How Much Money Should I Keep In My Checking Account?

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Most of us use our checking accounts on a daily basis. Every swipe of a debit card, every bill we pay and every personal check we write takes money out of our checking account. But, how much money should we be keeping in these super-convenient accounts? Let’s find out:
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How to Save on Your First Set of College Textbooks

Female college student looking at text books

Buying every textbook you need for class can take a big bite out of your budget. According to the National Association of College Stores, the average college student spends upward of $80 on each new textbook and can sometimes drop as much as $175 on one volume. So how do you get the books you need while also keeping your budget intact? Read on for 6 ways to save on textbooks this semester.

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10 Ways to Save on Back-to-School Shopping

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Did you know the average American parent will spend about $700 per child this shopping season? If that’s likely to throw a damper on your summer, take a deep breath and relax. You don’t need to spend yourself into debt just because everyone else seems to be doing it. Instead, take a proactive approach when shopping for the new school year and spend much less than the national average. Here are 10 ways to save on back-to-school shopping. 

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Beware of Emergency Scams

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If you get a call from a grandchild claiming he or she is facing some kind of emergency, and then find yourself talking to someone claiming to be law enforcement telling you to wire money or use a prepaid debit card to send funds, don't do it! It might very well be a scam! Family emergency scams are especially nefarious since they take advantage of the natural affection a grandparent has for a grandchild. Here's how to identify an emergency scam and what to do if you've been victimized.

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