By Luke Landes

Over the recent decade, and more so since the start of the recession, the public has begun paying more attention to the concept of saving money for the future.

Budget experts always recommend keeping a minimum of $1,000 in a savings account as a rainy day fund. While is is the general guideline, the more funds you’ve stashed away, the better. Wrigley Associates Credit Union provides depositors in Yorkville, IL with a savings account rate of 0.61% APY, which opens the door to an even bigger savings fund.

Savings Account Rate Terms and Conditions

By Jennifer Calonia

Whether you have no problem staying within budget or regularly feel the crippling effect of over-swiping credit cards, you can compare top financial tools online to learn how and where to cut expenses and save money.

A few sites that have recently received acclaim as top budgeting tools are Mint.com, Learnvest.com and Manilla.com. A common factor that all three share is that they are free to use and take only a couple minutes to set up and personalize.

So in order to compare the top financial tools available on the web, I surrendered my deepest, darkest financial data to each website in hopes of finding a money management tool that aligns with my financial goals.

Teaching children the importance of saving money is a lesson to be taught sooner than you think. Holy Rosary Credit Union helps parents in Rochester, NH educate kids from kindergarten through high school about the benefits of saving money. They can watch their funds grow at a 2.00% APY savings account rate, and get the satisfaction of savings in a tangible way.

Savings Account Rate Terms and Conditions

First Jersey Credit Union in Wayne, NJ continues to give members a reason to save into 2012. Their 0.65% APY savings account rate not only provides greater potential to earn higher dividends, it also provides flexible access to funds. Start the new year with the security that only a savings account can offer–join First Jersey Credit Union today and open an account to help you stay on track.

Savings Account Terms and Conditions

Young adults and children in Bakersfield, CA have an incredible savings opportunity available. Chevron Federal Credit Union is now providing a 7.00% APY savings account rate to help teach kids the value of saving money. It’s never too early to open a savings account for your child, especially an account that produces the best rewards in return.

Savings Account Rate Terms and Conditions

By Casey Bond

While saving money is at the forefront of most people’s minds this year, regifting continues to be a somewhat taboo practice. But admit it, you and just about everyone you know has done it at least once.

While regifting can get you in a lot of trouble if done improperly, employing proper regifting etiquette can ease the financial burden of the holidays and keep everyone happy. After all, with friends, family, the office Christmas party and all the service industry workers expecting tips, money can quickly disappear this time of year.  So here’s a guide to turning the presents you’re less than excited about receiving into the perfect (free) gifts for others.

Every year, U.S. consumers spend hundreds of dollars on gifts for family and friends, but have you ever wondered how much money and effort goes into just wrapping up those presents? The gift wrapping industry–yes, it has it’s own industry–is worth multiple billions and most of that comes directly during the holidays.

If you’re looking to cut the fat out of your holiday budget, consider using more cost-efficient ways of wrapping your gifts. At about five bucks per roll, you could be spending your money on much better presents, instead of devoting so much time, money and effort to the paper around them. Your wallet, the Earth and even the lucky gift receiver will thank you.

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In Talking Money with Elmo–Free Financial Education from Sesame Street, we explain how you can teach your kids financial literacy with videos from Sesame Street. Learn more about what these videos have to offer and where you can access them:

For Me, for You, for Later

First Imperial Credit Union is helping El Centro, CA residents save money toward their dream vacation with their Summer Saver savings account rate. Depositors can earn high-yield returns with a savings account rate of 1.26% APY and spend the rewards toward a summer getaway trip. You deserve some fun in the sun this summer, so take advantage of this savings account today.

Savings Account Rate Terms and Conditions