Financial Advice for a Changing World
Credit Card Tips
How to Maximize All of the American Express Gold Card Credits
by Kyle Burbank
One of the most often-used cards in my wallet is the American Express Gold Card. Like its "big brother" the Platinum Card, the Amex Gold card commands a sizeable annual fee but attempts to offset that expense by including monthly credits. Of course, the card also includes some lucrative rewards categories and redemption options that further give it value. Having recently explored the best ways to maximize the Platinum card's…
Credit Card News
U.S. Bank Plans Major Changes to Altitude Connect Credit Card
by Kyle Burbank
U.S. Bank has revealed several major changes to its Altitude Connect credit card, which will arrive this September. About the changes: The first update is that the card will no longer carry an annual fee. Previously, the Altitude Connect card came at a cost of $95 per year — although this was often waived for the first year. Those who apply for the card now will enjoy a $0 introductory…
FinTech News
FundGuard Announces $100 Million Funding Round
by Kyle Burbank
A FinTech firm looking to modernize investment accounting has raised a new "mega-round." About the round: This week, FundGuard announced a $100 funding round. The Series C was led by Key1 Capital with participation from new investors Euclidean Capital and funds managed by Hamilton Lane. The round also included returning investors Blumberg Capital and Team8. To date, the company has now raised a total of $156 million including a Series B in… Product Reviews
Money Management Product Reviews
Greenlight Level Up Review: A Free Financial Literacy Game
by Kyle Burbank
Despite personal finance being an important topic for those of all ages, few schools make it a part of their curriculum. In this absesnse, several companies and institutions have offered their own ways for children, teens, and adults to gain financial literacy. Among those looking to lend some assistance is Greenlight, which now offers a free financial learning game called Level Up. Even better, the company recently announced a partnership… Money Management Product Reviews
Pepper Rewards Review: Earn Rebates on Gift Cards from Top Brands
by Kyle Burbank
Recently, out of nowhere, an app called Pepper seemed to be all the rage in the credit card reward and deal-finding corner of the Internet. Unlike some other apps I've seen mentioned that just seem too convoluted to be worth it, the premise of Pepper is super simple: buy gift cards and earn rewards. While there are some other sites where you can buy discounted gift cards or other apps… Money Management Product Reviews
Empower Personal Dashboard Review
by Kyle Burbank
A few years ago, my wife and I opened a new chapter in our financial journey as we resolved to make 2019 the year we learned more about investing. Whether I was reading books on the subject or exploring other blogs for advice, there was one recommendation I came across again and again: Personal Capital — which is now part of Empower and is known as the Empower Personal Dashboard…. Money Management Product Reviews
Mana App Review: The Neobanking App for Gamers
by Kyle Burbank
One of the most intriguing trends I've seen emerge since I've been following FinTech is the advent of niche neobanks. These days, you can find apps geared towards certain communities, interests, and more. Among the latest examples I've seen of this is an app called Mana, which bills itself as the best debit card for gamers. Now, I may not be a big gamer, but I do know a thing… Money Management Product Reviews
Ibotta App Review (2024)
by Kyle Burbank
I remember the first time I was introduced to the concept of digital coupons. For some reason, I was looking at the website for my local grocery store when I found a section dedicated to coupons. At the time I was confused about how you redeemed these coupons since they weren't in the typical print-and-clip format but, soon enough, I realized that I just needed to link them to my… Money Management Product Reviews
The Good and Bad of Credit Karma in 2024
by Kyle Burbank
So Credit Karma might not be able to tell you exactly what your credit score is but the truth is you have so many scores that it hardly matters. What makes this free service great isn’t necessarily the credit scores it offers you but the tools it gives you to protect, monitor, and improve your overall credit.Featured Articles
Savings Account Reviews
Varo Bank Review: The FinTech With a National Bank Charter
by Kyle Burbank
In 2020, Varo Money made history by becoming the first FinTech firm to be awarded a national bank charter — resulting in the new name Varo Bank. Although I hadn’t previously used Varo Money, they always struck me as an intriguing service that put its customers first. So, is that same spirit still present in Varo Bank? Let’s take a look at what Varo Bank has to offer, including the… Credit Card Guides
2023 Guide to Travel Credit Cards
by Kyle Burbank
In case you hadn’t heard, travel is back in a big way. With demand for flights, hotels, and more going strong, it may be time to grab a new credit card that will not only reward you on the purchases of these bookings but can also bring some perks to your travel experience. What’s more, several travel-centric credit cards are now offering some of their best welcome bonuses. On that… Small Business Tips
5 Things I’ve Learned After Making 200 YouTube Videos
by Kyle Burbank
Over the weekend, I published a new video on YouTube. That might sound pretty mundane seeing as I do this approximately once a week — but, a day after posting, I learned that this particular posting wasn’t as routine as it seemed. Instead, unbeknownst to me, I had just reached a milestone: publishing my 200th YouTube video (which I learned about thanks to VidIQ). Funny enough, this comes only a… Popular Posts
Money Management Tips
Money at 30: Top Personal Finance Apps for 2019
by Kyle Burbank
Happy 2019! Okay, so we may already be a few weeks into the new year but I feel like I’m just now getting my bearings. This means I’ve spent the past few days not only contemplating the coming year and working towards some financial goals of my own but also reflecting on the year that was. As part of this, I started thinking about the various personal finance apps I… Money Management Product Reviews
Empower Personal Dashboard Review
