June 2013

Mobile Finance
June 28, 2013

Mobile Finance Services Offer Alternative for the Underbanked

Over a quarter of Americans are unbanked or underbanked. That means millions are foregoing the protection and convenience of traditional financial institutions, all while incurring additional fees in order to perform day-to-day transactions like depositing a paycheck or paying rent. How can this underserved population gain access to affordable financial services? Turns out, the solution […]

by Briana Fabbri
Online Banks
June 26, 2013

What’s the Deal with Online-Only Bank Accounts?

From keeping in touch with friends to purchasing groceries, the Internet is changing the way we complete day-to-day tasks. But will online tools eventually replace the traditional bank branch? A 2012 study from Javelin Strategy shows that of those who are banked, about 11% say they would like to switch financial institutions at some point […]

by Briana Fabbri
Debit Card Protection
June 24, 2013

5 Tips for Protecting Your Prepaid Debit Card

Prepaid debit cards are becoming more and more popular in the U.S. for the banked and unbanked alike. While these cards offer many conveniences from a budgeting and purchasing standpoint, security remains a major concern. We talked with two card security experts to collect advice on how to use prepaid debit cards as safely as […]

by Briana Fabbri
Kids Money
June 21, 2013

5 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Money

One of the most valuable skillsets you can pass onto your child is a knack for personal finance management. The sooner your child forms healthy money habits, the better. While it helps to lead by example, it’s also important to sit your kids down and talk openly about money, teaching important lessons along the way. […]

by Briana Fabbri
Retirement Fund
June 19, 2013

Retirement Savings on the Line for Unbanked Older Adults

Studies show that a substantial portion of Americans of all ages are living, earning and spending without bank accounts. But how does this trend play out specifically among older Americans? And how does the lack of traditional financial services affect their retirement savings? Let’s take a look at some of the statistics to find out. […]

by Briana Fabbri
Prepaid Debit Cards
June 17, 2013

A Guide to Prepaid Debit Card Fees

One of the major perks of a checking account is the convenience and protection of a debit card. But with an estimated 17 million Americans lacking access to a bank account of any kind, this is a convenience that not everyone can enjoy. Prepaid debit cards are one alternative, but like many financial services, they […]

by Briana Fabbri
Online Shopping without Bank Account
June 14, 2013

5 Ways to Make Online Purchases Without a Debit or Credit Card

Online shopping has grown increasingly popular in the past several years, and for good reason. Retailers often offer a larger selection online than in stores, not to mention the added convenience of home delivery. But until recently, that convenience has been largely out of reach for many of the unbanked or underbanked, who often lack […]

by Briana Fabbri
Checking Account
June 12, 2013

5 Reasons Why You Need A Checking Account

Did you know that there are an estimated 17 million people in the United States who lack access to a bank account? While the biggest reason for avoiding banks is the fear of not having enough money to open an account, an additional 21% report that they simply “do not want an account.” From safety […]

by Briana Fabbri
Unbanked
June 10, 2013

Why Are One Quarter of Americans Unbanked or Underbanked?

From security to interest income to everyday convenience, bank accounts offer a number of important advantages. Why then do 17 million Americans lack access to any type of formal bank account? First and foremost, let’s take a closer look at the terminology, which is widely used by the FDIC and the finance industry but not […]

by Briana Fabbri
College Dropout Debt
June 3, 2013

Student Loan Delinquency Skyrockets Among Dropouts

There are countless programs in place to help high school students to make it to college, but what happens from there? Data shows that the college dropout rate is on the rise in America. Pathways to Prosperity, a 2011 report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, points out that just 56% of college students […]

by Briana Fabbri