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Money Management

Everyday guidance on banking, budgeting, and building your wealth — including planning for what's next.

How to Remove Yourself From a Joint Bank Account

Learn the steps to removing your name from a joint account, including what to do if the other party won't consent.

Sarah Edwards
By 
Sarah Edwards
 • 
Kelly Suzan Waggoner
Edited By 
Kelly Suzan Waggoner
 • 
July 28, 2026

How to Report Self-Employment Income on a Credit Application

If you’re self-employed, reporting your income on a mortgage or credit card application can be confusing, especially when deciding between gross and net numbers. In this post, we’ll break down what counts as self-employment income, how to calculate the right figure, and which documents lenders may request to verify it.

Sarah Edwards
By 
Sarah Edwards
 • 
July 26, 2026

How to Save for Retirement: The Complete Guide

Saving for retirement can feel overwhelming, but having a clear plan makes it much easier to build lasting financial security. In this post, we’ll break down the key account types, realistic savings benchmarks, and simple strategies like employer matching and automation to help you get started.

Kikoff Team
By 
Kikoff Team
 • 
July 12, 2026

How To Lower Your Electric Bill

Electric bills can climb even when your habits haven't changed, making it hard to know where to start cutting costs. In this post, we'll walk through nine practical ways to lower your electric bill, from quick fixes to longer-term investments.

Miranda Marquit
By 
Miranda Marquit
 • 
July 1, 2026

Do You Need a Credit Score to Open a Bank Account?

If you’re getting ready to open a bank account, you might be wondering whether you need a credit check or even a credit score to get approved. In this post, we’ll explain what banks actually look at, including ChexSystems and identity verification, plus what to do if you’re denied.

Sarah Edwards
By 
Sarah Edwards
 • 
June 25, 2026

How to Create a Savings Strategy

Learning how to create a savings strategy is essential for building financial stability, and this guide walks you through setting goals, choosing accounts, and automating your way to success.

Kikoff Team
By 
Kikoff Team
 • 
June 17, 2026

Unbanked and Underbanked Population in the U.S. Over Time

Millions of Americans still lack access to basic banking services, and for those who do, the cost of operating outside the financial mainstream adds up fast. In this post, we'll explore how the unbanked and underbanked population in the U.S. has changed over time and what drives people to the margins of the financial system.

Sarah Edwards
By 
Sarah Edwards
 • 
June 15, 2026

How to Make Informed Financial Choices

Learning how to make informed financial choices is essential for building long-term financial stability, from budgeting and saving to building credit and managing debt wisely.

Kikoff Team
By 
Kikoff Team
 • 
June 13, 2026

Overview of National Debt in the U.S.

The U.S. national debt has grown at an unprecedented pace, shaped by decades of wars, economic crises, and expanding government programs. In this post, we'll break down how the national debt works, what drives its growth, and how it affects everyday Americans.

Sarah Edwards
By 
Sarah Edwards
 • 
June 13, 2026

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