Guides

Short explainers on the things Lirandel watches for. Every number links to its source.

• How Lirandel picks a credit card for you

  Lirandel ranks cards by what they'd add to your cards over two years, after fees, with points valued as cash and bonuses counted only if you'd reach them. What Lirandel earns is never part of it.

• Which credit card pays the most on groceries?

  What 11 cards pay on $300, $600 and $1,000 a month of groceries, after fees, when a $95 fee pays for itself, and which stores don't count.

• How to stop paying overdraft fees

  Why overdrafts happen, how to see one coming, and how to ask for a fee back.

• Is your savings earning what it could?

  How much a high-yield account really adds, how much to keep in checking, and what FDIC insurance covers.

• Use the right card, and pay it in full

  How to earn more on what you already spend, and why a carried balance wipes out any rewards.