Money Management

On March 12, 2024, I sat across from Karen, who’d just trusted me with her retirement plan for the tenth time. When she blanched at ‘Grid Code G’ on her Equifax printout. It wasn’t just letters; it was her home-equity line in someone else’s hands. Here’s a harsh truth:...

After 25 years as a financial planner, I can tell you that the most financially fragile people I’ve met weren’t the ones with the lowest incomes. They were the ones with the best excuses. Those who never learned how to stop spending money I’m talking about Pat and John from...

Okay, real talk. The word "budget" probably still makes you flinch. It brings up feelings of restriction, of financial diets, of being told you can't have the things you want. After guiding clients for over 25 years, I've seen firsthand how budgeting's reputation as a strict jail is simply...

July 2023: A client called me in tears. She'd activated her Chime card three days earlier, didn't set up transaction alerts, and just discovered $847 in fraudulent charges at a gas station in Texas. She lives in Oregon. The card worked, but she'd skipped the security steps. Here’s the bottom...

It's not always instant, and limits can be tricky. As a financial expert, I'll break down Chime's transfer system so your money moves when and where you need it, without the usual fintech headaches. understanding credit card balance transfers can help you save money on interest and consolidate debt...

Feeling the pinch every time you need to add cash to your Cash App Card? You're not the only one. I’m Michael Ryan, and with over 25 years helping folks navigate the often-murky waters of personal finance. I've seen countless people like Maria Lopez, a gig worker trying to...

Staring at a direct deposit form wondering, "What's Chime's bank name and address?" It's a common question, and I've seen it cause unnecessary stress. Nobody wants their paycheck or tax refund delayed! I'm going to show you what you need to know about Chime Bank name and address for deposits,...

Hello, Michael Ryan here. With almost 30 years in financial planning, I’ve seen countless financial innovations. And just as many ways for folks to get caught in a bind. A question that’s increasingly hitting my inbox, especially from the Chime community, is sharp and urgent:  "Michael, I need emergency cash,...

So, you're eyeing that six-figure milestone, or maybe you've recently crossed it. One hundred thousand dollars a year. For decades, it’s been a powerful symbol of success, a tangible sign that you’ve “made it.” But let’s be brutally honest: in 2025, with inflation's lingering bite, housing costs that seem...

In 2026, overdraft fees remain brutal. March 2024: Sarah, a 28-year-old restaurant server in Denver, discovered $210 in overdraft fees across six months. Six $35 hits from her traditional bank—money that would've covered her car insurance premium. Overdraft fees trap users in cycles. Chime SpotMe offers fee-free overdrafts, but does...