Financial Advice for a Changing World

Discover Announces 5% Bonus Categories for First Quarter of 2024
by Kyle Burbank
With 2024 sneaking up on us, Discover has announced its rotating 5% bonus categories for the first quarter of next year. About the Q1 2024 bonus categories: From January through March 2024, Discover It customers will be able to earn up to 5% back in two categories: restaurants and drugstores. According to the company, the Restaurants category includes full-service establishments, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and dining delivery services. For the… 
Public App Adds Corporate and Treasury Bonds Feature
by Kyle Burbank
The FinTech trading app Public has announced new investment options for its members. About the features: Public is now rolling out the ability for customers to invest fractionally in corporate and Treasury bonds. This capability will be introduced on both the mobile and desktop interfaces for the service. According to Public, the addition comes as demand for fixed-income products increases. In addition to these bond types, the app will also… 
Cutting the Cord Again: 5 Free Streaming Services to Try
by Kyle Burbank
Remember when the hot trend was "cutting the cord" and canceling cable? At the time, this strategy allowed consumers to save a lot of money. Alas, as more streaming services have hit the market, many viewers may once again be spending more than they'd like on entertainment. But there's good news as there are now several free services where you watch movies, TV shows, and more without spending a dime…. Product Reviews

Investing
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… 
Financial
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.
Product Reviews
Book Review: "Let There Be Money" by Scott Santens
by Kyle Burbank
For years, I've taken a strong interest in the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI). In turn, I've followed Scott Santens — a vocal UBI supporter and news source — on X. Yet, it was only a few weeks ago that I realized he had a book out: Let There Be Money: Understanding Modern Monetary Theory and Basic Income. What's more, on Amazon, a paperback copy of the book was… 
Financial
Guac App Review: The Pros and Cons of the Automated Savings Tool
by Kyle Burbank
When it comes to managing your finances and making better money moves, automation has been a gamechanger. That's why we've seen a number of apps emerge, each putting their twist on auto-savings and the like. Among these options is Guac — an app that aims to help consumers contribute money toward their savings goals as painlessly as possible. So, how does Guac work and does it succeed in its mission?… 
Credit Cards
PNC Cash Rewards Visa Credit Card Review
by Kyle Burbank
For more than a decade, my wife has been a loyal PNC customer. This includes holding one of their rewards credit cards — which, at one time, was our only credit card. Well, over the years, that's changed a lot as our card mix has evolved. And, now, another change has come as the bank recently moved us over to the PNC Cash Rewards Visa card. So, what does the… 
Financial
Shop Pay Review: The Pros and Cons
by Kyle Burbank
You've heard of Apple Pay and have probably heard about platforms, such as Google Pay and Samsung Pay as well. However, there's one "Pay" option that might not be as much of a household name but is supported by thousands of sites: Shop Pay. While the process of using Shop Pay may not differ too much from a regular online retail experience, there are some benefits — including the ability… Featured Articles

Personal Finance
Top 10 Personal Finance Articles of the Month — October 2023
by Fioney Staff
Welcome to Fioney’s look at the top 10 personal finance articles of the month. On the first Friday of each new month, we look back at some of our favorite posts published in the weeks prior and highlight them right here. This includes a mix of sites that have become staples of our lists as well as many first-timers. This month, we’ll start with three posts pondering money. Then, we’ll… 
Financial
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 Cards
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… Popular Posts

