Latest news with #JeniusBank
Buzz Feed
01-08-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
9 Expert Tips to Combat Rising Prices
With the news that US consumer prices rose in June, there are mounting concerns about the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs on inflation. For everyday consumers in this country, the potential for further price increases is particularly anxiety-inducing after years of strain on wallets. 'In times of uncertainty, it's kind of natural — or even instinctual — for some of us to close our eyes and avoid what's ahead,' Julie Beckham, aka 'Ms. Money,' the assistant vice president and financial education development and strategy officer at Rockland Trust, told HuffPost. 'But when it comes to your money, knowledge is power.' That's why it's important to pay attention to your financial situation and take action when necessary. 'Rising prices can be stressful, especially when it feels like paychecks aren't stretching as far as they used to,' said Julie Guntrip, head of financial wellness at Jenius Bank. 'The good news is there are some steps that could help people stay more grounded financially.' Below, Beckham, Guntrip, and other experts share nine things you should do amid the latest economic news: 1. Resist the urge to stockpile. 'While it's a natural reaction to want to buy items early when you expect prices to rise, this kind of stockpiling can lead to overspending and waste,' said Kimberly Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet. 'You might end up not even needing the items.' Instead, she recommended taking time to look at your overall budget and spending needs before making purchases. 'Don't panic-buy or overextend yourself just to 'beat' future price increases,' echoed Jennifer Seitz, a certified financial education instructor and director of education at the family finance app, Greenlight. 'Hoarding or chasing deals can lead to overspending and clutter. Be wary of emotional spending disguised as self-care, especially during stressful times. It's easy to justify retail therapy when prices rise and things feel out of control, but those impulse purchases often compound stress, not relieve it.' 2. Review your recent expenses. 'Now is the time to audit your spending,' Seitz said. 'Pull up your last two months of expenses and identify three areas where prices have crept up or where habits have changed ― whether it's grocery bills, restaurant takeout, or subscriptions.' An expense audit can provide clarity on where your money is going and what's actually being used. 'Start by giving yourself permission to adjust to increasing costs,' said Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, a financial therapist with Cash App and founder of Mind Money Balance. 'This is a time to review your income and expenses, and make sure you can still cover your needs without feeling too tight. Make sure your essentials are covered without feeling overly stretched.' If things are already feeling tight, Bryan-Podvin recommends looking for areas you can tweak temporarily to create more breathing room. Things like setting spending limits or increasing your meal planning can make a difference. 'I'm a fan of letting tech do some of the extra lifting for you,' she said. 'This might mean opting into more coupons and deals and opting out of tempting merchants.' 3. Try to stick to a clear monthly budget. 'Try to stick to your typical monthly budget, allowing for some flexibility around essential purchases while adjusting spending in other nonessential areas if needed,' said Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma. Regardless of the economic climate, she emphasized that maintaining a budget that works for you will always strengthen your financial standing. 'Are there areas where you can scale back or shift spending in ways that are more in line with your goals?' Palmer asked. The 50/30/20 budget, where 50% of your take-home pay goes toward needs, 30% toward wants, and 20% to debt payments beyond the minimums and savings, can be a helpful strategy.' You can also adjust the percentages to whatever breakdown makes the most sense for your life. 'Whether it's the 50/30/20 rule, the envelope system, or zero-based budgeting, having a clear strategy helps you stay in control of your money,' said Janelle Sallenave, chief spending officer at Chime. 'A well-defined budget makes it easier to prioritize needs, reduce overspending, and continue saving, even when prices are higher than usual.' 4. Redeem gift cards and rewards. 'Since the start of 2021, prices have grown by an average of about 25%,' said Ted Rossman, a senior industry analyst at Bankrate. 'A lot of the low-hanging fruit is gone. As in, many people have already traded down to cheaper brands or cheaper stores, delayed purchases, shopped around more aggressively, sought out more discounts, etc.' If there's still room for you to do these things, that can relieve some pressure. But if you feel stretched to your limit and are worried about sticking to your budget, take a look at everything else at your disposal. 'I'm a big fan of earning and redeeming credit card rewards ― just make sure to pay in full to avoid interest,' Rossman said. 'Even things like cashing in unused gift cards can help. Almost half of US adults have these, averaging $244 per person.' 5. Track deals. 