Blog · 73 articles
Blog
All 73 articles from SideBySide Savings, newest first. Search, filter by topic, or sort to find the one you need.
Treasury Bills vs High-Yield Savings: Which Is Better for Your Cash?
How Treasury bills and high-yield savings accounts differ on yield, state taxes, access and backing, with a simple after-tax formula to compare them yourself.
Treasury Bills vs High-Yield Savings: Which Is Better for Your Cash?
How Treasury bills and high-yield savings accounts differ on yield, state taxes, access and backing, with a simple after-tax formula to compare them yourself.
How to Send Part of Your Tax Refund Straight to Savings
How to send your tax refund to savings or split it across accounts with IRS Form 8888: which accounts qualify, what if a number is wrong, and when it arrives.
Savings Account Withdrawal Limits: How Many Transfers Can You Make?
The federal six-per-month savings withdrawal limit was removed in 2020, but many banks still cap transfers. Learn what counts, the fees and how to check yours.
How to Open a Savings Account for a Child: Custodial vs Joint
How to open a savings account for a child: joint vs custodial (UTMA/UGMA) setups, who controls the money, documents banks ask for, FDIC coverage and taxes.
Money Market Fund vs High-Yield Savings Account: Key Differences
A money market fund is an investment, not a bank deposit. Compare it with a high-yield savings account on safety, yield quotes, fees, access and taxes.
Joint Savings Account: Pros, Cons and What Couples Should Know
How a joint savings account works for couples: who can withdraw, survivorship, FDIC joint coverage, creditor risk, what happens in a breakup and how to compare.
What Happens to an Inactive Savings Account? Dormancy and Unclaimed Money
What happens when you stop using a savings account: dormancy, inactivity fees, how unused money goes to the state, and how to find and claim it for free.
I Bonds vs High-Yield Savings: Which Should Hold Your Cash?
Compare I bonds and high-yield savings side by side: how each rate is set, the 12-month lock, the early-cash penalty, purchase limits, taxes and how to choose.
How to Compare Savings Accounts: A Side-by-Side Checklist
A repeatable checklist for comparing savings accounts: APY, rate conditions, fees, transfer limits and FDIC or NCUA coverage, plus a blank table to fill in.
How Long Do Bank Transfers Take? ACH, Same-Day ACH and Wires Explained
How long ACH, Same Day ACH, wire and internal transfers take, how cutoff times, weekends and holidays add days, and how to move savings to a new bank smoothly.
Credit Union vs Online Bank: Where Should You Keep Your Savings?
Credit unions and online banks both offer federally insured savings. Compare insurance, membership, dividends, access and perks, then check rates.
The 52-Week Savings Challenge: How It Works and Where to Keep the Money
How the 52-week savings challenge works, with a printable weekly chart, reverse and flat-amount versions, and how to automate it in a separate savings account.
Holiday Spending Without Debt: Pay for Gifts From Savings
Card rates averaged over 22% on balances charged interest in mid-2026. How card interest and BNPL work, and how to pay for holiday gifts from savings instead.
How to Build a Holiday Sinking Fund (and Start Now for 2027)
A holiday sinking fund turns one big December bill into small monthly transfers. How to size it, where to keep it and how to automate it so 2027 is paid for.
When to Switch Banks: 7 Signs It's Time
When should you switch banks? Signs your current bank is costing you money, plus a step-by-step guide to switching without headaches.
What Is APY? The Complete Guide to Annual Percentage Yield
Learn what APY means, how it differs from APR, and how compound interest helps your savings grow. Includes real examples and calculator.
Wealthfront vs Betterment Cash 2026: The High-Balance Showdown
Wealthfront vs Betterment cash account comparison 2026. Extended FDIC coverage, APY rates, features compared for high-balance savers.
Wealthfront Cash Account Review 2026
Wealthfront Cash Account review 2026. 3.25% APY with $8 million FDIC coverage through partner banks. The best choice for high-balance savers.
Varo Bank Savings Review 2026
Varo Bank savings review 2026. 5.00% APY sounds incredible—but only applies to $5,000 with direct deposit. Here
Tiered Rate Traps: How Banks Advertise 5% But Pay You 0.25%
Banks advertise sky-high APYs with asterisks that hide the truth. Here
Taxes on Savings Account Interest: The Complete Guide
How savings account interest is taxed in 2026. Learn about 1099-INT forms, tax brackets, and strategies to minimize your tax burden on interest income.
