Austin Bank - Is the Austin Bank As Good As Advertised?

If you live in the city of Austin, chances are you've heard of the Austin Bank. Located in the eastern part of Texas, Austin bank is one of the more widely used banks in this part of the state, and if you live here, chances are you or someone you know does business with them. Are they the best, or should you look elsewhere?

Like so many banks today, the Austin bank has been in business for over one hundred years, and therefore experience isn't an issue with them. It's almost a rarity to find a bank that hasn't been in business for at least a century, and Austin is no exception.

While this doesn't make them stand out from others, it still is something to keep in the back of your mind. They know what they're doing-how else could they be in business so long?

The bank has twenty eight different locations, and are constantly expanding, so regardless of which part of Austin you live in, you can find one in easy driving distance.

What kind of financial services can you expect to find with the Austin bank? Hers' a hint-it's not just personal banking. Like just about every bank around the country today, Austin has expanded and now offers home loans, credit cards, investing, and many other services, so no matter what you need, you can get it with them.

Obviously, you will need a higher credit score to get their home loans or credit cards, versus going through another company.

Anytime you go with a bank, you will need a higher credit score, and that's just the way it is. Austin is no exception. However, if you can get one through them, it's definitely worth it, as they offer very competitive interest rates, primarily because they have to. Remember, whenever you are dealing with a smaller bank like Austin bank, they don't have the luxury of screwing around with interest rates, because they need all the customers they can get.

Therefore, if you are thinking about doing business with Austin Bank, they certainly would be a wise choice.

Five Tips For Shopping on a Budget

Sticking to a budget is hard enough, but malls, outlets and grocery stores don't make it any easier; with countless promotions, sales, and strategically-placed impulse-buy items, it's easy to get sidetracked and overspend. Willpower and discipline are great tools to combat overspending, but many people find it hard to maintain them when faced with a great sale. Never fear, there are a few simple tricks and tips you can use to help keep you on track and overcome the temptation to overspend.

1. Always take a list.

While seemingly simple, and even obvious, this is a great way to help keep spending on track. If you have a specific list of items you need, you can shop with more purpose, and avoid unnecessary browsing (which all too often leads to unnecessary buying).

2. Consolidate shopping trips.

Whenever possible, it's best to combine all your shopping into one day. This is a great way to make sure you don't spend extra time in a given store, browsing unnecessarily, or getting sidetracked from your pre-set shopping agenda. Plus, consolidating your shopping into one big outing will save gas in the long run, which is always a good thing, both for your budget, and for the environment.

3. Clip coupons.

Check your weekly paper for circulars and coupons. Be sure to have your list ready when you do this, to avoid adding unnecessary items (remember, just because it's on sale doesn't mean you need it). While you may not find coupons for everything you need, you'll likely find savings somewhere. Over time, even a few dollars a week will add up big time. Look at it this way: if you save just $4 per week, you'll end up with an extra $208 each year.

4. Plan ahead; shop accordingly.

Food is arguably one of the largest costs in any family's budget. It's one that can't be skipped or compromised, and with costs of everyday items like milk rising considerably, it can be a huge drain on any spending plan. While there's no realistic way around this need, there are ways to help maximize your spending. Planning meals a week in advance can help you make the most of your purchases; simply plan consecutive meals that use the same primary ingredients. Buy those ingredients in bulk to save even more. And always, always save (and use) leftovers.

5. Reward yourself.

Regardless of the best intentions, it's easy to get sucked in to unnecessary spending; it's practically human nature. An unexpected sale at your favorite store, a discount on an item you don't need, but have wanted for some time. You can curb overspending by operating on a rewards system. Set goals for yourself, like limiting spending to a certain amount, and make room in your budget for a special treat or reward when you reach your goal. If you don't achieve the goal, leave the reward money in place and try again for next month. Having something special to look forward to will make it easier to exercise self-control and avoid splurging on items you don't really need, or even particularly want.

If My Personal Assets Are Worth Less, Am I Worthless Too?

The biggest problem with defining oneself by one's possessions is unfortunately one's possessions. This follows directly behind the old proverb 'be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.' And later wish you hadn't.

This week we learned the median price of a house in Southern California dropped from $500,000 to $325,000 in twelve months. In my county in the Bay Area the median house price dropped from $770,000 to $582,000 in one year. These drops in price have amounted to almost $200,000 per house in one year.