'Given the current economic uncertainty and strain on consumers, many retailers are offering sales and discounts throughout the year,' Palmer said. 'Take advantage of those lower prices when you can, especially if you need to purchase an expensive item like a new appliance.' She suggested price-monitoring tools like the Honey, PayPal, and Camelizer browser extensions. 'When you are making a purchase, take time to compare prices to make sure you're getting the best deal,' Palmer added. 6. Avoid rushing into big decisions. 'Don't panic and make financial decisions from a place of fear,' Guntrip said. 'When prices rise, it's tempting to take on more debt or dip into savings without a clear plan. But try to avoid knee-jerk reactions, like cashing out retirement funds or relying heavily on high-interest credit cards to fill gaps.' Indeed, 'doom spending' is a very real phenomenon that consumers should seek to avoid. 'Don't rack up additional debt or dip into long-term savings for short-term costs,' urged Bo Tran, a Northwestern Mutual financial adviser. 'While the uncertainty remains high, the answer in dealing with unpredictability in the economy and markets is unchanged. This is the time to focus on stability, not short-term fixes, and understanding the broader picture helps to respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.' Remember that we can't predict the future, so just focus on what makes sense for you in the given moment. 'One thing we've learned about tariffs in recent months is that these announcements can be fickle,' Rossman said. 'It's one thing if you really need a new car or refrigerator and so on. But if you're stocking up just because you think you're getting ahead of something that might happen, you might end up regretting that decision.' He recommended delaying large purchases that don't need to be made right now. Unless there's a serious urgency, you can probably live with your old kitchen cabinets, car, or washing machine for another year or two. Rushing to buy big-ticket items or entering into big contracts can lead to issues like overpaying, not getting the model you wanted, and getting stuck with high interest rates. 'Don't try to time the market, buy into the latest 'sure thing'/ investment, or take big financial swings,' Bryan-Podvin said. 'If you're tempted to make a major money move, pause. Sleep on it, go for a walk. Giving yourself space to process instead of reacting in the moment can save you from bigger headaches down the road.' 7. Build a financial cushion. 'With ongoing updates and changes in the news, the best approach is to focus on proactive steps to protect your financial well-being, no matter what's happening in the broader economic landscape,' Alev said. 'Building a financial cushion through an emergency savings fund can provide a buffer and give you peace of mind in any economic circumstance.' She emphasized the value of consistency, whether you're paying down debt or contributing to savings and emergency funds. 'As much as possible, do not forgo saving and investing for the future,' said Vincent Birardi, a certified financial planner and wealth advisor at Halbert Hargrove. 'That means sticking with your investment plans to pursue future goals such as retirement and college planning for kids. Economic cycles are exactly that ― peaks and valleys ― but sticking to a long-term plan helps you to harness the powers of compounding and dollar-cost averaging.' Overall, try to keep your approach as simple as possible. 'Focus on the basics ― an emergency fund (ideally in a HYSA), paying down high-interest debt, and making sure you have financial space for life's little treats,' Bryan-Podvin advised. 'Even when things are tight, too much financial restriction can backfire.' 8. Lean on your community. 'Lean on your community,' Bryan-Podvin urged. "Share with friends and family alternative ways to connect and hang out that are more affordable. Sharing resources, offering support, or staying connected through local events can be just as important as any line item in your budget.' In particularly difficult times, you may also discover organizations dedicated to helping people make it through ― from community centers to food pantries to councils on aging. 'Reach out to see if there are local resources you aren't leveraging,' Beckham said. 'An organization that helps you today may be the one you end up volunteering for or donating to tomorrow.' 9. Be kind to yourself. 'With ongoing announcements and updates about tariffs and their potential impact, it's important to focus on what you can control right now,' Alev said. Understand you can't change the economy, but you can dictate your reaction to it. 'Life is long, if you are lucky,' Beckham said. 'And just because everyone is talking about the economy doesn't mean you need to let it consume you. Stay informed, but also stay focused on what is important, not just in the world, but what's important in your world.' She recommended savoring the little things in life that bring you joy and remembering that the economy tends to be cyclical with ups and downs. 'Enjoy what you have and try different things with the family,' urged D'Andre Clayton, co-founder of Clayton Financial Solutions. 'Enjoy simple things with your family that may not have a high expense. Board games and cards, swimming, hiking, and exercise also keep a clear mind, so that irrational decisions are minimized.'
