Paying fees on a small child's savings account will wipe out any potential gains, so ask your bank if they have fee-free account for kids with no minimums, or if your status with the bank is enough to get the fees waived for them. In particular make sure they don't charge a … [Read more...] about Keep your kids away from bank fees, look for free accounts
Banking & Credit
Save on checks by buying online
The checks you buy from a reputable online site or mail-order company are perfectly valid; you just need to provide the account details which appear on your current checks. You can save 50% or more this way versus buying from your own bank. Options include Wal-Mart and Costco.A … [Read more...] about Save on checks by buying online
Save money on stamps with online bill payments
Many banks offer online bill payments for free, and will often even mail the letters for you. You can specify the day to make the payment so you can still balance your checkbook the way you like. Plus you can setup alerts and/or auto payments to help you avoid late fees. You can … [Read more...] about Save money on stamps with online bill payments
Ask your bank if you qualify for any special deals, or sign up to get them
Banks may offer better rates to shareholders, senior citizens, employees of certain companies and members of certain affiliated groups. Ask your banker what types of deals are out there and whether you qualify - you might be surprised to find out you already do. It's also worth … [Read more...] about Ask your bank if you qualify for any special deals, or sign up to get them
Use AnnualCreditReport.com for your free annual credit report, to avoid unexpected fees
The three major credit reporting agencies - Experian, Transunion, and Equifax - set up AnnualCreditReport.com for people to request their free report each year, if they meet certain criteria. Other websites that promise free reports might cause a "hard inquiry" on your credit … [Read more...] about Use AnnualCreditReport.com for your free annual credit report, to avoid unexpected fees