June 19, 2013 1:31 PM • Log InREGISTER

PHOTOS

If you’re going to tuck your money away, you might as well make it work for you. Before the advent of the Internet that generally meant opening up a traditional savings account, but with more and more banks offering high-yielding online accounts, customers have new options to keep their funds liquid while still maximizing their returns. But how does one decide between an online account and a traditional savings account? BlackEnterprise.com breaks down the differences between the two.

Online vs. Traditional Savings: Which Account Has Your Best ‘Interests’ in Mind?

There's more than one way to save money. Make sure to find the account that works for you.

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Some only know Stanley "MC Hammer" Burrell for his Grammy award-winning legacy as a pioneering performer in hip-hop and pop culture. Others remember him more for his infamous financial woes and stints on reality TV. But don't put this entrepreneur and social media advocate in a box. He's kept the superstar momentum going in recent years with his dance community Web portal, DanceJam, and the founding of Alchemist Management, a mixed martial arts management company. Hammer's also reinvented himself as a social networking mogul (with more than 2 million Twitter followers), carving out yet another niche in his diverse career with high impact and visibility. 	An avid reader and sought-after speaker—having lectured at Oxford and Wharton and will be speaking this year at Black Enterprise's Entrepreneurs Conference in Atlanta (May 22-25), Hammer knows a thing or two about expanding one's knowledge of how to connect with audiences and use technology as a lucrative tool. BlackEnterprise.com caught up with the social media whiz on his favorite book picks for social media success.

MC Hammer’s Top 5 Books For Social Media Success

The legendary hip-hop pioneer and social media advocate shares his favorite books

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Find Out if You Even Have to File 	Ever wonder if you actually need to file a federal income tax return? Well, you may be onto something. Identifying whether or not you need to file will save both you and the government time and money. People can check the Individuals section of the IRS website or use their Interactive Tax Assistant tool to see if they qualify.

4/11: 11 Last Minute Tax Tips

With only a few days left to file, Black Enterprise gives you the 4-1-1 on filing your taxes

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Evolving in the public eye, Chris Brown has gone from teenaged heartthrob to pop music megastar to vilified brute and then repentant sinner. At the heart of his image downturn is the 2009 assault of then girlfriend, Rihanna, which showed a darker side to the talented singer/dancer/actor. Brown’s subsequent apologies, paid debt to society in the form of community service and an emotional performance of Michael Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror” at the 2010 BET Awards seemed to have almost wiped his slate clean—that is, until last month’s Good Morning America appearance. Following an awkward and defensive interview with GMA co-host Robin Roberts, Brown threw a tantrum backstage, smashing a window at ABC’s Times Square studio in the process. Though Brown has since apologized for his behavior (again), many speculate that he’s running out of second chances and that’s bound to hit him in the pockets. BlackEnterprise.com takes a look at how all the drama has or hasn’t affected the troubled star’s money.

Chris Brown Decoded: The Finances of a Tarnished Brand

An exploration of how much the troubled star's scandals have adversely affected his bottom line

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A tip from a trusted friend or relative, a little monetary incentive or even just the location can usually steer consumers to their bank of choice. But one look at the fine print can have potential customers re-thinking their decision. While Capitol Hill has banks scrambling to make up new revenue sources, consumers are usually the ones slighted as new fees means less banking value for your buck. With the savings rate up 5.8% in January, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis—the highest since August—it’s important to make sure the financial institution you decide to do business with is giving you the best service. Here’s a checklist of questions you should always ask to ensure you’re getting the most out of a savings or checking account.

14 Questions to Ask Before Opening a Checking or Savings Account

Not all bank accounts are created equal. Mind your money with these essential questions

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Best known for his portrayal of Tee Tee on BET’s The Game, Barry Floyd earned his position in the spotlight the hard way. With ambitions of being a writer, the Philadelphia native headed to Hollywood to follow his dreams, but like many aspiring scribes, he saw those dreams deferred. Following a string of production assistant jobs on such TV series as Cuts, Everybody Hates Chris and Girlfriends, Floyd fell into acting when one of the Girlfriends performers was late for rehearsal and he was asked to stand in. Impressed with his performance, the casting director suggested Floyd audition for a part on an upcoming show called The Game. “I had no intention of acting,” he explains. “I was just in the right place at the right time.” 	During the course of the show’s inaugural run on The CW network, Floyd sharpened his acting skills, earning more camera time in the process. Now, at the close of the sitcom’s resurrected season on BET, the actor is refocused on his initial goal, working as the head writer on the online sketch comedy series, Purple Stuff TV.  Managing to navigate his way through the bright lights of Tinseltown, Floyd shares a few of his trade secrets with BlackEnterprise.com.

Barry Floyd’s 6 Steps to Making it in Hollywood

The writer-turned-actor from BET's 'The Game' explains how he made it and you can too

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Spending less than you earn seems like a simple rule, but as straightforward as it may appear, every year many Americans become the casualty of their spendthrift ways. Making purchases you cannot afford or don’t need, in turn, leads to uncontrollable debt. 	Terry and Tyra Johnson of Yardley, Pennsylvania, have maintained a frugal lifestyle even though they make a combined six-figure salary. Here are four tips from the Johnsons that help them live below their means.

4 Ways to Live Within Your Means

Couple shares tips on how to avoid financial pitfalls

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Tend your bar. Monitor your bartenders. Over-pouring can lead to big financial problems. With formally trained bartenders this is not an issue. But if you’re thinking about hiring someone who learned to bartend at friend’s parties, think again.

10 Tips to Opening Your Own Club

Industry experts and successful entrepreneurs tell you how to build, brand and promote your business and turn it into a hot spot

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On working for Sen. Robert Kennedy 	"When I was working with Kennedy, I was always asking others how they thought I was doing within his organization. Sometimes I would have to make corrections and adjustments to my style in order to be more efficient within the demanding and hard-charging culture of his office. You must continuously monitor your status and your vulnerability in the constantly shifting work environment. You must always be on the lookout for ways to increase your value in the market while being alert to new opportunities."

12 Things You Can Learn from…Black Enterprise Founder Earl G. Graves, Sr.

The media magnate reflects on moments in his life that have yielded valuable lessons on business, perserverance and success

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With over 18 years of experience working with such celebrity clientele as Sean “Diddy” Combs, Mary J. Blige and Kimora Lee Simmons, stylist Misa Hylton has turned her passion for fashion into a lucrative career. In addition to running her image consulting company Chyna Doll Enterprises, the savvy businesswoman recently announced the launch of her plus-sized clothing line, Madison Star. Here, Hylton shares a few tips for those wishing to follow in her fashionable footsteps.

Misa Hylton’s 5 Tips For Success in the Fashion Business

The celebrity stylist and businesswoman shares keys to making it in fashion

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