These High-Yield Saving Accounts Offer More Bang For Your Buck
Want to learn how to get the most out of your savings? Upgrade your life and your finances by opening a high-yield savings account. According to the FDIC, the average national interest rate on savings accounts is presently 0.04%. This national average includes savings account holders with average to larger account balances. Before the Great Recession, local banks offered rates that were larger than 3%, but that is not the current reality.
These days you're more likely to find a better interest rate for your savings accounts at an online bank, plus these banks usually provide higher interest rates independent of your account balances. Below is a list of 7 online banks that offer some of the highest interest rates and benefits around.
1.Varo
Varo
Varo helps you to save money effortlessly and boasts an insanely high APY of up to 3%, which is higher than the majority of high-yield savings accounts. You don't even need a minimum balance to open an account and there aren't any fees. It's hard to beat Varo's benefits.
Initially, a savings account holder earns 0.2% APY, but that number can quickly rise to a 3% APY when at least five qualifying purchases are made using the Varo Bank Visa Debit Card and account holders receive total direct deposits of $1,000 or more. The only catch is your account balance can not exceed $5,000 for the entire calendar month.
2.Consumers Credit Union
Consumers Credit Union's (CCU) high-yield savings account or "Smart Saver" account gives you the potential to earn 1.50% APY, as long as you have a CCU checking account. But, you're required to deposit a $500 minimum into your CCU checking account every month. If you don't want to be bothered with the checking account, you can still open a CCU checking account and earn 0.25% APY.
Unfortunately, there are a few fees and requirements for their high-yield savings account. The Smart Saver account requires a minimum deposit of $50 and a maximum deposit of $1,000 into your savings account monthly. The fees to become a Consumers Credit Union member and open accounts through their credit union is an extremely low fee of $5 per member.
3.SmartyPig
SmartyPig
SmartyPig by Sallie Mae is a free-of-charge piggy bank that helps you to save for financial goals, like retirement, vacays, or holiday gifts. SmartyPig offers great APY rates, so you can crush your savings goals quicker. Earn up to 0.70% APY if you have under $10,000 in your savings account, and 0.45% APY if you have over $10,000 in your account.
The best part is that there are no fees to join, no fees to save, no fees to withdraw, no minimum fee and you can open multiple savings accounts for specific savings goals!
4.Nationwide by Axos Bank
Nationwide by Axos Bank provides a 0.70% APY when you have a "My Savings" account and a checking account through their bank. But, if you don't have a checking account through them, you can still benefit from a 0.40% APY on your savings account.
Fortunately, with Nationwide, you don't have to worry about any pesky fees because the online bank doesn't have any monthly maintenance fees, nor a minimum balance requirement after the initial $100 deposit.
5.Ally Bank
Ally Bank
Ally Bank allows you to divvy up your savings to reach separate financial goals, without the hassle of multiple bank accounts. Also, they offer a 0.50% APY when you have at least $5,000 deposited. Assign portions of your savings for up to 10 savings buckets in your online accounts, while still earning interest on your total balance. Ally Bank makes it easy to save by offering automatic recurring transfers from your checking into your savings account.
Even though Ally Bank provides incredible features, it still offers zero dollars in monthly maintenance fees and doesn't require a minimum opening deposit. Although, it's good to note that you can only make 6 transactions a month before you're charged $10 per transaction.
6.Synchrony Bank
Save for tomorrow with Synchrony Bank's high yield savings account that offers 0.40% APY. They provide convenient withdrawals because they're a bank that never closes, so you can bank anywhere and anytime.
Head over to their website where they have a free calculator that will calculate your high-yield savings earning potential in comparison to other major banks. Synchrony Bank has no minimum balance requirement and no withdrawal fees. If you need to withdraw from an out-of-network ATM, they'll even refund you up to $5.
7.Vio Bank
Vio Bank
Vio Bank currently provides high yield savings accounts with a strong 0.57% APY, but they claim to adjust this to stay competitive. To open a saving account, there is a $100 minimum initial deposit. If you need access to your account frequently, this may not be the account for you, since you're only allowed six withdrawals every month before you're charged $10 for each withdrawal. But, if you're looking for an account with no monthly fee, then Vio Bank could be your perfect match.
Online savings accounts offer higher interest rates to increase your savings, but they lack physical branches. Keep in mind banks that aren't online do not offer rates that can keep up with inflation as online savings accounts can. It's up to you to determine if the trade-off is worth it.