This is a truly disturbing trend. Let's say my net worth drops from $1,000,000 to $600,000. Do I mentally and perceptually have to scale back my self esteem 40%? "I'm less the man I was a year ago by about 40% or $400,000." What a bummer!

That's not the way it's supposed to go. Everyone said "get moving up the housing equity ladder and sooner or later one would either be rich or have a steady refinancing income." Right.

So a lot of folks one sees walking around the streets of Salinas, Stockton and Santa Cruz are only shadows of their former selves because they truly feel they are less than they once were.

Their elevated self opinions have taken a big hit and they just aren't the hot stuff they were some time back. They are not smiling. They are not happy campers. Life is one big bummer.

Five years of equity growth wiped out in one year. And more of the same down the road.

Fortunately misery does love company and we are not seeing mass suicides by the fact that equity loss is the number one group therapy topic in coffee shops and workout gyms in the Bay Area. This and the uncomfortable realization there is no security. The realtor lied. Houses don't always keep going up.

As a reaction to the widespread fraud perpetuated by subprime loan underwriting, lenders are now actually making buyers come up with a down payment and verify income.

As it looks right now, the banks and investment firms will get the bailout and the government and consumer the tab. So if I really want to be crazy I will still try to be caught up in the moment and buy that dream house right in the middle of a declining market. Right. Smart strategy.

That means I will have to wait until the market bottoms out and then starts to rise before I can hope that it eventually gets back to the point at which I signed the mortgage. That could be 3-5 years in some areas and 5-10 years in other areas. Not much of an investment but like the realtor said, ' it's not just a house, it's equity in your very own home.'

"I lost $500, 000," the victim proudly touts, "and it could be worse next year." Right. That's certainly more likely than you admitting that for the past 20 years you have slaved like a beast of burden to increase your personal equity so you could once and for all get rid of your inferiority complex 'middle class feeling'. Right. And just where do you think you will end up?

In fact you get this sinking feeling that if you had it to do over again you wouldn't do it the same way. Going sideways is not only less glamorous but not very unproductive.

But it's always too late to act and once again, depressed and depraved souls will question their reason for being and cling to their guns and rock and roll to lessen the pain. And maybe a bottle of Jack Daniels now and again.

Those that can't afford the ten dollar shots at the Uptown Deco Lounge will be relegated to sipping Wild Turkey in back alleys and church cemeteries. Men will huddle against the cold and wind as they yearn for the days when at least on paper they were worth millions.

Henry David Thoreau said the farmhouse imprisons the farmer so in the end maybe a really good tent isn't so bad after all. As long as it isn't in the snow. Or mud.

Children will someday ask their parents what it felt like to be paper millionaires as mama's and papa's eyes get glassy remembering when high self esteem matched high personal equity.

"Well son, it felt like being a lot more about being whole and a lot less about feeling worthless." The son is bummed. Short term he realizes he is getting royally shafted.

But not to worry, Junior There is always hope. Not much maybe, but some. If we didn't have hope what would we have except a lot of worthless mortgages exceeding assessed value.

Maybe ours is not to reason why but hope things get better so we can get back to doing what we do best and that is building personal equity. Or perhaps the illusion of building personal equity. When that happens our frowns will turn to smiles and things will start to move in the right direction.

So don't be foolish. Just because you have the chance to get out of the rat race and perhaps discover and actuate the real you, doesn't mean you have to. You can continue on the treadmill until another bust comes along and again takes the wind out of your sails. There is no law prohibiting you from being a complete fool. And there is no reason to live a lie, no?

But no matter what you do never buy the argument that you might be happier living a simpler life without the artificial trappings of status and materialism. If enough people begin to feel that way our way of life will be in trouble.

Keeping Your Money Safe

With everything going on in the financial world lately - the Treasury taking over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the collapse of Lehman Brothers and IndyMac Bank, and the government bailout of AIG - it's no surprise that investors are wondering if their money is safe.

Thankfully, there are safety measures in place for various types of accounts and investments. Here is a rundown of the different safetynets in place for each type of account or investment you may have:

Banks: Bank deposits are ensured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Basically, the FDIC insures deposits up to $100,000 per owner, per bank. If you have $100,000 or less in your name at any FDIC-insured bank or savings association, you have nothing to fear. Since the limit is per owner, that means you could actually have more coverage than you think (for example, if you and your spouse have a joint account with $300,000 at one bank, $200,000 is insured - $100,000 for each "owner").

