018

The use of chatbots in the banking industry is exploding, with a variety of ways to apply the technology and improve the digital experience.

The post Meet 11 of the Most Interesting Chatbots in Banking appeared first on The Financial Brand.

10 Legitimate Ways to Watch Free Movies Online

by Abby Hayes @ Consumerism Commentary

Wed Nov 29 04:00:00 PST 2017

There are now more ways than ever to watch free movies online. Here are 10 of them, some of which offer recently released flicks. If you’re anything like me, your family time and date nights often involve watching movies. There’s nothing our five-year-old likes better than curling up on the couch with some popcorn to […]

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Are Online Banks Safe?

by Rob Berger @ Consumerism Commentary

Tue Mar 20 07:00:35 PDT 2018

Online banking is a reality for everybody. Even traditional banks with branches offer account access online. But are online banks safe? Here are several tips to help keep your money secure online. This article was first published several years ago. At that time, most individuals were still doing their banking transactions in person or over […]

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What Happens If Your Bank Account Is Hacked?

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Wed Mar 28 04:00:23 PDT 2018

What happens if your bank account is hacked? Are you liable or is your bank? We have the answer, along with some tips how to keep your money safe online. As society’s reliance on technology grows, especially for things like banking, we will continue to see more and more issues with account hacking. Whether on […]

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Successfully Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget [Downloadable Budget Sheet]

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Wed Nov 15 04:02:02 PST 2017

‘Tis the season to be jolly! ‘Tis the season for the gifts, decorations, family, friends, and children on their best behavior. ‘Tis the season for overloaded shopping bags, impulse buying, and credit card bills. Wait! That doesn’t sound as cheery. In 2016, according to a survey conducted by The American Research Group Inc., Americans spent […]

The post Successfully Plan for Holiday Shopping on a Budget [Downloadable Budget Sheet] appeared first on LRRCU.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

by Stephanie Colestock @ Consumerism Commentary

Wed Dec 06 05:00:27 PST 2017

A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars in lower rates. To help boost your FICO score, here’s our guide on how to improve your credit score. Somewhere along the line, debt became “normal.” In fact, American consumer society has progressed to the point that access to debt is almost essential to living […]

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5 Best Money Market Rates for 2018

by Michael Pruser @ Consumerism Commentary

Thu Mar 22 03:00:00 PDT 2018

The best money market rates today pay interest in the top 5% of all deposit accounts. These rates come from online banks. Here’s our list of the top 5. I’ve never been a big saver. And that’s especially when it comes to putting money into an online savings account or money market. During the adult […]

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Digital CX Now The Ultimate Factor In The Fate of Banking Brands

by Lisa Joyce @ The Financial Brand

Sun Mar 18 21:02:24 PDT 2018

Is there a future for traditional banks and credit unions? Yes, but everything now hinges entirely on the digital experience they deliver.

The post Digital CX Now The Ultimate Factor In The Fate of Banking Brands appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Holiday Shopping Tips for Your Spending Personality

by Kara Vincent @ LRRCU

Mon Nov 20 10:19:45 PST 2017

Although 41% of consumers report starting their holiday shopping in October or even earlier (Wow! Good for you!), an estimated 69% of Americans will shop over the Thanksgiving weekend. Early research from the National Retail Federation shows that the 2017 season will be a big deal, with holiday spending forecasted to be near $680 billion, up almost 4% […]

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The Four Pillars of Digital Transformation in Banking

by Lisa Joyce @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 26 21:04:59 PDT 2018

Banks and credit unions know they need a digital strategy, but few actually have one. Use this outline as your strategic checklist and self-assessment tool.

The post The Four Pillars of Digital Transformation in Banking appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Zions Bank Online Savings Account Review

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Fri Dec 15 06:30:47 PST 2017

In our detailed Zions Bank review, we cover its savings products, rates, and fees. We also compare it to other online banking options. As of today, Zions Bank offers one of the highest interest rates among high-interest savings accounts. But is it worthwhile to move your money there to take advantage of this interest rate? […]

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Will the Courts Accept a Jury Duty Excuse Letter If You’re in a Pinch?

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 19 05:10:23 PDT 2018

Sometimes, you or your employees’ personal responsibilities conflict with your business. For many small businesses, if you miss work or lose an employee for an extended period of time, there can be harmful effects on productivity in the workplace. But if you or an employee are called in for jury duty, you might not have […]

The post Will the Courts Accept a Jury Duty Excuse Letter If You’re in a Pinch? appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

8 Ways to Get Free Amazon Gift Cards

by Stephanie Colestock @ Consumerism Commentary

Tue Nov 21 14:44:00 PST 2017

The one thing better than an Amazon gift card is a free Amazon gift card. Here are eight ways to score free Amazon gift cards. If you’re anything like me, you’re used to seeing “Amazon” on your bank statement. Those boxes with blue tape are a mainstay on my front porch, delivering everything from vitamins […]

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This Spring, Clear Mediocre Credit Cards Out of Your Wallet

by Gregory Karp @ NerdWallet

Mon Mar 26 08:00:11 PDT 2018

Spring is a great time to declutter a closet full of clothes, a garage full of boxes and your wallet full of inferior credit cards. The average credit card holder…