SoFi vs Marcus 2026: The Direct Deposit Question
SoFi vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs comparison 2026. SoFi pays 4% with direct deposit, Marcus pays 3.65% unconditionally. Which is better for your savings?
SoFi vs Discover 2026: Direct Deposit Required?
SoFi pays more but requires direct deposit. Discover pays less but adds cashback rewards. Here's how to choose.
SoFi vs Ally 2026: Which Savings Account Wins?
SoFi vs Ally Bank comparison 2026. SoFi offers 4% with direct deposit, Ally offers 3.70% with no strings. Which is right for you?
SoFi Checking & Savings Review 2026: Is 4.00% APY Worth It?
In-depth SoFi Checking & Savings review for 2026. Earn 4.00% APY with direct deposit, get up to $300 bonus, and access 55,000+ fee-free ATMs. Full pros, cons, and verdict.
Savings Account vs Money Market: What's the Difference?
Savings accounts vs money market accounts explained. Learn the differences in rates, access, and features to choose the right account for your money.
Savings vs Checking: What's the Difference?
Savings vs checking accounts explained. When to use each, how they differ, and why you probably need both.
The Promotional APY Trap: Banks' Favorite Bait-and-Switch
Banks advertise 5% APY promotional rates that expire after 3 months. Learn how the bait-and-switch works and how to avoid getting trapped.
Marcus vs Discover 2026: Savings-Only vs Full Bank
Marcus vs Discover comparison 2026. Goldman Sachs stability vs Discover
Marcus by Goldman Sachs Review 2026
In-depth Marcus by Goldman Sachs savings account review. Current 3.65% APY, no fees, no minimums. Is Wall Street
How Much Emergency Fund Do You Actually Need?
How much emergency fund do you really need? The 3-6 month rule explained, plus factors that might mean you need more (or less).
How the Fed Affects Your Savings Account Rate
Learn how Federal Reserve interest rate decisions impact your savings account APY. Understand the Fed funds rate and what it means for your money.
The $1,400 Hidden Tax: Why Banks Want to Keep Your Money Earning 0.01%
Traditional banks profit $1,400+ per year from your savings account inertia. Here
FDIC Insurance Explained: Your $250,000 Safety Net
Everything you need to know about FDIC insurance: coverage limits, what
Emergency Fund Calculator
Free emergency fund calculator. Calculate exactly how much you need based on your expenses and risk factors.
Discover vs Ally 2026: Battle of the Online Banks
Discover vs Ally Bank comparison 2026. Compare rates, features, apps, and bonuses to find the best online bank for your savings.
Discover Online Savings Review 2026
Discover Online Savings review 2026. 3.60% APY, $200 bonus, no fees. Plus: What the Capital One acquisition means for your account.
The Direct Deposit Requirement Scam: What Banks Don't Tell You
Banks advertise high APY rates but bury direct deposit requirements in fine print. Here
How Compound Interest Works: The Complete Guide
Learn how compound interest works with clear examples. Understand daily vs monthly compounding, the Rule of 72, and how to maximize your savings growth.
Compound Interest Calculator
Free compound interest calculator. See how your savings grow over time with daily, monthly, or annual compounding.
How Comparison Sites Really Work: The Affiliate Commission Problem
Do comparison sites really show you the best accounts? We investigate how affiliate commissions influence NerdWallet, Bankrate, and Forbes Advisor rankings.
10 Common Savings Mistakes That Cost You Money
Avoid these 10 common savings account mistakes that cost you money. From earning 0.01% to ignoring FDIC limits, here
CIT Bank vs Ally 2026: Tiered vs Flat Rates
CIT advertises higher rates but uses tiers. Ally pays less but treats everyone equally. Which actually earns you more?
CIT Bank Platinum Savings Review 2026
CIT Bank Platinum Savings review 2026. 4.10% APY looks great—until you read the fine print. Our honest analysis of who should (and shouldn
CD Laddering: Higher Returns + Regular Access
CD laddering strategy explained. How to build a CD ladder for higher returns while maintaining regular access to your money.
Capital One 360 vs Ally 2026: Full-Service Online Banks
Capital One 360 vs Ally Bank comparison 2026. Compare rates, features, and banking ecosystems to find the best online bank for you.