In addition, if you have certain types of retirement accounts, such as an individual retirement account, you're eligible for even more coverage - up to $250,000 per owner, per bank. However, the FDIC does not insure money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies, annuities and municipal securities, even if you bought those investments at an FDIC insured bank.

Credit unions have similar coverage through the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

Mutual Funds and Brokerages: Some investors are wondering what would happen in the event that the mutual fund or brokerage company they hold their investments at would fail. The funds that you own at a mutual fund company or a brokerage account are separate from the company's assets. So in the event of a company failure, your assets would not be liquidated to pay the company's debts. If the mutual fund or brokerage company failed, your assets would just be transferred to another brokerage company.

However, if any of your assets come up missing, whether it's due to company failure, fraud or poor recordkeeping, you are protected. The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) is a non-profit corporation that protects investors if a broker/dealer defaults. Investors are protected up to $500,000 per account, per brokerage company.

Note that the SIPC doesn't cover all investments. Some that aren't covered include annuities, commodity futures contracts, foreign currencies, limited partnerships and precious metals. Also, the SIPC isn't providing protection against market losses or bad investments. The purpose of the SIPC is to replace securities that are missing from customer accounts, up to the limits of its coverage.

Now that you are aware of the limits, both at banks and brokerage or mutual fund companies, the best way to protect yourself is to make sure that you are not above the insured limit at any of the financial institutions you do business with. If you are, you may need to open different ownership type accounts or open new accounts at different institutions to ensure that your money is safe. In addition, not all CDs and deposit accounts are FDIC insured. Before you purchase an investment, make sure it is covered by the appropriate agency, and do your research to determine if you are investing with a reputable company.

Home Cost-Cutting - Replacement Windows and Eating Habits

In a time of economic downturn your ability to budget the needs and demands of your home is essential to your ability to stay afloat and stay prosperous. Though the US economy may currently be on the brink of serious danger and is approaching levels of income inequality akin to those seen in the year's leading up to the Great Depression, the average homeowner need not feel a 'Great Depression' of their own spirits and ability to properly finance their lifestyle.

Money saving and cost-cutting is a life long habit that needs to be learned and performed on a daily basis for it to have real world affects. Right now during this time of economic hardship, an excellent opportunity presents itself to begin a life-long commitment to living smart and saving money. There are numerous ways to save money around the house but two vital and simple ways of cutting back your monthly expenditures is by outfitting your home with energy efficient windows and cutting back the amount that you eat out.

Investing in Replacement Windows: Purchasing replacement windows is indeed an investment- you will be putting money into a resource in the hopes that it will eventually pay you back. This is somewhat similar to investing in a company, whereby you purchase stock (and initially expend money) with the certainty that that company will prosper and you will see increased returns on the amount of money you put in. In this way, your investment pays off by earning you more money than you initially spent. Similarly, replacement windows initially cost money and are an expense, but if you purchase energy efficient, cost-effective windows, you will save money on your heating and air-conditioning bills on a monthly basis and will make back the difference in no time. The theory behind replacing windows is that with the correct energy-efficient windows, the seal between the window and the windowsill is reduced to a minimum and the amount of air that is allowed to escape from the house (and thus lost) is also reduced. By keeping the temperature-controlled air of your house inside your house you save money on your heating bill.

Eating Habits: Many Americans are guilty of eating out far more often than their budgets should allow, but the problem is that once one gets into a habit of eating out at restaurants frequently, it is very difficult to go back to the grind of making your own meals at home. Here, the replacement window theory may be an effective analogue- one can think of changing one's eating habits as an investment whereby initial discomfort is offset by the eventual gains in both revenue and personal happiness. Though it is sure to be a gradual process, cutting back on the amount of time you spend at expensive restaurants in favor of making home-cooked, cheaper food, is sure to be a successful investment in your life.

While purchasing efficient windows and leading a more economical dietary life are only two of the many ways one can save money in one's home, they are also two of the most effective and sure-fire ways to get more cash in your pocket. Think of these two practices as an investment, stick with them, and you'll be seeing dividends in no time.

Give Shape To Your Dreams With Cheap Personal Finance?

In the present world, each and every individual is looking for some external source of finance to cope with the delinquencies of the existing environment. An obvious choice would be seeking refuge in loans for all your requirements. And these days, there is no dearth of the lenders offering cheap personal finance for all your needs. All you need to do is search well. Let us discuss all the relevant details about cheap personal finance like where and how you should search to find the best nominal rates.