6 Ways to Get Free Redbox Codes

by Stephanie Colestock @ Consumerism Commentary

Thu Nov 23 14:54:00 PST 2017

Redbox is a great way to watch moves. And while it’s cheap, you can do even better. Here are six ways to get free Redbox codes. I’ll be honest: I can’t even remember the last time I paid just to watch a movie. Between streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and my Amazon Fire Stick, I […]

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The Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2018

by Michael Pruser @ Consumerism Commentary

Tue Jan 30 05:00:49 PST 2018

Enjoy free travel with this list of the best travel rewards credit cards of 2018. I’ve personally used several of these credit cards for free flights and hotel stays. It’s time to plan your holiday travel. That may mean cashing in the travel rewards you’ve accumulated on credit cards–or it may mean starting to use […]

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Why In-Store Supermarket Branches Are a Bad Idea

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Wed Mar 14 20:03:16 PDT 2018

In-store branch locations may seem appealing in theory, but compared to traditional branches, they are rarely successful.

The post Why In-Store Supermarket Branches Are a Bad Idea appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Use Data and Next-Gen Tools to Drive Digital Banking Transformation

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Wed Mar 07 18:03:52 PST 2018

The need for extensive digital transformation in banking will require the combination of data insights, analytics and innovative technologies.

The post Use Data and Next-Gen Tools to Drive Digital Banking Transformation appeared first on The Financial Brand.

How to Find the Most Affordable Cell Phone Plans

by Abby Hayes @ Consumerism Commentary

Thu Jan 11 06:00:00 PST 2018

The cell phone company war bodes well for consumers, with cellular plans reaching all-time lows. Here are some of the cheapest cell phone plans we could find. Over the past few years, cell phone providers have declared an out-and-out war to win over consumers. This spells good things for the consumers, who can now take […]

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How Will The Smartphone of the Future Impact Banking?

by Jim Marous @ The Financial Brand

Sun Mar 25 21:03:08 PDT 2018

Advances in smartphone technology and user growth provide opportunities for innovation and differentiation for banking organizations.

The post How Will The Smartphone of the Future Impact Banking? appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Ally Invest Review

by Kevin Mercadante @ Consumerism Commentary

Mon Dec 18 04:00:00 PST 2017

Ally Invest offers is a low cost and very easy to use online broker. Formerly TradeKing, we cover all of its features and costs in this review. You’ve probably heard about Ally Bank. They’re perhaps the best-known online bank, offering some of the highest interest rates available on savings accounts and certificates of deposit. As […]

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Financial Institutions Aren’t Prepared for the Digital Revolution

by Jim Marous @ The Financial Brand

Tue Mar 20 21:03:28 PDT 2018

As interview with Chris Skinner on his newest book, Digital Human, where he discusses the Digital Revolution and its impact on financial services.

The post Financial Institutions Aren’t Prepared for the Digital Revolution appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Barclays Online Savings Review

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Wed Mar 14 06:00:25 PDT 2018

Barclays online savings account offers one of the highest interest rates and lowest fees available today. In this review, we cover the details to help you determine if Barclays Bank is right for you. Barclays Bank is a relative newcomer to the U.S. online savings market. It’s been around as a bank, though, since 1690. […]

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Don’t Let Bad Data Kill Your Financial Institution’s Brand

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Wed Mar 07 21:02:37 PST 2018

When you try to personalize your marketing communications and fail, you lose people's trust and undermine your brand. Here's three ways to make sure that doesn't happen.

The post Don’t Let Bad Data Kill Your Financial Institution’s Brand appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Banks Must Look Beyond Traditional Credit Scores

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 26 21:03:21 PDT 2018

Increased data and advanced technology is is expanding the availability of credit to consumers with thin credit scores.

The post Banks Must Look Beyond Traditional Credit Scores appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Capital One 360 Savings Account Review

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Mon Mar 26 07:00:54 PDT 2018

Capital One 360 is one of the oldest online banks. In this review, we look at the savings products it offers, the interest rates, and the fees. When Capital One purchased ING Direct to create Capital One 360, it made a splash in the online savings account market. Now, Capital One 360 offers a whole […]

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Geotargeted Marketing Strategies: Using Location Data to Engage Banking Consumers

by Lisa Joyce @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 12 21:02:31 PDT 2018

Banks and credit unions can drive greater marketing ROI by leveraging location-based data from consumers' mobile devices.

The post Geotargeted Marketing Strategies: Using Location Data to Engage Banking Consumers appeared first on The Financial Brand.

5 Things Experts Say You Should Know About Obamacare Open Enrollment

by Kate Cox @ Consumerist

Mon Oct 30 07:30:30 PDT 2017

If anything is true of 2017, it is this: Confusion reigns. And nowhere do we see that more than in healthcare, where failed repeal attempts, executive orders, sudden, out-of-the-blue policy changes, and general unpredictable chaos have dominated the news. But the fact remains that Americans still need access to medical care, and for those who don’t have …

5 Ways Banks & Credit Unions Can Apply Machine Learning Today

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Thu Mar 22 21:02:01 PDT 2018

Fueled by the large volumes of data available in today's digital world, machine learning has the power to completely transform the experience financial institutions deliver.