Betterment Cash Reserve Review 2026
Betterment Cash Reserve review 2026. 3.75% APY with $2 million FDIC coverage. How the robo-advisor
Best Savings Accounts for Self-Employed 2026
Best high-yield savings accounts for freelancers, contractors, and self-employed 2026. No direct deposit requirements, variable income friendly.
Best Savings Accounts for Large Balances 2026
Best savings accounts for large balances 2026. Extended FDIC coverage, competitive rates, and features for savers with $100K or more.
Best Savings Accounts for Retirees 2026
Best high-yield savings accounts for retirees 2026. No direct deposit requirements, easy access, and competitive rates for your retirement savings.
Best Savings Accounts for Beginners 2026
Best savings accounts for beginners 2026. No minimums, no fees, easy setup. The perfect first high-yield savings account.
Best Savings Account Bonuses 2026
Best high-yield savings account sign-up bonuses 2026. Earn $150-$300 just for opening an account and meeting deposit requirements.
Best No-Minimum Savings Accounts 2026
Best high-yield savings accounts with no minimum balance 2026. Earn 4%+ APY starting with just $1. No fees, no catches.
Best Mobile Banking Apps 2026
Best mobile banking apps 2026. Ranked by App Store ratings, features, and user experience. Find the best app for managing your savings.
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts of 2026
Compare the 15 best high-yield savings accounts of 2026. Find rates up to 5.00% APY with our unbiased rankings based on APY, fees, minimums, and features.
Best Savings Accounts for Emergency Funds 2026
The best savings accounts for your emergency fund in 2026. High APY, instant access, no fees. Our picks for where to keep your 3-6 month safety net.
Best CD Rates January 2026
Best CD rates January 2026. Compare 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 5-year CD rates from top banks including no-penalty options.
Barclays vs Marcus 2026: Two Banking Giants Compared
Barclays vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs comparison 2026. Two global banking giants, both offering high-yield savings. Which is better for you?
Barclays Online Savings Review 2026
Barclays Online Savings review 2026. 4.00% APY, $200 bonus for new customers, no fees or minimums. Is this global banking giant right for your savings?
APY vs APR: What's the Difference?
APY vs APR explained simply. APY is for savings (what you earn), APR is for loans (what you pay). Here
APY Comparison Calculator
Compare APY rates side by side. See exactly how much more you
Ally vs Marcus 2026: Which High-Yield Savings Account Wins?
Ally Bank vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs: A detailed comparison of APY rates, features, fees, and user experience. Find out which HYSA is best for you in 2026.
Ally Bank High-Yield Savings Review 2026: Best Overall Experience?
Complete Ally Bank savings account review for 2026. Earn 3.70% APY with no minimums, no fees, and excellent app. Compare features, pros, cons and alternatives.
The Synapse Collapse: 100,000+ Americans Lost Access to $265 Million
The Synapse fintech collapse froze $265M belonging to 100,000+ Americans. Here
Is Your Fintech Really FDIC Insured?
That "FDIC Insured" badge might not mean what you think. After the Synapse collapse left 100,000+ users frozen out of their accounts, here's how to verify your money is actually protected.
FDIC Insurance Explained: The Complete Guide
What FDIC insurance actually covers, what it doesn't, how to protect more than $250,000, and critical facts most people get wrong.
Best High-Yield Savings Accounts 2026
Best high-yield savings accounts for January 2026. Compare APY rates, features, and our honest verdict. Updated monthly with current rates.
Ally vs Marcus 2026: The Ultimate Showdown
Ally Bank vs Marcus by Goldman Sachs: Complete 2026 comparison. See APY, features, pros/cons, and our verdict on which HYSA is better for your money.
SoFi vs Wealthfront 2026: Complete Comparison
SoFi vs Wealthfront cash account comparison. One has a bank charter, one doesn
HSA vs HYSA: Which Should You Use?
The acronyms are similar, but these accounts are completely different. One offers triple tax advantages; one offers flexibility. Here's when to use each—and why you might want both.
Capital One Hid Better Rates From Millions of Customers
Capital One created a secret high-yield account paying 14x more interest—and forbid employees from telling existing customers. Here
Can Creditors Garnish Your Savings Account?
Can creditors take money from your savings account? Yes—but protections vary wildly by state. Texas protects most accounts; other states offer almost none. Here
Best Savings Accounts for ITIN Holders
You don't need a Social Security Number to open a bank account in the United States. Here's which banks accept ITINs, how to get competitive rates, and what documents you'll need.