As implied by its very name, cheap personal finance can be availed for nominal rates and are thus synonymous with secured personal finance, as well. For these loans, you will have to offer some of your assets as collateral to secure the loan amount, which will be seized by your lender, in case of non repayment of the loan amount.

In turn of the risk coverage factor, your lender will facilitate you with a large number of benefits. Some of the advantages of cheap personal finance are lower rate of interest, larger loan amount and flexible terms of repayment etc. So, in order to order to avail the innumerable benefits of cheap personal finance, you will have to be extra careful with the repayment schedule of the loan amount.

For cheap personal finance, it is recommended to borrow up to a limit, which you require and can repay easily. You can take up cheap personal finance for any of your needs. From repair of home to debt consolidation and educational purpose to purchase of vehicle, you can use it for all.

For best deal of cheap personal finance, you can make your search through various online sources. There you will find a large number of lenders at a single place. Compare the quotes offered by the different lenders and choose the best deal.

Ben Gannon is a senior financial analyst at Cheap Finance UK with an acumen for business and loans. In recent years he has taken up to provide independent financial advice through his informative articles. His articles are widely read because of the lucid manner of writing and thoroughly researched datas. To find Finance UK, personal finance, personal finance UK, business finance, small business finance, small business finance UK, Cheap personal finance, cheap personal finance UK that best suits your need visit http://www.cheapfinanceuk.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ben_Gannon

Are the Little Things Eating Your Budget Away?

I've written often enough about saving money. There are some standard tips just about anyone will give you - cut the cable bill, drop to either just land line or cell phone, spend less at the grocery store. And of course, quit buying coffee at the coffee shop.

Each of the above can seem like such a small thing, especially if you spread the cost out over the month. But when you put them together for the month, you may find they're a lot of money. That's why they are so often recommended for the chopping block.

If that's not enough, now what?

The tighter your budget gets, the more creative you need to be about saving money. You need to look at some of the less obvious little things that also can add up.

1. Cut down on your energy use.

Turn off those excess lights! Put up a clothesline if you can, and dry clothes outside in warm weather. Find ways to block more heat from coming in during the summer, and take advantage of any sunlight during winter.

You can also unplug electronics that aren't in use. Many electronics continue to draw just a little power even when you turn them off.

2. Get on Freecycle.

Thrift stores are great for saving money, but free (aside from the gas to go get it) is even better. You might be amazed what people will give away. You can reciprocate when you have something to get rid of that someone else might like.

You can also sell the things you don't need anymore, whether through eBay or a garage sale, but offering things for free when you're getting other things for free is strongly encouraged.

3. Share resources with friends and neighbors.

You may know several people in financial situations similar to your own. If you can borrow things that aren't needed daily you may be able to save the expense of buying them.

This obviously takes a lot of trust and/or tracking. You can't have one person borrowing things and never returning them or reciprocating, not to mention the potential for damage. But if you can avoid buying garden tools if you decide to start a garden, for example, you can cut your costs down nicely.

4. Ask for a credit card rate reduction.

Often enough it works, and it only takes a few minutes. Talk to a supervisor if you need to.

5. Drink more tap water.

It's the cheapest drink in the house! It's even cheap if you count buying filters if you don't like the way your tap water tastes.

I like to keep a bottle of tap water in the fridge so that it's already cold. Works wonders for the taste, and if it's a really hot day ice cubes can help to keep it cold.

Creating an Emergency Savings Fund in a Few Easy Steps

Having an emergency fund is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Most personal finance experts recommend that people have emergency savings to cover at least between three and six months' worth of regular household expenses. Even if you think you don't need such an account, it's true that eventually you will. You can't predict if you're going to become disabled, have a devastating house fire, or lose your job.

Let's look at how much savings you need, and how you can get started saving today.

How much do you need?

Starting an emergency savings account is something you need to do, but it's also something that you need to put effort into doing. This is a task that you're going to have to want to do.

The first step in starting your emergency fund is figuring out how much you spend each month. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, each person spends about $40,817 each year (as of 2003, the most recent year for which data is available).

On average, you'll need about $3,400 at one month, $6,800 at two months, and more than $10,000 at three months. By six months, those cumulative expenses can jump to more than $20,000.

Even if you spend more or less than these numbers, it's easy to tell that three months' worth of living expenses is a large number. Your first reaction may be, "How on earth am I going to come up with that amount of money?"

Why that much?

