Mark Cuban shocked the internet when he revealed that he paid $275.9 million in taxes last year. Instead of hunting for loopholes, the billionaire investor and former Dallas Mavericks owner said on BlueSky he was proud to contribute, calling taxes part of his duty to the country. While your bill won’t come close to nine figures, his approach offers a smart blueprint for everyday taxpayers. Keep reading for more details on Cuban’s tax bill — plus five tips to keep yours much lower. Trending Now: Mark Cuba ...

Core Insights - Consumers Credit Union (CCU) is recognized as one of the top 10 credit unions for 2025, offering a range of financial products and services including deposit accounts, loans, and business banking solutions [1] Product Overview - CCU provides a Rewards Checking Account with tiered rates up to 5% APY on balances up to $10,000, contingent on meeting specific monthly activity requirements [3][4] - The Free Checking Account has no fees or minimum balance requirements, offering features like early direct deposit and unlimited check writing [5] - The Smart Saver Account offers a base rate of 0.25% APY, with potential to earn a 3% APY relationship rate when linked to a CCU checking account [10] - CCU's Membership Savings Account requires a minimum balance of $5 and offers competitive dividend rates [9] - Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are available with no minimum deposit or balance requirements, allowing tax-advantaged savings for health expenses [11] - CCU offers various loans including home purchase, refinancing, auto loans, and personal loans [13] - Credit card options include cash back and rewards cards, with introductory offers such as 0% APR on balance transfers for 12 months [14] - Investment services include access to various IRAs and insurance products [15] - Business banking services encompass business accounts, Visa cards, commercial loans, and treasury management [17] Membership and Fees - Membership is open to anyone for a one-time fee of $5, which may be reimbursed, and requires maintaining a minimum balance of $5 in the savings account [21] - CCU does not charge monthly maintenance fees on deposit accounts, making it attractive for members [21] - The credit union has limited physical branches primarily located in Illinois, which may pose accessibility challenges for members outside the state [21] Customer Service and Technology - CCU offers 24/7 customer service via phone and live chat during business hours, with a mobile app rated 4.7 and 4.5 stars on respective platforms [20] - The mobile app facilitates various banking activities including bill payments, remote check deposits, and account management [20]

Core Insights - Retirement planning requires adequate savings to maintain a desired lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of preparing for unexpected expenses [1][2] - Emergency savings accounts (ESAs) are highlighted as a crucial financial resource to prevent financial difficulties during retirement [3][4] Group 1: Importance of Emergency Savings Accounts - An emergency savings account is defined as a dedicated account for unexpected expenses, which becomes critical in retirement when regular income ceases [4] - Workplace ESAs are favored as they automate the saving process, reducing the risk of forgetting contributions [5][6] - Employees with emergency savings are more likely to engage in retirement planning and contribute larger amounts to their retirement plans [6][7]