Business Wire
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Jenius Bank Named Title Sponsor for 2025 Pickleball World Championships
DALLAS & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball presented by DoorDash (MLP) are excited to announce Jenius Bank™ – the digital banking division of SMBC MANUBANK, a member of the SMBC Group – has joined as an official partner for the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball presented by DoorDash (MLP) throughout the remainder of 2025. Jenius Bank will also serve as the title sponsor of the Pickleball World Championships in Dallas, November 3-9 – the biggest weeklong festival in pickleball, America's fastest growing sport. At the Pickleball World Championships in 2024, more than 57,500 attendees enjoyed daily festivities on the festival hub of Pickleball Boulevard, including exciting amateur pickleball tournaments and programming, diverse food and beverage options, and shopping – all while witnessing the world's highest level of pickleball competition in the pro divisions. The event accounted for $15.7 million in local economic impact, according to an economic impact study by the city of Farmers Branch. Jenius Bank will also have a large presence at the remaining 2025 PPA Tour tournaments, MLP events, and the World Championships, with unique giveaways and experiences for fans. 'As a digital-first bank, we are built on consumer data and see the proven connection between physical wellness with financial wellness. We're thrilled to partner with the MLP and PPA Tour to promote pickleball, America's fastest growing sport,' said John Rosenfeld, President of Jenius Bank. 'Whether it's simplifying banking or bringing fans' favorite sport to a city near them, we're committed to helping people live richer lives – on and off the court.' 'Partnering with Jenius Bank marks a major milestone for our sport, reflecting not only the rapid growth and mainstream momentum of professional pickleball, but also the increasing interest from forward-thinking, national brands that recognize the power and potential of our community,' said Connor Pardoe, CEO of the PPA Tour and MLP. 'This partnership is a testament to how far pickleball has come and where it's headed as we continue to elevate the game alongside the biggest sports in America." The official partnership between Jenius Bank and the Carvana PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) benchmarks the growth and health of professional pickleball and pickleball's largest event and contributes to the elevation of pickleball alongside other major American sports in terms of celebrated corporate partnerships. About Carvana PPA Tour: Founded in 2019, the Carvana PPA Tour is where pickleball's top athletes go head-to-head to determine the best male and female players in the world. The Carvana PPA Tour organizes and conducts tournaments at world-class facilities across the country, establishes player rankings, and showcases the world's best pickleball week in and week out. Inviting amateur players to also compete and 'play where the pros play,' the Carvana PPA Tour offers divisions for every age group and skill level. Characterized by a uniquely festive and fun atmosphere, Carvana PPA Tour events deliver unparalleled experiences for fans on-site, including pro player meet-and-greets, clinics, food, beverages, live entertainment, giveaways, games, shopping, and VIP upgrades. For more information, go to and follow us on social: Twitter/X, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn. About Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) Founded in 2021, Major League Pickleball (MLP presented by DoorDash) is the preeminent, coed, team-based professional pickleball league, featuring over 100 of the best athletes across 22 teams, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport. In 2024, MLP and the PPA Tour merged under the newly formed United Pickleball Association (UPA), bringing together the leading pro pickleball organizations under a single entity. Visit the official website and follow MLP on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more information. About Jenius Bank Jenius Bank has a mission to help people live a richer life through actionable insights and innovative tools powered by first-class technology. The bank currently offers personal loans and high-yield savings accounts, surpassing $1B in deposits and loans outstanding all in its first year. Jenius Bank is the digital division of SMBC MANUBANK, Member FDIC. SMBC MANUBANK is a California state-chartered commercial bank that is a wholly owned subsidiary of SMBC Americas Holdings, Inc., a member of SMBC Group. To learn more information about Jenius Bank, visit
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jenius Bank review (2025): Simple online banking with competitive rates and no fees
