Saturday, December 27, 2014

Money Market Rates 12/14

Here are the latest money market interest rates of the banks that I've been tracking on my blog. Note that these rates are sorted by APY, and represent institutions that I have accounts at, or have otherwise mentioned in my blog:

1.05% GE Capital Bank Online Savings
0.99% Ally Bank Online Savings
0.90% Discover Bank Online Savings
0.85% American Express High Yield Savings
0.75% FNBO Direct Online Savings
0.75% Capital One 360 Savings
0.25% Western FCU Money Market
0.05% Citibank Savings Plus
0.03% Chase Plus Savings

In some cases, MMA interest rates are tiered. If this is the case, I usually report the interest rate at the $10,000 tier in these updates. Rates are believed to be accurate as of 12/26/14. I did not include banks that had special, or introductory rates in the list because they are not ongoing interest rates. I am also not including non-liquid accounts such as CD's in the list. I have included one credit union in the list so that readers have a comparison point with banks. This month, I have added GE Capital Bank to the list. By a small margin, GE Capital Bank Online Savings now has the top position on this list yielding 1.05% APY.

The frequent changes show how variable the money market is. Because this is a constantly moving target, it has been very hard to keep track of the rates that I've been getting in my various money market accounts, and this is the main reason I've decided to compile a list of these annual percentage yields.

So, that is the latest list of money market rates. Please let me know if you know of any higher interest rates.

DC

Monday, November 10, 2014

I Don't Remember Why I Bought Whole Foods

But I am glad that I did. Whole Foods Market (Nasdaq: WFM) is up 7.48 (19%) for the past week, closing at 46.81.

Back in February 2007, I posted this article about Whole Foods:

Stock Pick: Whole Foods Market Inc

I am once again recommending Whole Foods Market Inc (Nasdaq: WFM) for purchase. This company is a retailer that operates the largest U.S. based chain of natural and organic food supermarkets. WFM recently announced earnings that exceeded the Street's expectations. I have been following WFM for a while, and the recent price history of WFM is a bit rocky. The stock recent dropped as low as 36.08.

WFM stock price has begun to turn around, Whole Foods is a member of the Standard and Poors 500 index. Some of the reasons that I have picked WFM are because of the following:
  • WFM has been consistently profitable for several years according to the S&P Stock Report. I do not generally recommend investing in unprofitable companies.
  • WFM has a current dividend yield of 1.0%. I like to know that if the stock price stagnates, that I will still receive some income for having my money tied up.
I firmly believe that WFM has reversed its downward direction, and that the worst is over for its stock price. So Whole Foods Market Inc (WFM) is now my latest stock pick.

PF Stock

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Credit Card Bonus Categories Q4 2014

Save money on purchases and get cash back with the following coupon codes and credit cards:

Citi Dividend Card
  • 5% cash back thru 12/31/14: Best Buy, Department Stores, Toy Stores
  • 1% on everything else.
Discover Card
  • 5% cash back thru 12/31/14: Online Shopping and Department Store purchases
  • up to 1% on everything else.
Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard (Travel Rewards)
  • 2.2% on travel and dining
  • 1.1% on everything else.
  • No annual fee.
    Costco TrueEarnings Card from American Express
    • 3% cash back at gas stations
    • 2% cash back on restaurants, and travel
    • 1% on everything else.
    Barclaycard Arrival Plus World MasterCard (Travel Rewards)
    • 2.2% on travel and dining
    • 2.2% on everything else.
    • ($89 annual fee after first year)
    Bank of America Quantum Visa Card
    • 5% Cash back through 12/31/14
    • Book stores
    • Toy stores
    • Electronics stores
    • Sporting goods stores
    • Department stores
    AT&T Universal Card by Citibank
    • 5% cash back thru 9/30/14: Online Purchases.

