Yesterday I revealed my status as an identity theft survivor. My identity was ripped off nearly a decade ago, yet the sting is ever-present. A former colleague of mine was the perpetrator. Looking back, it was probably very easy for him to obtain access to my computer since we worked just a few cubicles down from each other. Hacking is just one of the ways thieves can gain access to your personal information and ultimately steal money from you. However, according to new reports, very few people realize that cybercrime is taking place, even after their sensitive information has been … Continue reading →

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be taking a look at ways to save your money. Back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas all come in the fall and winter season, which means that saving is often the last thing on our minds. All the more reason to think about it! I’ll start with one of my personal simple favorites: the online savings account. An online account with ING or another bank is not necessarily your everyday banking solution. It’s connected to a bricks-and-mortar bank account in your own community, most likely. However, these accounts are generally no fee and … Continue reading →

My budget is full of little bracketed notes, all stating when certain things go into and out of my account. In the beginning, I simply budgeted without noting when bills had to be paid. Although I never went into overdraft, I was always living in fear that a huge bill would come along without my knowledge and send my bank account into the negative. Now, that worry is almost entirely gone. I have a note alongside each item in my budget that states when that payment comes out, whether it’s the first of the month, the first Friday, or some … Continue reading →

People often ask me about ING orange savings accounts. They want to know how it works, if you really get a $25.00 bonus, and if it’s legitimate. With the advent of online banking, customers have more options than ever about where and how to bank. This has caused increased competition among banks, both online and traditional. As a result, many banks offer various bonuses and promotions in order to recruit or retain their customers. While most banks offer occasional promotions, ING has an ongoing $25.00 bonus for new customers who open accounts with an opening balance of at least $250.00. … Continue reading →

.Rising interest rates don’t have to be a bad thing. Money sitting in savings accounts, for instance, is now earning a higher rate of interest. And online savings accounts are paying some of the highest rates around – some as high as 5%. Stashing your money in online savings accounts is a different experience than visiting your local bricks and mortar bank. Here’s some of what you can expect: It goes without saying that you’ll want to be really comfortable with the internet before venturing into online accounts. If you’re utilizing online banking with your current bank, however, the experience … Continue reading →