Everyone must have a regular savings account.

May 7th, 2009

Most of us had the privilege when we were younger that our parents would one day start us on the path to better fiscal habits. Normally this would start with your first bank account, a savings account. Now I am sure when I saw that most of us actually have one but hardly any of us actually utilize or understand the real need to take advantage of some of the perks this type of account provides.

A savings account is different from other types in the fact that it usually requires a higher balance be kept, but in return you will earn a much higher than average interest on your money. The idea is that you can put in or take out as needed without penalty, but in the meantime still earn a fair amount back on your money. This is a wise choice when investing is to risky or building a rainy day fund.

Developing a discipline to add cash to this account every pay period will become one of the greatest skills and trust me you will thank yourself on that fast approaching rainy day.

Some caveat for the savings addicted. Some accounts will charge you if you drop below a predetermined balance. Some with charge you if you move more than a certain amount in or out in one month. I recommend taking a good long look at your banks fine print in regard to your savings account. More times often than not the higher the minimal balance the higher the earned interest rate per month, so if you can afford to let some money sleep safely you would be the wiser to do that as soon as possible.

Savings accounts are the back bone to your fiscal growth and independence in the long term do not neglect to fatten up your piggy bank!

The paradigm of business savings account management.

May 7th, 2009

One of the most important aspects of owning or operating a business is being as prepared as possible for tomorrow whilst also growing your business today. Just in case it happens to hit the fan in your industry of choice you are going to want to have a business savings account as soon as possible. Smart operating business people all understand that having a separate savings account dedicated for the tomorrow of things or in a broader sense investing in your businesses future is the wisest thing you could possibly do.

This being said you should take steps to safeguard your monies while they are in saving making sure that you are able to shift them around as you need to as if you are taking large hits in fees and penalties whilst doing so you are effectively burning your money and any chance at a future in the process.

Many banks offer plans for businesses that allow them the flexability of movement thus achieving a little bit of that proverbial wiggle room. The more the better cause as history has shown again and again you can never be to certain what tomorrow will hold for your choosen industry of operation.

Take the time to establish a good relationship with your bank account holder and you may notice more perks and options available. Communication is key as with all aspects of business as your bank will only be able to help if they know what you need inthe way of tools for success.

Just as you instill in your company you should instill in yourself the tools of effective communication and goal setting while also being able to transfer this to those that need to know to help you help your own do the same as well.

Should you be worried about children’s bank accounts?

May 7th, 2009

Yes most definitely and without a doubt with no mental reservation and with the utmost of urgency you should positively and right now be worried. This is due to a decline in banking standards and often times these questionable banks will unmeticuliously change the terms of an account without any prior knowledge to the owners. What this does is setup a failure to grow as intened or add more fees or higher balances requirements. If you did not request such things you should be inferated over such actions.

Make sure to put your reasearch in as some banks will actually provide a specialty like account just for children that allows all the proper acess while also actively teaching them to handle thier money much more wisely and growing into an adult someday that has a very sound and granite like fiscal foundation. Without the knowldege of how to effectively utilize a bank account your child will have a very rough adult life untill either meeting someone else who does understand the fiscal workings and how to effectively utilize such an account or untill they hit rock bottom and end up in bankruptcy.

This being said most banks are pretty decent and have programs of education for children so that they can learn as they grow at a suitable rate of understanding based on their age and maturity dictate.

Your child is your greatest achievement it is what you will pass down to the ages and in that vessel you should take the time to mentor and isntill an urgency to effectively utilize the tools of our civilization just one of which is a bank account whether it be savings or checking or even higher level investments like cd’s stocks, bonds or loans.

Money Market Savings Account

February 11th, 2009

If you’re planning to move your money from a regular savings account to a money market savings account, you will benefit a lot from knowing their differences.

In some ways, a money market account is no different from a basic savings account. Like the regular savings account, the money market account can be availed from banks and credit unions. The money deposited into a money market account earns interest in the same way as a regular savings account does.

Money market accounts allow withdrawal of money any time—but with limitations. You can withdraw only three to six times a month. Banks usually charge about $5 to 10 for every withdrawal beyond the maximum the bank sets every month.

However, the money market account requires a higher minimum balance and has higher interest rate. If you fail to maintain your minimum balance, the bank will charge you around $5.

Before putting money into a money market account, you must ensure you know the latest interest rate and how it fares against your savings account interest rate.

Funds from the money market account is as liquid as that of regular savings, and both accounts are designed for people who want easier access to their money.

In banks, the money in money market accounts has insurance from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). This assures money market account holders that their money is still safe even if their banks close down. In credit unions, the money is insured by the federal agency National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

In money market accounts, interest rates vary from bank to another bank. Also, the higher the amount there is in the account, the higher the interest rate is.

Banks issue a small book called the register to new account holders of money market savings accounts. This is where you indicate your initial balance or the amount of your first deposit, as well as your deposits and withdrawals in the future. The register serves as your record of all your transactions and the amount of money in your account.

You will also receive a monthly statement of your account either through mail. Like the register, the statement contains all your transactions, extra fees, and the interest you earned. It’s recommended that you check the entries of your statement against that of your register. This process is also known as “reconciling,” which means you make sure that all the entries of the two documents correspond to each other.
More importantly, you must make sure to deposit money regularly into your money market savings account and wait while your money is making more and more money.
Security is one reason why money market accounts attract some people. The funds in this type of account are invested only in financially stable securities. Moreover, all the investments mature at an average of 120 days or less. As a result, the funds go into various government issues such as state, municipal, and federal debt securities. The yield is higher than a regular savings account, though lower than the average market.

