February 2018 14

THE BIGGER THEY ARE

Bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially when it comes to choosing where to park your money. Big banks might dazzle customers with cutting-edge apps and ATM locations across the country, but these benefits come at a high (and sometimes hidden) price. Small banks and credit unions often represent a better option for many consumers, but finding out if they’re right for you first requires understanding the reasons people should beware of big banks.

The day off known by most as “Presidents’ Day” is a federal holiday actually called “Washington’s Birthday.” Even though founding father George Washington is thought to have been born on Feb. 22, 1732, the U.S. has been celebrating it on the third Monday of every February since 1968.

Maximize your three-day weekend by snagging some exclusive President’s day deals now through February 19, 2018 and beyond.

FEBRUARY DEALS

When considering what to buy in February, remember that winter is half over and retailers want to clear out seasonal merchandise. Presidents Day also falls in February, giving many people a three-day weekend and extra time to shop. And don’t forget the Super Bowl. Taken together, these trends promise deals galore.

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that has exploded onto the investment world in dramatic fashion, fluctuating greatly in price and making millionaires out of early investors. Although bitcoin has proven to be a wild ride for speculative investors, its main purpose is ostensibly to be a currency — an alternative way to buy and sell products and services. If you’ve ever wondered what to buy with bitcoin, you might be surprised at what’s available.

To buy things with bitcoin, look for retailers that have a bitcoin logo just as you would look for a Visa or MasterCard sign if you wanted to use one of their credit cards. Take a look at this list of 20 ways you can buy stuff with bitcoin — and the interesting things you can own.

When it comes to the economy, the question isn’t if there will be another recession — it’s when.

A recession is like a rainstorm: You can take steps to limit its impact once the rain starts pouring down, but the best way to withstand a storm is to fix your roof before the storm starts.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR 401(K)?

For thousands of Americans, a 401(k) plan is the only real connection they have to the stock market. Some people have hundreds of thousands – or even millions – of hard-earned dollars invested in a 401(k) and still understand very little about how the plan works. Financial advisors often recommend investing as much money as possible in 401(k) plans because of the many investment advantages they provide. However, investors need to understand what their 401(k) actually is and how it works to unlock its full power. Here are seven things you need to know about your 401(k).