The Latest Breaking News from The Free Financial Advisor

The Fed Decides September 16—The 3 Accounts That Reprice Within 48 Hours, and the 4 That Take Months

The Federal Reserve makes its next interest-rate decision on September 16, and the financial effects can start showing up much faster than many people expect. But there is a catch: not every account responds to a Fed move at the same speed, and some barely care about the decision at…

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 15

IRS Proposes New Tax Rules for U.S. Companies With Foreign Income and Overseas Operations

U.S. companies doing business overseas could face updated rules for calculating important international tax deductions and foreign tax credits under a new proposal from the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 14

Federal Regulators Double Bank Asset Threshold for 18-Month Examination Cycle to $6 Billion

Some community banks may now go six additional months between regularly scheduled federal on-site examinations after regulators doubled the asset threshold for institutions eligible for an extended examination cycle.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 14

You’re Paying 24% on a Credit Card. How Much Is That Balance Really Costing You?

A credit card balance with a 24% APR can quietly become a very expensive houseguest. On a $5,000 balance, that rate works out to roughly $100 in interest over a month before accounting for payments, new purchases, or the card issuer’s daily interest calculation. The balance may look like a…

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 13

Are You Being Underpaid on Your Savings? The Latest FDIC Numbers Give You a Benchmark

A savings account can look perfectly respectable until its interest rate gets compared with what other banks pay. The FDIC’s latest national average puts the typical savings account at just 0.38%, while competitive high-yield savings accounts currently offer rates around 4% or more.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 13

September 15 Is a Major Tax Deadline – Who Actually Needs to Pay the IRS?

September 15 can sneak up on taxpayers because it does not involve the giant annual tax-day frenzy that surrounds April 15. Yet for millions of Americans, September 15 marks the deadline for the third estimated federal tax payment of 2026, and ignoring it could create an unpleasant surprise later.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 12

Why Banks Sometimes Close Accounts Without Warning

A bank account can feel like one of the most permanent things in adult life. Money goes in, bills come out, the debit card gets used at the grocery store, and everything hums along in the background. Then a bank can decide to close the account, leaving customers scrambling to…

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 12

You Have $10,000: Pay Off Your Car or Invest It? Let’s Run the Numbers

Finding an unexpected $10,000 can create a surprisingly awkward money decision: should it wipe out a car loan or go to work in an investment account? Paying off the car delivers a guaranteed benefit because eliminating debt cuts future interest costs, while investing offers the possibility of greater long-term growth…

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 12

You Can Pay the IRS Directly From Your Bank Account for Free—No Registration Required

Paying a federal tax bill online doesn’t necessarily require creating another account—or paying a processing fee to use a credit or debit card.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 11

How Much Should You Keep in Checking If Your Monthly Bills Are $4,000?

A $4,000 monthly bill total gives you a useful starting point for deciding how much cash belongs in your checking account. For many households, keeping roughly one month of regular expenses available can create breathing room, but parking every dollar in checking may not make sense either.

The Free Financial Advisor · Sep 11