Tag Archives: seat belt

Buckle Up: It’s MY Law

“Is everyone buckled?” I can’t even count how many times my mom asked that question before pulling out of the driveway or parking lot. She often didn’t even start the car until all of our buckles were latched. You’d think that with all the statistics out there on how many lives are saved by wearing seat belts, people would buckle up without a thought. Heck, even if they don’t care about saving their lives, you’d think people would buckle up to avoid getting a hefty ticket. Prior to having a baby, my husband and I always buckled; however, we didn’t … Continue reading →

Check for Fees

In this amazing world today, fees are widespread. As companies struggle to keep prices low and compete, they often survive through hidden fees. What does this mean for you?? Diligence is the word of the day. There is no more sitting back and assuming “what you see is what you get.” Some samples of common fees to watch out for: 1. Credit cards. These are truly the fee monsters. Late payment fees, overbalance fees, cash withdrawal fees are common. What also might surprise you are the fees to use your money in a foreign country or balance transfer fees. 2. … Continue reading →

Overdraft Protection

We all make mistakes, so it is important to have protection. When it comes to your bank account, you can easily protect yourself from your mistakes through overdraft protection. Whether it is that quick stop for cash you forgot to write in your checkbook, or the “one” you forgot to carry over on your mortgage check deposit, mistakes happen. Often you don’t discover them until you are in deep water at your bank. Granted your bank isn’t too concerned, they actually profit from your mistakes. Bounced check and overdraft fees can be HUGE and they charge them for each transaction. … Continue reading →

Is it Time for a New Bank?

I am in the process of switching banks. Actually, I have been with a local credit union and I am not completely unsatisfied with the service and products, but as my life has changed and my home business has grown–I just need a little more. So, after a month or two or research, I found a new institution and I am in the process of making the switch. If I had allowed myself some foresight a few years ago, I might have picked an institution that could grow and change with me–but I was in a very different, much “smaller” … Continue reading →

Money Market Accounts

Okay, I have to admit that I am a savings dork. While I am quite willing to place my long term investments like retirement funds in riskier stock funds (balanced with bonds… of course), I am nervous about putting my shorter term savings accounts in them. Currently I utilize a standard savings account and CDs for my short term investments, although my customer service rep at my bank keeps subtly hinting I may be throwing some money away in this choice. The talk of the town for saving these days seems to be money market accounts. Therefore, my thought was … Continue reading →

Stopping Payment on a Check

You may be in a situation when you need to place a stop payment on a check that you have written. There are a few legitimate reasons why you may decide to place a stop payment: a lost or stolen check or failure to provide goods or services as promised. It is fairly easy to stop payment on a check, but you need to act promptly. If the bank has already processed the check, then you do not have any recourse. To stop payment on a check you will need to go to your local branch and fill out the … Continue reading →

Sunday Travel Funnies: One More Reason To Wear A Seat Belt

When I was growing up I don’t remember if our family station wagon even had seat belts. Fast-forward to today and I refuse to back out of the garage until everyone is buckled in. These days it seems most children don’t need to be bribed or whined at by adult drivers in order for them to fasten their seat belts. Even my 3-year-old daughter knows that seat belts help save lives. And this next story simply drives home that point. Last week an Oregon man swung by a fast food restaurant to pick up a handy breakfast sandwich. Once he … Continue reading →

A Review of “Maxed Out”

I recently watch the documentary “Maxed Out.” It takes a look at the banking industry, and the loan industry and they ways that they view their customers. It takes an inside look at debt collectors as well. Dave Ramsey also had a brief appearance in the film. Overall, I did not feel as though I learned anything new from this documentary. However, that is because I used to work at a bank, and I understand that banks are a business that is looking to profit off of its customers. The focus of the documentary was really on how others were … Continue reading →

Balance Your Checkbook and Save Money

You can save money by balancing your checkbook every month and keeping a running total. The Center for Responsible Lending has just issued a new report “Out of Balance” warning against the high interest rates that the banks are charging to cover your items if you overdraw. The report speaks out against what it calls unfair banking practices that can cause the customers to accumulate more fees. The Center for Responsible Lending is supporting bill HR 946, which would put overdraft loans under the jurisdiction of the Truth-in-Lending Act. This could mean that the banks must notify you if you … Continue reading →