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Aaliyah Sydonie Williams is a lover of pomegranates, intimate concerts, fluffy socks and all things R&B. She's a founder of a college advice blog, Her Little Corner, where she dishes helpful advice for college students to slay their college experience. When Aaliyah isn't eating at Starbucks, she's studying for her courses in finance, discovering new spots in the city, and brushing up on her photography skills. Keep up with her at Aaliyah Williams (@aaliyahsydonie).
This New Scalp Care Line Is Exactly What Your Wash Days Need
This post is in partnership with SheaMoisture.
When it comes to healthy hair care, there are a few things that will help you achieve healthy strands: a healthy hair care regime, hydration, consistent treatments, and scalp care. While scalp care is one of the most neglected practices, it is also one of the most important. Why? Because it helps promote healthy hair growth, clear hair follicles, and remove build-up.
When it comes to creating a healthy scalp routine, it helps to know exactly what you’re up against so you know how to specifically treat it. Two of the most common concerns are dandruff and dry scalp. It can be tough to decipher which is which, but here’s a quick breakdown: dry scalp is caused by a lack of moisture in the skin, while dandruff is caused by an excess of oil and yeast buildup on the scalp. Knowing that both of these are big concerns, SheaMoisture released two separate product lines to address both issues: the Scalp Moisture collection and the Anti-Dandruff collection.
Needless to say, if you tend to experience dandruff then I’d recommend you try the Anti-Dandruff collection. However, my biggest concern has always been dry scalp. A lack of moisture on the scalp can be caused by several factors like weather, age, and hair products to name a few. I’ve noticed that when I use certain gels or skip out on a deep scalp cleanse, my roots feel itchy and dry nonstop, which is uncomfortable.
The only way to relieve the discomfort is to properly wash and moisturize my roots, so I tried the Scalp Moisture collection and this is what I thought.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
First, What’s In The Collection?
The Scalp Moisture collection is a four-product line that includes a pre-wash masque, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a moisturizing scalp cream. Each product uses moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like aloe butter and vitamin B3 as active ingredients to provide eight times the moisture. Together, aloe butter and vitamin B3 work to restore dry and brittle hair, as well as add relief to the scalp.
Now, let’s break down each product…
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Pre-Wash Masque may actually be the all-star of the collection. Using this deep conditioning masque is one of the best ways to target your dry scalp, restore hydration, and nourish your strands before shampooing.
I started by completely saturating my hair and scalp with water, then making small sections to apply the masque directly to the root. For my girls who have experience with relaxers and perms, it helps to apply the masque to your roots just like you would do with a relaxer. This way you can make sure you’ve covered as much of your scalp as possible while minimizing any breakage.
Pro tip: you can also use a color application brush to make this step easier.
After I completely covered my scalp, I massaged the product into my roots, used any excess on my strands, then left the masque in for 30 minutes. I was shocked by how moisturizing and clarifying my scalp and hair felt. One of the things that I love about the masque is the slip and how much softer it made my hair. While this is marketed as a scalp care product, it can completely transform your hair from dry and parched to completely hydrated.
In my opinion, the downside of this masque is that the quantity is too small for my liking. Truth be told, naturals go through deep conditioners faster than any other product (especially when it’s this good.) So SheaMoisture, if you’re reading this, we’d love a bigger jar.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Shampoo
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Shampoo is a gentle cleanser packed with the same moisture as the masque. The pearl-colored shampoo is lightweight with a serum-like consistency and a light and clean scent. The smell is pleasant, subtle, and not overbearing. When I applied the shampoo, I noticed immediately that it foams and lathers up very quickly, so less is more.
After applying the shampoo, I parted my hair and started at the roots to target as much of my scalp as possible. I recommend really taking the time to work the product and massage your scalp as much as possible.
Pro tip: using a scalp massager makes it easier and it feels amazing.
Once you start to massage your hair you’ll feel the product start to work. There’s a tingling sensation that might catch you off guard if you’re not used to it, but it’s not nearly as strong as other scalp products I’ve tried. I know some may not appreciate the sensation, but I loved it! My scalp felt clean, light, and breathable.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Conditioner
Like the shampoo, the SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Conditioner shares that pearly color and serum-like feel. It applies very easily while softening and moisturizing your hair. When I applied it to my hand, it gave my hands a lotion-like feel, which speaks volumes about its hydration capabilities. I also loved that the conditioner comes with a pump, instead of having to squeeze the product out – to me, it makes application easier.
I typically apply my conditioner to the ends first but because this is a scalp care product I started at the root and worked my way down to my ends. I did leave the conditioner in for ten minutes, although the bottle recommends leaving it in for three. The conditioner also provides that same breathable feel to your scalp. I honestly loved the relief.
Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Scalp Moisture Cream
The SheaMoisture Scalp Moisture Cream is more of a daily relief product for your roots rather than your overall hair. It’s great for providing moisture and immediate relief to a dry and itchy scalp. Just like most of the collection, it gives a light and breathable feel – without the tingle. The applicator bottle targets specific parts of your scalp and makes applying easier.
Pro tip: I typically just squeeze the bottle to wherever I need the relief and use the tip to massage it into my scalp so it doesn’t mess up the hairstyle.
Overall, SheaMoisture’s scalp care line lives up to its claims – it moisturizes, strengthens, and provides immediate scalp relief. I definitely recommend trying the Scalp Moisture collection for an affordable way to treat itchy and dry scalp.
Featured image by Krissy Lewis for xoNecole
Keke Palmer Brings Awareness To ‘Breast Milk Discrimination’ After Airport Incident
Actress and singer Keke Palmer recently shed light on the 'breast milk discrimination' she encountered at a Houston airport.
The incident allegedly went down on June 16, when Palmer, who welcomed her son Leodis Jackson earlier this year with longtime partner Darius Jackson, revealed on Twitter that Houston airport employees ruined her mood as she was discretely pumping.
In the tweet, the 29-year-old elaborated that her aggravation stemmed from the alleged threats spewed at her, including potentially disposing of "over 16 oz" of her son's food.
"Breast milk discrimination at the Houston airport ruined my mood," she tweeted. "I should've popped my tit out right then because the discretion and comfort of pumping is thwarted with threats to throw out over 16 oz [of] my [baby's] food?!?!!! Why is that not a crime?? I'M A MOTHER, for crying out loud."
\u201cBreast milk discrimination at the Houston airport ruined my mood. I should\u2019ve popped my tit out right then because the discretion and comfort of pumping is thwarted with threats to throw out over 16oz my babies food?!?!!! Why is that not a crime??\n\nI\u2019M A MOTHER for crying out\u2026\u201d— Keke Palmer (@Keke Palmer) 1686566225
It is unclear if the issue was resolved because Palmer has yet to release any additional details regarding the matter. Still, the Nope star's post was met with fans' support, and many shared similar stories about their experiences at other locations.
According to the official TSA website, breast milk and baby or toddler-related foods and drinks are categorized as "medically necessary liquids." This means those items, including break milk, formula, and puree pouches, aren't required to meet the carry-on regulations and can be transported onto a plane as long as it's in a proper bag.
In addition to those rules, it is also reported that it is legal to breastfeed and breast pump in public. Although different states have different laws, in Texas, where Palmer was allegedly discriminated against, a bill allowing women to pump in public areas was passed in 2019.
In light of Palmer's tweet and the controversy surrounding breast pumping and breastfeeding in public, xoNecole is sharing the stories of other high-profile women who have openly discussed their experiences, positve and negative, with breastfeeding in public.
Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama revealed during a Workplace Flexibility Conference over a decade ago that when her youngest daughter Sasha Obama was an infant, she was forced to bring her to a job interview because she was still breastfeeding.
The star disclosed that she feared she would have been disqualified if Sasha's presence was a disruption. But because Obama had interviewed with the president of the company, who also had a child, they understood the responsibilities of being a parent and gave her the job.
"I packed up that little infant, and I put her in the stroller, and I brought her with me. And I prayed that her presence wouldn't be an automatic disqualifier. And it was fortunate for me that, number one, she slept through the entire interview. And I was still breastfeeding — if that's not too much information. And I got the job," she said.
"But I know that I was lucky, number one. I was interviewing with the president, that had just had a child himself and was very understanding and open-minded. But I know that most folks are nowhere near as lucky as I was."
In addition to her speech, Obama advised a plan to give tax breaks or credits to nursing mothers to cover breast pump costs, but the opposing party, unfortunately, scrutinized it.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Another person who has discussed the stigma of breastfeeding in public is actress Jada Pinkett Smith. In an episode of her Facebook talk show, Red Table Talk, Pinkett Smith revealed that she was mom-shamed as she tried to breastfeed her children, Jaden and Willow Smith.
The Girls Trip star explained that when she attended public locations with Jaden and Willow --who were respectively born in 1998 and 2000-- and had to breastfeed, she tried shielding it, but it became a hassle.
"I remember me, myself when I would be out with Jaden and Willow breastfeeding... I used to have that little [breastfeeding] cover. It would make it so difficult. They're in there [and] they're suffocating. I can't see them," she said.
Pinkett Smith added that the experience gave her anxiety because, at the time, breastfeeding in public was stigmatized.
"I had so much anxiety about it because back when I had them, breastfeeding was like, 'what? What are you doing?'" she stated.
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