Ever checked out the interest rate on a CD or savings account and seen two different numbers?
APR vs. APY: What’s the Difference?
June 30th, 2009 · No Comments
→ No CommentsTags: Interest Rates
The Latest Online Savings Account Interest Rates
June 24th, 2009 · No Comments
Written by J.P. Wicklein
Over the last few weeks top interest rates have dropped. The largest dip came from Ally Bank (formerly GMAC bank) – a quarter point decline to 2.00%. Overall, the best online savings rates remain in the 1.5% - 2.0% range.
|
Online Bank |
APY |
Min Opening Balance* |
|
Bank of Internet USA |
2.06% |
$100 |
|
Goldwater Bank |
2.03% |
$1,500 |
|
Ally Bank |
2.00% |
$1 |
|
Beverly National Bank Online |
2.00% |
$5,000 |
|
Ultima Bank Minnesota |
1.95% |
$1,000 |
|
IGoBanking.com |
1.91% |
$1 |
|
AIG Bank |
1.91% |
$10,000 |
|
HSBC Direct |
1.55% |
$1 |
|
ING Direct |
1.50% |
$1 |
* Note: Minimum opening balance required to receive APY.
→ No CommentsTags: Banks · Interest Rates
New Federal IBR Program Could Drastically Lower Your Student Loan Payments
June 20th, 2009 · 6 Comments
Written by J.P. Wicklein
Next week the federal government will launch their new Income Based Repayment (IBR) program. This program can be a godsend for those struggling to repay hefty education loans. Here’s a quick video that explains the new plan:
→ 6 CommentsTags: Loans · Student Loans
10 Ways to Make Money From Land
June 17th, 2009 · 6 Comments
I’ve been thinking about buying some land recently. I’d like to construct a small home on the land and grow food. My ideal slice of land is at least 10 acres, farmable, wooded, and has a pond or stream on it. I don’t plan on moving there. Rather, I’d like to have a place within a 3 hour drive that I can escape to periodically.
→ 6 CommentsTags: Money · Real Estate
ING Direct Offering $50 Bonus with Online Checking Account
June 13th, 2009 · 2 Comments
ING Direct is offering a $50 bonus for new Electric Orange online checking account customers. Here are the details of their promotion:
· The online checking account must be opened by June 30, 2009.
· You’re required to make 3 debit card signature transactions within 45 days of opening your account. (When making a purchase hit the “credit” button, instead of the “debit” button, so you produce a receipt that needs to be signed.)
· On the 50th day after your account is opened ING Direct will deposit $50.
· To receive the promotion you must enter the promo code EM282 during the signup process. You can sign up here or by clicking on the ING logo above.
→ 2 CommentsTags: Banks · Interest Rates · Money
Is it Worth Naming Your Own Price Through Priceline?
June 10th, 2009 · 4 Comments
I just booked a long weekend in Las Vegas. After an exhaustive search for the best prices on Hotels.com, Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz I decided to name my own price with Priceline. Through Priceline I wound up getting the Wynn Hotel for $120 per night (Thursday thru Saturday). If I would’ve booked the Wynn, without naming my own price, it would’ve run me $205 per night on any of the online travel sites (Expedia, Hotels.com, Travelocity, etc…). Needless to say I was pretty happy with the deal I got!
→ 4 CommentsTags: Save Money
Poll: Where do You Stand on “Stoplight Charity”?
June 6th, 2009 · 6 Comments
My 40 minute commute takes me through several suburbs and dozens of stoplights. During the commute I’ll inevitably encounter someone walking between lanes of traffic, with jar in hand, asking for donations. Sometimes they are collecting for well known charities, such as the Salvation Army. Other times the charities are smaller or questionable in nature. It seems like I’m encountering “stoplight charity” much more frequently than I did a few years ago. The bottom line: I’m tired of being asked for charitable donations at red lights.
→ 6 CommentsTags: Charity · Donating
How to Borrow up to $25,000 of Unsecured Money at a Fixed Rate of 8%
June 2nd, 2009 · 1 Comment
If you’re looking to consolidate credit card debt, launch a small business, do some home improvement, pay for school, or just need some cash you may want to consider applying for a peer-to-peer loan. Lending Club offers unsecured loans to borrowers at interest rates as low as 7.88%. Dozens of individuals put up small amounts of money to fund your loan with Lending Club acting as the middleman.
→ 1 CommentTags: Loans
We’re Printing Waaaaay Too Much Money
May 29th, 2009 · 4 Comments
Written by J.P. Wicklein
I came across a video recently that registered with me. Glenn Beck, formerly of CNN and now with Fox News, put together a piece on how much money the U.S. government is issuing. Check it out!
→ 4 CommentsTags: Economy
Penny Pinching Tip #2: Compare Unit Prices
May 26th, 2009 · 1 Comment
When shopping for groceries you’ll often need to decide between different product sizes. How do you determine which size is the best deal? Take a look at the unit price.
→ 1 CommentTags: Penny Pinching · Save Money