The post 5 Ways Banks & Credit Unions Can Apply Machine Learning Today appeared first on The Financial Brand.

The Best Current and Historical Bank Interest Rates — March 2018

by Rob Berger @ Consumerism Commentary

Thu Mar 01 04:00:28 PST 2018

We’ve tracked bank rates since 2008. The latest list shows the best bank interest rates available nationwide as of March 2018 (with daily updates). Since many banks are constantly updating their interest rates offered on savings, money market and checking accounts, this chart should come in handy. On the 1st of every month, this page […]

The post The Best Current and Historical Bank Interest Rates — March 2018 appeared first on Consumerism Commentary.

Outside the Box: Escaping the Confines of Obsolete Consumer Banking Strategies

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Tue Mar 20 21:01:29 PDT 2018

Financial execs must ditch the tired paradigms that served as the bedrock of 20th century banking models, and break free from the mental roadblocks holding the industry back.

The post Outside the Box: Escaping the Confines of Obsolete Consumer Banking Strategies appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Five Big Strategic Shifts Bank and Credit Union CMOs Must Make

by Amber Sullivan @ The Financial Brand

Tue Mar 13 21:02:05 PDT 2018

Customer centricity, CX and digital transformation are among the dominant themes that preoccupy the most effective CMOs in the world today.

The post Five Big Strategic Shifts Bank and Credit Union CMOs Must Make appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Which Credit Card Should Be Your First?

by Aliyyah Camp @ Consumerism Commentary

Mon Nov 13 04:50:10 PST 2017

Getting a credit card as a young adult is a big step. To help, we’ve researched the best first credit card options and how to make this important choice. Getting your first credit card is a significant financial milestone. Maybe you’re a college student jumping into personal finance for the first time. Or maybe you’ve […]

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What’s The Best Mobile Payment Platform: Zelle, Venmo, Square or Apple Pay?

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 19 21:02:04 PDT 2018

Mobile payments are table stakes for banking providers looking to remain relevant with today's digital consumers. Which one should you offer?

The post What’s The Best Mobile Payment Platform: Zelle, Venmo, Square or Apple Pay? appeared first on The Financial Brand.

Best Student Checking Accounts in 2018

by Luke Landes @ Consumerism Commentary

Mon Dec 04 06:00:55 PST 2017

We’ve complied a list of the best student checking accounts in 2017. Options include online and traditional banks that pay bonuses, high interest rates, or both. As we head into a new year, thousands of young adults will be heading to college for the first time. It’s important to get started on the right financial […]

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7 of the Best Places to Open an IRA in 2018

by Kevin Mercadante @ Consumerism Commentary

Tue Jan 16 03:00:00 PST 2018

Opening an IRA is an important decision. To help, here is our survey of the best IRA accounts for 2018, including fees and features of each option. Just about every bank, investment brokerage, and robo-advisor welcomes Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). But there are a handful of institutions that stand out above the rest. Below are […]

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Why Financial Institutions Are Betting on Multi-Sensory Branch Experiences

by Guest Contributor @ The Financial Brand

Mon Mar 19 21:01:53 PDT 2018

Here's how banks and credit unions are using all five senses to shape people's perceptions of their brands in branch environments.

The post Why Financial Institutions Are Betting on Multi-Sensory Branch Experiences appeared first on The Financial Brand.

3 Money Lessons We Can Learn From ‘Roseanne’

by Courtney Jespersen @ NerdWallet

Sun Mar 25 18:00:27 PDT 2018

On March 27, the Conner family is coming back to prime time, thanks to the revival of ABC’s “Roseanne.” The popular sitcom starring Roseanne Barr and John Goodman as husband…

How Banks and Credit Unions Can Survive Rising Interest Rates

by Lisa Joyce @ The Financial Brand

Sun Mar 11 21:02:40 PDT 2018

To make a significant difference in the amount of deposits you attract — and keep — the marketing strategy for your deposit products will have to shift.

The post How Banks and Credit Unions Can Survive Rising Interest Rates appeared first on The Financial Brand.

What You Need to Know About a Qualifying Life Event

by Rachel Gray @ Payroll Tips, Training, and News

Mon Mar 12 05:10:40 PDT 2018

Employees have a window of time each year to sign up for certain types of employer-sponsored insurance. Although this open enrollment period takes place at the end of each year for all employees, an employee can add or remove coverage at any time of the year if they have a qualifying life event. What is […]

The post What You Need to Know About a Qualifying Life Event appeared first on Payroll Tips, Training, and News.

How Many Savings Accounts Do You Need?

by Abby Hayes @ Consumerism Commentary

Fri Nov 10 04:51:08 PST 2017

Back in the day, we had just one savings account. Mine came with a passbook. Now we ask–how many savings accounts do you need? We have the answer. These days, more banks are offering low- or no-fee savings accounts. This can make it tempting to open a lot of different accounts. And, in some cases, […]

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