It's certainly true that the amount of money you'll need for a proper emergency savings account is a significant figure. This amount is necessary, however, because we do live in uncertain times and are in the midst of a recession. A company having loyalty to you is sadly a thing of the past, and you can lose your job at any time. Other emergencies can be sudden and very expensive. No matter how you cut it, there's never an opportune time for these emergencies to happen.

We know that you probably don't have an extra $10,000 tucked under your mattress. But even six months' worth of expenses, however, is a small amount compared to what you will need for retirement. Very few people don't doubt that they should save for retirement; three or six months' of expenses doesn't look like much when compared to the retirement savings you'll need for 20 years' worth of retirement.

Figuring out the numbers

It's time to start saving now that you've put things in perspective. You should approach this goal the same way that you would approach any other financial task. You need to create a plan and then put it into action.

The first step is to figure out how much money you and your family will spend each month. The three largest categories for most people are housing, transportation, and food. Multiply this monthly figure by three to figure out what you need for three months. Saving this amount of money should be your first goal.

The amount that you will need to save over five years or 2 ½ years is doable for many people. Over five years, the amount each month is less than many people spend on their cell phone. The savings each month for the 2 ½ -year plan is about the same as you'd spend on a monthly car payment.

Put your plan to work

There are many small steps that you can take to come up with your monthly or yearly savings goals. You may want to consider canceling your cell phone (or your land line) or buying a less expensive car. You can also skip your two-week vacation, save your next bonus, or reduce the amount of money you spend at restaurants and coffee shops.

You should treat your emergency fund like a bill that you pay every month. It might be a good idea to always remember to pay you first. Even though many people don't have problems sending money to their credit card companies every month, it is harder for some people to remember to send money to themselves. Figure out how much you need from your paycheck, and set that aside each month.

There is no time like now to start savings. Even if you can't afford to make large monthly payments to your account, you can take other steps. You can empty the change from your pockets at the end of the day and put it in a jar. You can eat at home instead of out, and "tip" yourself by adding to your emergency account. You can save $5 a day, and find yourself with more than $9,000 in only five years.

The Benefits of Saving

Saving money is a problem for a lot of people, and in the U.S. today, personal savings are at record lows. If you want a comfortable future for your family, it is imperative that you learn to save. If you plan to save, you must first plan how you spend. Developing a monthly budget is key for ensuring you have money left for savings.

Before You Start

* Discuss your plan to save with the rest of your family and make sure they agree and understand the importance. If they recognize the purpose behind any sacrifices they must make, they are more likely to stick with the plan.

* Calculate your savings for prior year. How much did you set aside, if any?

* Make debt a priority. Use your tax refund, etc. to pay off expenses in order to pave the way for greater savings.

Pay Yourself First

When creating your budget, plan to pay yourself first. In other words, pay your bills and then pay your savings account - BEFORE you buy that new TV or take that weekend trip. Saving money now will ease financial strain when something big, like college or a new home, comes up in the future.

Get Started

It takes some effort to construct a family budge. There are many computer programs and other electronic aids to help you, and of course, you can always opt for the old faithful pen and paper. Find a good example of a budget worksheet online to give you a guideline to go by, but most of all, choose a plan that will be easy and efficient for use and compliments your needs.

You will first need to consider your monthly income. You should calculate every penny that goes into your pocket. This information will help prevent you from spending more than you make.

After you know your exact income, you should track your spending. Take at least a month to determine how your money disappears. Make a record of everything from bills to bowling in order to plan the most efficient budget.

Organize your spending into categories to include both the things you need and must pay for, like your food and your mortgage, and also the things you enjoy but could live without if you had to, like a monthly manicure or eating out twice a week.

Spend less = Save more

After you've looked at your detailed spending list, you can determine whether your debt is greater than your means. If you don't make enough to cover you car and house payments, you may need some aggressive action. For most people however, the overspending comes with the 'incidentals' and the luxuries we've all grown accustomed to.

Your incidental spending will be the easiest place to cut back and make room for saving. You can start by canceling magazine subscriptions and going out to eat less often. Rent movies instead of going to movies to avoid the snack bar pitfall. You can always pop popcorn at home.

Earned Income Credit - How to Become Eligible

Families that are considered to be poor or low income are given assistance through the earned income credit, or EIC. The EIC is a tax credit that helps such families with low earnings to have a better standard of living. An EIC can translate into a tax refund of anywhere between $400 and $4,500. This article will explain how you can figure out if you are eligible for the EIC.

