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Your business credit profile and credit score indicate to credit agencies, lenders, vendors, and suppliers how well your company manages its debts—and its likelihood of paying them on time. A strong business credit score makes it easier to get financing and can lead to better interest rates and repayment terms, which can help you navigate challenges and grow your business. How to build business credit It takes time and effort to establish and build business credit.

A checking account makes it easy and convenient to pay bills, make deposits, and cover purchases with your debit card. If you're hoping to avoid steep banking fees, you might be searching for a free checking account option. Some of the best free checking accounts can be found at online banks, which typically charge fewer fees than traditional banks. We've rounded up some of the best free checking accounts to help you find the one that's right for you.

As the use of paper checks continues to decline, electronic transfers have experienced dramatic growth. The two most common methods of electronic transfers are ACH and wire transfers. What’s the difference between the two, and when is one a better option than the other? Both take place primarily in a checking account. ACH transfers are routinely used by just about anyone with a bank account, especially those who take advantage of online and mobile banking.

If you own a small business, there’s a good chance you either have an EIN—or are planning to apply for one in the future. An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It identifies your business entity. Regardless of the type of business, you can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS. Credit card companies typically allow you to include your EIN when applying for a business credit card.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it. RV ownership has many perks. Want to pack up and work from a national park? Get an RV. Want to vacation with your kids on the cheap? Get an RV. Feel like disconnecting from the world and living life on the road? Yep, get an RV.

An RV, short for recreational vehicle, can be one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel, particularly for those who agree that the journey is as important as the destination. Although it’s not as fast as flying, RVs give drivers the opportunity to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and, perhaps most important, bring everything they’d like along for the journey—literally including the kitchen sink.

Cash advance apps can help people who need money fast for unexpected expenses—such as a medical bill or car repair. Earnin is a free, cash-advance app that provides customers access to their earnings to date before payday. Users can receive up to $100 per day and $750 per pay period in their bank account and pay no mandatory fees or interest.

If you feel financially unprepared for retirement, you’re not alone. More than half of Americans (55%) have concerns about achieving financial security in retirement, according to a 2024 report from the National Institute on Retirement Security. Of course, the sooner you start saving for retirement, the easier it can be to reach your goals—and contributing to a retirement account (or two) is a great way to get started.

Dave is a banking app that offers a spending account with a debit card, a savings account, help with finding a side gig, and cash advances. The cash advance feature, ExtraCash, lets users borrow up to $500 if they need quick cash before their next paycheck hits with no interest or late fees. TIME’s Take Dave Loans Loan amount $500 Term Next paycheck Min.

A personal loan can be used for any number of purposes: for example, to cover an emergency expense like a medical bill, make costly home repairs, pay for a large purchase, or consolidate existing credit card debt. If your financial needs are more immediate—such as replacing a water pipe that burst in your home—you’ll need the cash from your personal loan quickly.