Summary: Jenius Bank is the digital banking division of SMBC MANUBANK, a California state-chartered commercial bank based in Los Angeles. Jenius Bank offers personal loans and high-yield savings accounts. Jenius Bank offers the following products and services: The Jenius High-Yield Savings Account is currently offering a 4.20% APY — that's more than 10 times the national average for savings accounts. There are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements for this account and interest is compounded daily. Jenius personal loans start at $5,000 and go up to $50,000 with rates from 8.99% to 23.49%. There are no loan origination fees, prepayment fees, or charges for late or missed payments. Repayment terms for a Jenius personal loan range from 36 months to 72 months. Jenius is not currently accepting personal loan applications on its website. However, you may be able to qualify for a Jenius loan if you apply through Intuit Credit Karma or Lending Tree and meet eligibility embedded content is not available in your region. Jenius Bank does not charge any fees for its savings accounts. Additionally, you will never pay loan origination fees, prepayment fees, late or missed payment fees, transaction fees, and the like as a Jenius customer. Here are some of the major pros and cons of banking with Jenius Bank: Pros: Competitive interest rate for high-yield savings account: Jenius Bank's high-yield savings account offers 4.20% APY, which is one of the highest rates available. No fees or minimum balance requirements: Jenius does not currently charge any fees for its accounts or personal loans. There is also no minimum balance requirement to keep your account open or avoid fees. 24/7 customer service: Jenius bankers are available to chat 24/7. Cons: Limited account options: Jenius only offers savings accounts and personal loans. It does not currently offer checking accounts, money market account accounts, credit cards, or other types of financing. This could be a drawback for customers with more extensive banking needs. No physical branches: Jenius operates online only and does have any physical branches for customers to visit. Certain products are not available in every state: Jenius savings accounts are not available for residents of Hawaii or New Mexico. Additionally, Jenius is not accepting personal loan applications from residents of Hawaii, Nevada, or Wisconsin. Jenius Bank representatives are available to assist customers 24/7 at 844-453-6487. Jenius also has a mobile app available for download on the App Store and Google Play. The app has a rating of 4.3 stars and 3.9 stars, respectively. Customers can use the app to view account balances, transactions, and account details, transfer money between accounts, and more. Yes, Jenius savings deposits are FDIC-insured up to the federal limit of $250,000 per depositor, per ownership category. Jenius Bank's routing number is 122045354. Jenius Bank is the digital division of SMBC MANUBANK, a California state-chartered commercial bank and wholly owned subsidiary of SMBC Americas Holdings, Inc., a member of SMBC Group.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best savings interest rates today, March 20, 2025 (top account pays 4.20% APY)
If you're looking to supercharge your savings, a high-yield savings account could provide a competitive return to help your balance grow faster. However, not all banks offer high rates, which is why it's important to shop around and find the most competitive savings interest rates available. Read on to learn more about where to find the best savings interest rates. Savings account rates are now trending down following the Fed's recent rate cuts. The good news is that many high-yield savings accounts still offer rates of around 4% APY. The best rates are typically offered by online banks, although you may be able to find comparable savings interest rates at some credit unions and community banks. Today, the highest savings account rate available from our partners is 4.20% APY. This rate is offered by Jenius Bank and there is no minimum opening deposit required. Read our full review of Jenius Bank Here is a look at some of the best savings rates available today from our verified partners: This embedded content is not available in your several years of near-zero interest rates, the Federal Reserve began raising the federal funds rate in 2022 in order to combat rapidly rising inflation. As a result, savings interest rates skyrocketed as well, reaching a 15-year high. However, in late 2024, the Fed implemented a series of cuts to the federal funds rate, and savings account rates have started dropping. It's also expected that the Fed will implement more rate cuts in 2025. It's difficult to predict exactly how and when interest rates will change going forward, but one thing is for sure: Today's high savings account rates won't last forever. So, if you're hoping to give your savings a boost and take advantage of the best rates on the market, there's no better time than now. The requirements involved in opening a savings account vary by financial institution. However, if you're ready to open an account, you can follow these