The earned income credit is not only for families with children. Even single individuals can be eligible to receive this credit from the IRS, even though it will be for less. Many such single people are not aware that they could receive the EIC and do not even apply.

Although it is open to many people, some individuals will not meet the requirements to earn the EIC. People who obtain the EIC must be United States citizens, have a social security number, earn a taxable income, be over twenty-five years old, not file for taxes under the Married Filing Separately category, and have a child that qualifies. Meeting these requirements is the first step in receiving the earned income credit.

In order to obtain the EIC, you need to make a sustaining income. This income can come from freelance or self-employed work. The EIC program benefits people who are willing to work for their money.

This tax credit is easier to obtain if you have a child, but that does not mean that you will automatically get it. In order to receive the EIC on the basis of your child, the child must be under eighteen years of age, under age twenty-four and currently taking post-secondary classes, or over eighteen years of age with disabilities that are cared for by a parent.

Children will allow you to qualify for the EIC if they live with you for at least six months of the year. If the child's parents are separated, the only parent who can claim the child towards the earned income credit is the parent who currently lives with the child. The EIC can be qualified for by means of foster children as well. Any and all children who are used to obtain the EIC must have a valid social security number.

If a married couple wishes to receive the tax benefits of the EIC, they must file their taxes jointly. Separated couples cannot both claim their children for the EIC, so they will have to decide who will claim them. You can claim the earned income credit on any 1040 tax form.

You may qualify for the earned income tax credit without even being aware of it. You might very well be missing out on money that you are entitled too because of misconceptions regarding the EIC.

Find the Right Financial Advisor For You

We all need getting done a suitable financial plan if we want to live happily after retirement. This oft overlooked necessity requires in-depth consultations from a financial advisor; however, it's our forced ignorance that bars us from looking deep into the fact and understands the concept that gives a financial advisor his entity. The following paragraphs are a humble effort to let you know all about the financial advisors and their importance.

What is Financial Advisor?

A financial advisor is a trained and certified professional who makes your finances flow into the right channels and yield more in terms of money. Not all of us know how to achieve a certain financial goal within a specified period; we are also sometimes ignorant about analyzing the risks that an investment can bring. A financial advisor calculates all those risks and tallies them with your investment objectives to make you a gainer in the future.

How to find the Right Financial Advisor!

Experience comes first in this regard. A financial advisor, how much ever well trained and educated, needs a certain amount of hands on experience to enter the practical field. Experience is important since it also proves how long he is into the business as well. Without a certain amount of experience, a financial advisor won't be able to mold and fine-tune a financial plan as per your need.

Experience brings the clientele to a financial advisor; so when you are choosing one, always ask about whom he has served so far by being into the industry. To the one who has held a good record overall, it shall come as a matter of pride; to the one who is not, it's the toughest test he'll have to go through.

Next comes the registration part. Almost all reliable and honest financial advisors are registered with a regulatory body. It's not that the one who is not is dishonest, but being so brings about that extra surge of credibility.

So when all are done, it's time that you should check his credentials before getting interested in his fee structure. Credential provides certain stated facts by the clients that reinforce the goodwill; once you are satisfied with that, concentrate on the financial advisors fee arrangements.

There are some who charge a direct fee and there are some who works for a commission. Find out what suits you most and whether a third kind of arrangement can be made.

1 Tip For Stretching Your Everyday Dollar

. Share your meals.

Many of you may take your lunch to work or may go home and eat for lunch. But for the millions of people who go out to eat everyday at lunch, there is a great trick to implement in your daily routine. Yes, it is expensive to eat out, but when you do go to lunch make sure you go with your spouse, friend, work buddy or someone who will practice the art of sharing a meal.

Here's what you do. Both of you should order water. Then, select a meal and share it. Ask for a second plate. You will save a bundle. I am going to break down some numbers for you:

TRUE LIFE EXAMPLE:

My wife and I went out to eat for lunch a few days ago to a great Chinese restaurant. We ordered:

- 2 Soft Drinks - $4
- 2 Meals - $13
- Tip - $3
- Total - $20.00

A couple of days later we decided to experiment at the same exact restaurant, but since we both had food left from the other day we decided to share a dinner portion as opposed to two lunch portions, and we ordered water to drink. This was the result:

- 2 Waters - $0
- 1 Meal - $9
- Tip - $1.50
- Total - $10.50

So, we both had plenty of food to eat, we did not overfill ourselves, and we saved a total of $9.50.