by Kyle Burbank
A few years ago, my wife and I opened a new chapter in our financial journey as we resolved to make 2019 the year we learned more about investing. Whether I was reading books on the subject or exploring other blogs for advice, there was one recommendation I came across again and again: Personal Capital — which is now part of Empower and is known as the Empower Personal Dashboard…. Money Management Product Reviews
SoFi Active Investing Review (2023)
by Kyle Burbank
Has there ever been a better time to be a newbie investor? It wasn’t long ago that trading stocks and purchasing ETFs required “a guy” who you could give orders to and they’d make it happen. Oh, but they would charge you a significant commission for the service. Cut to 2023 and things are much different. Not only has stock market trading moved online, allowing investors to make trades for… Money Management Product Reviews
Yes, You Can Earn Cash Back With Dosh
by Kyle Burbank
The bottom line is that the Dosh app works as well as I could have hoped for earning cash back and I’m excited to try some of the other features (namely the travel bookings) it has to offer. So, if you’re looking to maximize your savings and perhaps even double up on your credit card rewards, I’d recommend checking out Dosh and seeing what cash back you can earn.Latest News
Robinhood Reveals New Credit Card, Reimagined Flagship App
by Kyle Burbank
During its “New Gold Standard” keynote event, Robinhood made some major announcements, including the launch of a new credit card. About the Robinhood Gold Card: The headlining announcement was the reveal of the new Robinhood Gold Card. In a bit that paid homage to Steve Jobs’ iconic iPhone announcement, Robinhood co-founder and CEO Vlad Tenev teased plans to release three different cards (a starter card, an everyday card, and a… U.S. Bank Plans Major Changes to Altitude Connect Credit Card
by Kyle Burbank
U.S. Bank has revealed several major changes to its Altitude Connect credit card, which will arrive this September. About the changes: The first update is that the card will no longer carry an annual fee. Previously, the Altitude Connect card came at a cost of $95 per year — although this was often waived for the first year. Those who apply for the card now will enjoy a $0 introductory… FundGuard Announces $100 Million Funding Round
by Kyle Burbank
A FinTech firm looking to modernize investment accounting has raised a new “mega-round.” About the round: This week, FundGuard announced a $100 funding round. The Series C was led by Key1 Capital with participation from new investors Euclidean Capital and funds managed by Hamilton Lane. The round also included returning investors Blumberg Capital and Team8. To date, the company has now raised a total of $156 million including a Series B in… United Airlines Introduced Mileage Pooling Option
by Kyle Burbank
United Airlines has launched a new feature that could help friends and families maximize their miles. About the new feature: This week, United unveiled a new miles pooling option. Now, MileagePlus members can invite other members to contribute miles to a joint account. Each pool can have up to five members (one leader and four others). While pool leaders must be 18 years old or older, other participants can be… Pepper Rewards Announces Upcoming Gift Card Bonus Offers
by Kyle Burbank
The gift card rebate app Pepper has announced a slate of upcoming offers — in addition to their everyday rewards. About Pepper’s current and upcoming offers: In celebration of March Madness (and beyond), Pepper Rewards is offering special limited-time discounts on gift cards from select brands. These particular deals are instant savings, meaning that users can essentially purchase discounted gift cards. For example, a current Jersey Mike’s promotion will allow… Insurtech Startup Coterie Raises $27 Million
by Kyle Burbank
A Cincinnati-based insurtech company has revealed a new funding round. About the round: This week, Coterie announced it had raised $27 million in new funding. The oversubscribed round included participation from new investor Hiscox as well as returning investors Intact Ventures, Weatherford Capital, RPM Ventures, and others. To date, the startup has now raised a total of $102 million. With this new funding, the company says it will be able… Galileo Introduces Post-Purchase BNPL Solution for Banks
by Kyle Burbank
Galileo is bringing new purchase financing options to a variety of card customers. About the feature: The FinTech Galileo (which is owned by SoFi) has announced an expansion of its “buy now, pay later” platform. Now, banks and fellow FinTechs can enable a post-purchase installment plan option for debit and credit cardholders. This joins a more traditional pre-purchase BNPL feature. These options are now available via an API. According to… Alaska Airlines Becomes Latest Bilt Rewards Transfer Partner
by Kyle Burbank
Bilt Rewards is bringing in a new travel partner — along with some unique options for members. About the partnership: Bilt has announced a new partnership with Alaska Airlines. As a result, Bilt members will now be able to transfer their points to Alaska’s Mileage Plan at a rate of 1:1. Alaska joins a slate of numerous other airlines and hotel brands that customers can transfer points to, including Air… Chase Reveals Q2 2024 Freedom 5%(+) Bonus Categories
by Kyle Burbank
Chase has announced its bonus category picks for the second quarter of 2024 — including some interesting twists. About the categories: As April approaches, Chase has revealed what categories Freedom and Freedom Flex cardholders can earn bonuses on. From April 1st through June 30th, customers can earn 5% (or more) in three categories: Amazon.com, Hotels, and Restaurants. Similar to how Chase embraced a “New Year, New Me” theme last quarter,… Survey: 45% of Americans Rely on Credit Amid Inflation
by Kyle Burbank
A new survey highlights the link between continued inflation and how Americans are using credit. About the survey results: According to a Debt.com survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, a significant number of consumers are currently relying on credit. In fact, 45% of respondents cite inflation and price increases as the reason for their credit usage. Furthermore, 35% say they’ve maxed out their cards in recent years as a result of…