Credit Cards
Imprint Launches Credit Cards from H-E-B and Central Market
by Fioney Staff
The FinTech Imprint is partnering with the popular Texas-based grocery chain H-E-B for a pair of new rewards credit cards. This week saw the launch of the H-E-B Visa Signature Credit Card as well as the Central Market Visa Signature Credit Card. With these two (nearly identical) options, customers will be able to earn rewards on groceries and beyond. First, both versions of the card earn up to 5% back on select… 
Credit Cards
Health and Wellness Rewards Card Ness Partners with Whole30
by Fioney Staff
In recent years, several unique rewards cards have come to market. These include offerings from FinTech startups as well as brands looking to do something special for their loyal fans. On that note, a recently-announced rewards credit card offering is now working with a popular brand to introduce new benefits for customers. This week, the Ness Card (which is issued by The Bank of Missouri) unveiled a new partnership with… 
Credit Cards
Choice Hotels, Wells Fargo Debut Choice Privileges Select Card
by Fioney Staff
With spring well underway and the summer travel season now just around the corner, Choice Hotels and Wells Fargo have unveiled their latest co-branded credit card offering. Today, the two companies announced the Choice Privileges Select Mastercard. Carrying an annual fee of $95, this card will serve as the premium option in the hotel brand’s new lineup. Looking at the Choice Privileges Select, it offers a mix of rewards categories…. 
Credit Cards
American Express Green Card Unveils Best-Ever Welcome Offer
by Kyle Burbank
Those looking to do some traveling this summer and who want to earn rewards in the process may have a new top card pick to consider. Today, American Express announced a new welcome bonus for its iconic Green Card that just happens to be the best-ever offer for the card. Now, new cardholders can earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card during their first… Latest News
2023 Small Business Credit Card Satisfaction Tops 2019 Highs
by Kyle Burbank
The latest small business credit card study from J.D. Power shows satisfaction continuing to rise. About the study and results: This week, J.D Power released its 2023 U.S. Small Business Credit Card Satisfaction Study, which includes responses from more than 3,400 small business credit card customers. In this case, the study looked at businesses with annual revenues between $10,000 and $10 million. First, it was discovered that overall satisfaction among… Discover Announces 5% Bonus Categories for First Quarter of 2024
by Kyle Burbank
With 2024 sneaking up on us, Discover has announced its rotating 5% bonus categories for the first quarter of next year. About the Q1 2024 bonus categories: From January through March 2024, Discover It customers will be able to earn up to 5% back in two categories: restaurants and drugstores. According to the company, the Restaurants category includes full-service establishments, cafes, cafeterias, fast-food locations, and dining delivery services. For the… Public App Adds Corporate and Treasury Bonds Feature
by Kyle Burbank
The FinTech trading app Public has announced new investment options for its members. About the features: Public is now rolling out the ability for customers to invest fractionally in corporate and Treasury bonds. This capability will be introduced on both the mobile and desktop interfaces for the service. According to Public, the addition comes as demand for fixed-income products increases. In addition to these bond types, the app will also… Debt Collection FinTech January Raises $12 Million
by Kyle Burbank
A FinTech focused on changing debt collection practices has closed a new round of funding. About the round: January has announced that it’s raised $12 million. The Series B was led by IA Ventures with participation from returning investors Brewer Lane Ventures, Third Prime, and Reciprocal Ventures alongside new investors such as Upper90 and Shrug Capital. This latest funding will help facilitate new product development as well as allow it… Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Announce Planned Merger
by Kyle Burbank
In a surprising announcement, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have unveiled plans to merge. About the merger plans: According to a joint press release, Alaska Airlines intends to purchase Hawaiian Airlines for approximately $1.9 billion ($18 per share plus $900,000 in net debt). While the two airlines would integrate into a single operating platform under the deal, the two brands — which happen to represent the 49th and 50th states… Universal, FNBO Announce More Details on Rewards Credit Cards
by Kyle Burbank
After teasing new co-branded credit cards earlier this year, Universal Destinations & Experiences and FNBO have released more details on their two rewards cards. About the Universal Rewards card: Starting with the no-annual-fee Universal Rewards Visa, this new card will include both spending rewards and in-park perks. In terms of the former, cardholders can earn 2% back in Rewards on eligible Universal purchases. All other purchases earn 1% back in… Apple Reportedly Ending Partnership with Goldman Sachs
by Kyle Burbank
It looks as though Apple and Goldman Sachs will be moving forward with a break-up of their partnership. What’s happening: According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple has now proposed that it and Goldman Sachs end their contract within the next 12 to 15 months. This development comes after months of reports that Goldman had been looking to exit the agreement. The partnership was slated to… Instacart+ to Include Peacock Premium Streaming Subscription
by Kyle Burbank
The popular grocery delivery service Instacart is adding a streaming benefit to its premium memberships thanks to a new partnership. About the partnership and offer: Now, an Instacart+ membership will include a subscription to Peacock Premium. This new benefit comes at no additional cost as Instacart+ will retain its current $99 per year or $9.99 per month pricing. Peacock Premium is the ad-supported tier of NBCUniversal’s streaming service, allowing customers… 2023 Small Business Saturday Sees $17 Billion in Spending
by Kyle Burbank
American Express has released results from the 14th annual Small Business Saturday event. About this year’s sales: According to initial projections via the Amex 2023 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey, consumers in the United States spent a total of $17 billion at small businesses on Small Business Saturday. That figure puts it below last year’s $17.9 billion total and well off the record $23.3 billion seen in 2021. In… Varo Bank Increases Limit for Its Varo Advance Feature
by Kyle Burbank
With the holiday shopping season now underway, Varo Bank is giving customers a way to access more cash instantly. About Varo Advance and the update: Varo has announced that it’s increasing the maximum borrowable amount for its Varo Advance feature. Now, customers can access up to $500 using the service. Not only is this new limit double the previous max of $250 but is also five times the limit the…