Now, let's create a hypothetical situation and say that we changed our habits every day to this method for at least one meal per day, for 50 weeks per year, 5 days per week.

That is 250 days at a savings of $9.50 per day, resulting in a GRAND TOTAL YEARLY SAVINGS OF: $2,375.00

Now, go check out my great personal blog for more creative tips on saving money and eliminating debt. Oh yeah, I also have a FREE 21 Page e-book you can download on how to get out of debt and build wealth over time. It is awesome and free!

Justin V. Cecil, MBA

Debt Freedom and Personal Finance Fanatic.

MY PERSONAL BLOG: http://www.PeskyDebt.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Cecil

Justin Cecil - EzineArticles Expert Author

Banks Vs Internet Banking

With the internet in our midst, people are given the convenience of doing a variety of financial transactions online whether at home, in the office or even while on the go. This advanced and phenomenal technological innovation has indeed made life easier for many people including professionals, businessmen, housewives and students. However, this does not necessarily lead to the end of the existence of the brick-and-mortar banks. The standard banks will always be there as there are still consumers who opt to transact in a real bank where they feel most secure and comfortable.

The traditional banks and banks that have gone online have their respective advantages and disadvantages. It's really up to the consumer to choose which type of banking service to use. What matters is you know your financial needs, you keep an open mind on the latest trends in the banking industry and learn about them if possible. You may be loyal to your standard bank but who knows, you may also need to use the online banking service one day for an urgent transaction when you're pressed for time or unable to go out for health reasons.

Standard banking

Conventional banks are those that still use the paper and pen in dealing with different financial transactions. The reality today, though, is that many have gone online as well introducing internet-only products to compete with the purely online banks. While these traditional banks cater mostly to the old customers, experts say they should also keep up with the trend and cater to the younger, internet-savvy customers if they wish to attract more clients.

Security and personal touch are major considerations for people opting to use the traditional banks. Most of them would say having human contact makes them feel comfortable when banking. Some feel secure when they deposit cash via a real teller.

Online banking

Banking on the internet is very much the same as when you do transactions in a real bank. The only difference is that you're using a computer instead of a paper or phone in accessing your account and information, making payments and reconciling statements. There's no need to go to a local branch office as you can accomplish various financial tasks in the convenience of your home or office in a few clicks.

One major advantage of internet banking is its being cost effective. Some banks charge lesser fees if you use their online banking services. Also, since you don't need to commute or drive to a local branch, you save on money and gas. Additionally, banks are able to offer more products and services as they don't have the overhead expenses such as the need to pay tellers.

For busy people such as frequent travelers, professionals and businessmen, the online banking option is very ideal. As these people need to keep track of their finances and other urgent matters even while in other places or abroad, they can still gain access to their accounts via the internet.
Online banking is projected to expand by 55 percent to 72 million households by 2011, according to a report by Forrester Research. The target users are the so-called Generation Y or those born in the late 1970s.

And so, with these two options available to consumers today, it's easy to make a choice where banking is concerned and perhaps even better if you use both.

Learn more about the advantages of internet banking by visiting http://www.webinternetbanking.com.

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Finding the Best Current Accounts

When opening your first current account, it's easy to opt for the same account your parents have. Or if you are heading off to university and opening your first current account you may choose the one that offers the best perks: such as a free five-year Young Persons Railcard, which gives you one-third off rail travel. Few people give any more thought to it than that.

But seeing that a current account fulfils such a crucial role in your finances because most of your cash flows through it at some stage, it's worth thinking about what you want from it before signing up.

Some banks pay extremely poor rates of interest on current accounts and charge extortionate rates of interest on overdrafts, yet those offering the worst deals also have the largest number of customers.

The 'big four' - Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds TSB, and NatWest - all pay 0.1 per cent interest on balances (although Lloyds TSB also has an account paying a higher rate of interest as long as you pay in a certain amount each month). Other banks pay more than 30 times this amount of interest.

Overdraft Facilities

As well as providing you with a convenient home for your money, most current accounts offer so called overdraft facilities. This means you can use you account to borrow money from the bank.

There are two types of overdraft - the 'authorised' overdraft where you agree with the bank a set limit on any borrowings and the 'unauthorised' overdraft where you slip into the red without first telling your bank or you exceed your authorised overdraft limit. Charges on both types of overdraft are high but especially so on unauthorised overdrafts - they are best avoided.

