Saving & Accounts
This is the national average APY on a traditional savings account- less than half of one percent.
0.38% APY
This is the only federal authorized website to get your credit report for free from all three credit report agencies
Beyond first month's rent, this refundable deposit is usually 1-2 months of rent.
The Security Deposit
This is the term for what income you earn before any deductions come out
Gross Pay
This is the effective APR on a typical payday loan- a $45 fee on a $300 two week loan
391% APR
This is the balance number that tells you what you can actually spend right now, accounting for pending charges
Available Balance
This federal agency insures your bank deposits up to $250,000 per depositor
FDIC (NCUA for Credit Unions)
This is the legal right you have to lock your credit line so nobody can open new accounts in your name
Credit Freeze
This is the most important thing to do on movie in day, before you bring in a single box
Document/photograph/video the apartment condition
This form you will fill out at a new job, it determines how much federal income tax gets withheld
W-4
This payment app category treats your money like cash, nearly impossible to get back if scammed
Peer to Peer Payment Apps
Cash App, Venmo, Zelle
This is the standard fee a bank often charges for one overdraft transaction
$35 (or typically $25-35$)
This is the tax form your bank sends you if you earn $10 or more in interest in a year
1099-INT
This is how many days a credit bureau has to investigate a dispute after you file it
30 days
In most states, a landlord must give you this much notice before entering your apartment
24-48 hours
This is the combined Social Security and Medicare Tax Rate taken from every paycheck
7.65%
This is a free confidential phone number you can call or text for emergency financial resources in your area
211
This reporting agency tracks your banking history and can flag your for unpaid overdrafts or closed accounts
ChexSystems
This is a "triple tax advantage" account that requires a High Deductible Health Plan to Open
HSA Health Savings Account
A personal co-signer typically needs a credit score of at least this number to qualify
680
This federal law prohibits a landlord from denying you housing based on race, religion, gender or disability
Fair Housing Act
If you are a 1099 gig worker (meaning you are a independent contractor, not an employee) this is the percentage rage of self-employment tax you owe on net earnings
15.3%
No legitimate company, government agency or employer will spefically request you pay them in this form
Gift Cards
Unlike a bank, this type of financial institution is a non profit owned by its members
A Credit Union
This is the 2026 contribution limit for a ROTH IRA if you are under 50
Reminder: ROTH IRA is a individual retirement account
$7500
This is roughly what a guarantor company charges as a fee - expressed as a percentage of one month's rent
40-130%
This is a total range of cash you typically need on move-in day for a $900/month apartment
$1850-$3000
This is the rule of thumb percentage gig workers should set aside from every payout for taxes
25-30% of income
This non profit organization offers free or low cost credit counseling, as opposed to predatory debt settlement companies
NFCC National Foundation for Credit Counseling
This is how long a negative mark typically stays on your ChexSystems report
Five years