Banking

Ever had that sickening lurch in your stomach? You peek at your bank balance, expecting one number, and BAM! It’s been mauled by a pack of unexpected overdraft fees. You’re not alone. For years, I watched good, hardworking clients get blindsided by these charges. We're talking billions raked in...

It’s one of the most frustrating feelings in finance. You deposit a check at Chase, see the money in your account, and then. BAM. Chase holds the check, and a 7-day hold appears. Your money is there, but it’s not yours to use. Plans are wrecked, bills are late,...

Yes, Chime works seamlessly with Cash App. You can link your Chime Spending Account and debit card to transfer money between both platforms. As a financial planner, one of the most common areas of confusion I see is how modern financial tools interact. You're trying to pay a friend back,...

As a financial planner for nearly 30 years, I've taught my clients that the secret to building wealth lies in managing the details. One of the most common details people overlook is the small, forgotten balances on Visa gift cards. This isn't just about convenience; it's about preventing "financial...

In my 30 years as a financial planner, I’ve seen more anxiety caused by payday uncertainty than by stock market crashes. The question, "Where is my money?" can be incredibly stressful, especially when bills are due. That's why Chime’s promise of early direct deposits is so appealing. So, what time...

Here's the straight answer: No. Chime doesn't work with Zelle anymore. Since Zelle shut down its standalone app in April 2025, Chime users lost their only workaround. The two services are officially incompatible. Why the disconnect? Chime partners with The Bancorp Bank and Stride Bank, neither of which joined Zelle's...

I'll never forget the panic in a client's voice when he called me. His Chime card inexplicably declined on a first date. When your money isn't working, you don't want to navigate a maze of bots and FAQs. You need a human, and you need them fast. How Do I...

Did you know that routing numbers have been facilitating secure money transfers between banks since 1910? This long-standing system plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency and security of various critical banking transactions. Tired of hunting endlessly for your Associated Bank routing number? Help is here. Go from frustration...

You sent the money. Maybe it was for rent, a contractor, or a gift for your daughter. The Zelle app said "sent," but the person on the other end says, "I haven't gotten it." A knot forms in your stomach. Is the money lost in cyberspace? Was it a...

Can you buy money orders with gift cards in 2026? Success rates dropped to 30%. Which Walmart locations still accept them and why safer alternatives work better.