
Money Elementary
Welcome to Money Elementary, the podcast that takes you back to school to learn the personal finance lessons you never got in the classroom! Hosted by Heidi Castillo and co-host, Vanessa Hernandez, this show is your go-to resource for mastering the fundamentals of money management.
Join us each week as we dive into essential topics like budgeting, saving, investing, and financial planning, all with the goal of helping you build a stronger financial future. Whether you're a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or simply looking to improve your financial literacy, Money Elementary has something for everyone.
Our expert guests and practical insights will empower you to make informed decisions about your finances, setting you on the path to financial success. No more feeling lost when it comes to money matters—get ready to graduate from Money Elementary with flying colors!
Tune in, subscribe, and embark on your journey to financial freedom. It's time to take control of your money and secure your financial well-being. Class is in session at Money Elementary!
Money Elementary
Checking and Savings: My Money Works Out
In the third episode of "Money Elementary," aka ME, hosts Heidi and Vanessa dive into the intricacies of checking and savings accounts, emphasizing the importance of exploring various banking options. The episode highlights the value of comparison shopping in banking, like we do for car insurance, credit cards, or other expenses. The conversation then steers towards savings accounts, contrasting traditional accounts from banks like Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America with high-yield online savings accounts. They discuss the low interest rates of traditional accounts and compare them with the more lucrative rates offered by online alternatives. The hosts also explain the concept of APY (Annual Percentage Yield), its market-driven fluctuations, and the critical factors to consider when choosing a savings account, such as fees, withdrawal limits, and FDIC insurance.
Heidi draws an analogy between the discipline of saving money and the commitment required in working out. As regular exercise leads to rewarding physical fitness, regular and dedicated savings efforts yield significant financial growth. The episode also delves into the specifics of high-yield savings accounts and Certificates of Deposit (CDs), outlining their benefits and limitations, including ATM access, transfer times, and understanding withdrawal fees. Towards the end, they provide an overview of various banks' interest rates and advise listeners to visit financial websites for more information. The episode concludes with practical tips on ineffective saving methods, underscoring the risks associated with informal saving strategies and the importance of consistency and dedication in financial health, like maintaining physical fitness.