The big four also charge around 16-18 per cent on authorised overdrafts (although Barclays has some packaged accounts with 9.9 per cent overdrafts). But you can get an overdraft rate of under 8 per cent if you shop around. Yet despite this, some 70 per cent of all current accounts remain with one of the big four banks.

No bank or building society offers the best deal on every single product. One bank may have a fantastic mortgage range but offer a low interest rate on its current accounts. Product providers specialise in certain areas, offering one or two really attractive deals to pull in the punters. Other customers end up paying for this great deal - usually those stuck with an uncompetitive current account.

Check for an introductory offer. Some banks pay a lump sum or charge 0 per cent on overdrafts for a limited period when you open an account. Find out whether you qualify for preferential rates on other products offered by the bank, such as insurance or personal loans.

When comparing personal finance institutions, discover what other services are on offer, such as the ability to buy or sell shares or free financial advice. If you're keen on being green, determine whether you can get an ethical banking account, which are provided by socially responsible banks that don't invest in companies involved in tobacco, gaming, gambling, or pornography.

Here, on our website, you will find accurate information on credit cards, loans, insurance, current account and mortgage deals for efficient personal finance management.

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Gaining Access to Your Current Account

Having money sitting in your current account is all well and good, but you need to be able to get to it. Fortunately, modern banking methods offer you a multitude of ways to access your dough, from stepping into a solid building and getting money from a live person to choosing the virtual route of a standalone Internet bank (keep in mind that the money is all too real).

In the following sections, we take you through the various access methods and highlight points to consider when choosing a current account to meet your individual needs.

Going automated with ATMs

Bank branch ATMs now offer free shared access to consumers' accounts, so you don't have to pay if you use another bank's ATM to withdraw cash.

You should check the maximum amount of cash you can withdraw from an ATM in a single day. This is usually around £300, subject to available funds or an arranged overdraft, but it can vary. If you are likely to deposit cash or cheques into your account, find out whether you can do this via your bank's ATMs to avoid queuing for hours in your local branch.

Scouting locations

Most current accounts offer a cheque book and cheque guarantee card (which often doubles up as a debit card). However, many people no longer pay by cheque, so there are a number of current account providers - usually online - who don't offer a cheque book (in exchange, you might get a slightly higher rate of interest on balances).

If you do want the option of paying by cheque, make sure the account you sign up for offers this. Check what limit is on the cheque guarantee card - it may be as low as £50, although some accounts go as high as £250.

Banking by phone

Find out whether the bank has a free or local-rate number for telephone banking and what services you can access by phone. This could make a difference if you contact your bank on a regular basis.

Clicking through the Internet

The growth of Internet banking has been phenomenal. A number of high-street banks are behind the various Internet banks, although the latter are run as standalone operations. So, for example, Halifax owns Intelligent Finance, Abbey owns Cahoot, and insurer Prudential owns Egg.

Standalone Internet banks offer better rates of interest on balances and overdrafts than high-street banks. They can do this because they have lower overheads (no branches). Instead, you get 24-hour access, 365 days a year. But the accounts on offer are more limited than on the high street and there are times when you might want to speak to someone face to face. With many standalone Internet banks you have to rely on the phone or email, which doesn't suit everyone.

You won't get a monthly statement in the post either: instead, you'll be able to access an electronic statement online. If you really want a paper statement for your records, print this off and file it.

Weighing balances

Many banks require only £1 to open a current account, but some providers insist that you deposit a minimum amount of cash each month, or that your balance doesn't dip below a set amount. If you don't have much cash to spare, steer clear of such accounts because if your balance dips below, say, £250 you may forfeit your interest. Find out whether there are any penalties for not maintaining a minimum balance before signing up.

Accruing interest

If your current account is usually in the black, it's sensible to opt for one paying a reasonable rate of interest - 3 per cent or above - to maximise your returns. However, these accounts often stipulate a minimum level of funding required per month, so do look carefully at the terms.

Terms and conditions

If there is a chance that you might go overdrawn, check what the charges are for doing so. Overdraft rates vary significantly between current account providers, so shop around for the lowest one if you need an overdraft and inform your bank before going overdrawn. Unauthorised personal finance overdrafts are far more expensive than authorised ones.

It's worth finding out how much you can go overdrawn by if you may need more than a few hundred pounds. Ask whether you can go overdrawn by a certain amount without having to notify your bank beforehand and not have to pay over the odds for this.

Here, on our website, you will find accurate information on credit cards, current accounts, loans, insurance and mortgage deals for efficient personal finance management.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liza_Mathers