The Debit Card Overdraft “Protection” Trap
April 30 , 2012 by Amber CIf you own a debit card, your bank has been legally required to ask your permission to extend their “courtesy overdraft protection” for your card. Do you remember what answer you gave them? If you said yes or otherwise don’t remember, read on!
Can I still get free checking?
May 15 , 2012 by Todd BarrettFree checking is getting harder to find, but some banks still offer it. It all depends on your existing relationship with the bank. If they are making money some other way from you they may offer free checking. For example, if you have a mortgage, keep a large minimum balance, etc. If any of those conditions apply to you then free checking is probably in your future. If those conditions do not apply to you then I would suggest looking into joining a credit union. Many have loosened their membership requirements. Click the ncua.gov website to find one in your area.
Am I Too Young To Have An IRA?
April 28 , 2012 by Crystal JohnsonThe simple answer is “NO!” My very first job was working at McDonald’s as a cashier in high school. I’d make about $100/week and spend it on food or clothes since I didn’t have a lot of other expenses at the time. Now that I’m in my 20s, I look back and wonder why I didn’t save at least $25 of each paycheck. Well, I know why. I wasn’t thinking about saving for a house, paying off student loans, buying a car, or retirement! I didn’t know anyone who was thinking about these things as teenagers.