When it comes to earning interests, the money market account performs slightly better than the regular savings account. Money market savings accounts yield an income of around 1 to 6 percent, while basic savings accounts give about 0.1 to 3 percent.

Sovereign Bank Online Banking

February 11th, 2009

If you are a Sovereign Bank customer then I definitely suggest that you check out Sovereign Bank Online Banking.

Their personal online banking is highly advanced, uses the best online banking security technology and offers all their services you will need for day to day banking.

With Personal Online Banking, all of your day-to-day banking can be done from any personal computer with Internet access. It saves you time and gives you complete control of your money.

Sovereign Bank Online Banking features Sovereign Secure Access. This is a high tech state-of-the-art feature to ensure your security. You can almost forget about the risk of fraud and ID theft if you follow their guidelines.

Here are some of the features of the Sovereign Personal Online Banking:

  • Check your balance online, view statements, history and activity.
  • Transfer money between all your accounts
  • Set up transfers for certain dates or recurring weekly or monthly
  • View checks online
  • Control payments, including stop payments for your checks
  • Order a new check book
  • Pay all your bills and receive your e-Bills using BillPay

Enrolling cannot be easier. You just need to be a U.S. resident and have some additional personal information. Then you can apply online.

Let me know if you use it and how you get on.

B of A Online Banking

February 11th, 2009

Online Banking is a revolution as far as I am concerned. Now I can micro manage my finances at the touch of a button. If you are with the Bank of America then be sure to look at B of A Online Banking.

B of A online banking has all the options and services that you would expect of a large bank. You can view and track all your accounts and account activity online at any time and any place that you have an internet connection. You can transfer money quickly and efficiently and also manage all your bill payments.

The secure online technology means that it is extremely unlikely that you are in danger if you follow the suggested online security.

B of A online banking is easy to enroll and you can be online looking at your account within minutes. There is no reason why you should not at least try this feature and see what it can bring to your daily banking.

I honestly think that you will find that you cannot live without it.

How Do Savings Bonds Work?

February 11th, 2009

I am sure you have seen Savings Bonds offered at your bank or financial institution but you may be wondering How Do Savings Bonds Work?

A savings bons is a security that is issued by the US Treasury Department. This means that the government can use your money for dunding and in return they pay you interest.

Savings bonds are generally considered a safe investment and for a safe investment offer relatively high interest. The interest rate varies depending on the economic conditions which sadly mean they are fairly low right now. However they can still be a great long term savings plan. The Bureau of Public Debt’s website gives current and historical savings bonds interest rates.

One other advantage is the possible tax advantages. Depending on your situation this could save you a lot of money.

They don’t pay periodic interest that is governed by income tax. So they increase in value over the years. This means you can get the interest income when you cash in the bonds or they have matured (often 30 years after opening).

The U.S. Treasury building, Washington D.C.
Image via Wikipedia

The Education Savings Bond Program also gives you the chance to cash in your Bonds for some Higher Education Expenses that may be eligable to be excluded from taxes.

Another thing about the interest is that it is exempt from local and state income taxes.

So the idea is basic and the benefits for learn term savings are fantastic. If you have enough cash to put a little away each month this could be the best option for your savings.

Best CD Interest Rates

February 11th, 2009

A certificate of deposit or CD allows a person to earn interest at a particular rate, but if money is requested before it matures, a penalty is applied. With a minimum balance requirement, the interest rates in a CD increase for bigger deposits as well as longer CD terms.

Finding the best CD interest rates is easy. First, one can search the Internet for a list of competitive rates from various websites. Search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN come in handy for this. You can also view websites that are sponsored by various state, local, and national financial institutions and allow you to check and review interest rates, minimum amount of deposit, and length of maturity. Another option is to call banks individually and ask them about their CD’s current interest rates. To help you decide on a bank or brokerage firm with the best competitive interest rate, you can check the CD interest rates every week and track where the trend is moving. Scan newspapers daily to find advertisements on special interest rate offers from banks and credit unions. Interest rates are quickly and constantly changing, so it is important to be kept abreast of the latest rates before buying your certificates of deposit.

This sign, displayed at all credit unions, inf...
Image via Wikipedia

It also pays to check CD interest rates with a bank against a credit union. Credit unions usually give higher interest rates than banks. What makes credit unions more attractive to investors is their lower minimum deposit than majority of banks. Yet in the past, more people trusted banks when it comes to their CDs as they were perceived as more stable than a credit union.

Call up a financial advisor or broker—for sure, he or she has an extensive knowledge about where to find the best CD interest rates. The information may be more reliable if you get it from the expert than doing your own research.

After you get a list of credit unions or banks, determine how long the maturity of the CD is. Also, find out which credit unions or banks have higher CD interest rates by putting in bigger money. Another tip here is to always have the safety of your CD in mind. Money deposited in banks is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDIC, while money in credit unions is insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

A good place to find a good interest rate on CD is your local bank. Consult a personal banker so you can explore the best possibilities in your investment and get the greatest deals. Of course, the staff of your local bank would be more than glad to help you with your decisions.

With all the tips mentioned above, you can be confident about your investment decisions, particularly about certificates of deposit. Just remember: everything must start with a good and thorough research. Only then you can let go of your hard-earned money and put it in good and safe hands. And when it comes to safety, CDs are a good investment option.