general steps: Research savings account rates: Of course, when choosing a savings account, one of the most important factors to evaluate are the interest rates. Be sure that you select a savings account with a competitive rate to help your money grow. Figure out your must-haves: Although savings account interest rates should be top of mind, that's not the only factor to consider. You'll also want to think about what else you need from your account, whether it's no minimum balance requirement, low fees, or other perks. Finding a savings account with a solid rate that also helps you achieve your goals is key. Prepare documentation: Opening a bank account requires you to provide a few important personal details and documents. Before you start your application, be sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license or passport number, and proof of address. Fill out the application: In many cases, you can apply for savings account online. However, some financial institutions may require you to visit the branch in person to apply. Either way, the application for a new savings account should only take a few minutes to complete. In many cases, you'll get your approval decision instantly. Fund your account: Once your savings account application is approved, you'll need to add funds to the account. Be sure you're aware of any minimum opening deposit requirements and timeline for funding. Read more: Step-by-step instructions for opening a high-yield savings account This embedded content is not available in your region.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best savings interest rates today, March 6, 2025 (top account pays 4.50% APY)
If you're looking to supercharge your savings, a high-yield savings account could provide a competitive return to help your balance grow faster. However, not all banks offer high rates, which is why it's important to shop around and find the most competitive savings interest rates available. Read on to learn more about where to find the best savings interest rates. Savings account rates are now trending down following the Fed's recent rate cuts. The good news is that many high-yield savings accounts still offer rates of around 4% APY. The best rates are typically offered by online banks, although you may be able to find comparable savings interest rates at some credit unions and community banks. Today, the highest savings account rate available from our partners is 4.50% APY. This rate is offered by Jenius Bank and there is no minimum opening deposit required. Here is a look at some of the best savings rates available today from our verified partners:Following several years of near-zero interest rates, the Federal Reserve began raising the federal funds rate in 2022 in order to combat rapidly rising inflation. As a result, savings interest rates skyrocketed as well, reaching a 15-year high. However, in late 2024, the Fed implemented a series of cuts to the federal funds rate, and savings account rates have started dropping. It's also expected that the Fed will implement more rate cuts in 2025. It's difficult to predict exactly how and when interest rates will change going forward, but one thing is for sure: Today's high savings account rates won't last forever. So, if you're hoping to give your savings a boost and take advantage of the best rates on the market, there's no better time than now. The requirements involved in opening a savings account vary by financial institution. However, if you're ready to open an account, you can follow these general steps: Research savings account rates: Of course, when choosing a savings account, one of the most important factors to evaluate are the interest rates. Be sure that you select a savings account with a competitive rate to help your money grow. Figure out your must-haves: Although savings account interest rates should be top of mind, that's not the only factor to consider. You'll also want to think about what else you need from your account, whether it's no minimum balance requirement, low fees, or other perks. Finding a savings account with a solid rate that also helps you achieve your goals is key. Prepare documentation: Opening a bank account requires you to provide a few important personal details and documents. Before you start your application, be sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license or passport number, and proof of address. Fill out the application: In many cases, you can apply for savings account online. However, some financial institutions may require you to visit the branch in person to apply. Either way, the application for a new savings account should only take a few minutes to complete. In many cases, you'll get your approval decision instantly. Fund your account: Once your savings account application is approved, you'll need to add funds to the account. Be sure you're aware of any minimum opening deposit requirements and timeline for funding. Read more: Step-by-step instructions for opening a high-yield savings account