    Also See:
    PF Stock Money Tips #1: Use Coupons
    PF Stock Money Tips #2: Credit Cards
    PF Stock Money Tips #3: Taxes
    PF Stock Money Tips #4: Shopping
    PF Stock Money Tips #5: Organize Your Purchases
    PF Stock Money Tips #6: Reduce Wasteful Spending
    PF Stock Money Tips #7: Live Below Your Means
    PF Stock Money Tips #8: Plan Your Finances

    DC

    Friday, September 26, 2014

    Money Market Rates 9/14

    Here are the latest money market interest rates of the banks that I've been tracking on my blog. Note that these rates are sorted by APY, and represent institutions that I have accounts at, or have otherwise mentioned in my blog:

    0.90% Ally Bank Online Savings
    0.85% Discover Bank Online Savings
    0.80% American Express High Yield Savings
    0.75% FNBO Direct Online Savings
    0.75% Capital One 360 Savings
    0.20% Western FCU Money Market
    0.05% Citibank Savings Plus
    0.03% Chase Plus Savings

    In some cases, MMA interest rates are tiered. If this is the case, I usually report the interest rate at the $10,000 tier in these updates. Rates are believed to be accurate as of 9/25/14. I did not include banks that had special, or introductory rates in the list because they are not ongoing interest rates. I am also not including non-liquid accounts such as CD's in the list. I have included one credit union in the list so that readers have a comparison point with banks. By a slim margin, Ally Bank Online Savings is again in the top position on this list.

    The frequent changes show how variable the money market is. Because this is a constantly moving target, it has been very hard to keep track of the rates that I've been getting in my various money market accounts, and this is the main reason I've decided to compile a list of these annual percentage yields.

    So, that is the latest list of money market rates. Please let me know if you know of any higher interest rates.

    DC

    Monday, August 25, 2014

    Money Market Rates 8/14

    Here are the latest money market interest rates of the banks that I've been tracking on my blog. Note that these rates are sorted by APY, and represent institutions that I have accounts at, or have otherwise mentioned in my blog:

    0.87% Ally Bank Online Savings
    0.85% Discover Bank Online Savings
    0.80% American Express High Yield Savings
    0.75% FNBO Direct Online Savings
    0.75% Capital One 360 Savings
    0.20% Western FCU Money Market
    0.05% Citibank Savings Plus
    0.03% Chase Plus Savings

    In some cases, MMA interest rates are tiered. If this is the case, I usually report the interest rate at the $10,000 tier in these updates. Rates are believed to be accurate as of 8/22/14. I did not include banks that had special, or introductory rates in the list because they are not ongoing interest rates. I am also not including non-liquid accounts such as CD's in the list. I have included one few credit union in the list so that readers have a comparison point with banks. By a slim margin, Ally Bank Online Savings is again in the top position on this list.

    The frequent changes show how variable the money market is. Because this is a constantly moving target, it has been very hard to keep track of the rates that I've been getting in my various money market accounts, and this is the main reason I've decided to compile a list of these annual percentage yields.

    So, that is the latest list of money market rates. Please let me know if you know of any higher interest rates.

    DC

    Tuesday, July 22, 2014

    Money Market Rates 7/14

    Here are the latest money market interest rates of the banks that I've been tracking on my blog. Note that these rates are sorted by APY, and represent institutions that I have accounts at, or have otherwise mentioned in my blog:

    0.87% Ally Bank Online Savings
    0.85% Discover Bank Online Savings
    0.80% American Express High Yield Savings
    0.75% FNBO Direct Online Savings
    0.75% Capital One 360 Savings
    0.20% Western FCU Money Market
    0.05% Citibank Savings Plus
    0.03% Chase Plus Savings


    In some cases, MMA interest rates are tiered. If this is the case, I usually report the interest rate at the $10,000 tier in these updates. Rates are believed to be accurate as of 7/21/14. I did not include banks that had special, or introductory rates in the list because they are not ongoing interest rates. I am also not including non-liquid accounts such as CD's in the list. I have included one few credit union in the list so that readers have a comparison point with banks. By a slim margin, Ally Bank Online Savings is again in the top position on this list.

    The frequent changes show how variable the money market is. Because this is a constantly moving target, it has been very hard to keep track of the rates that I've been getting in my various money market accounts, and this is the main reason I've decided to compile a list of these annual percentage yields.

    So, that is the latest list of money market rates. Please let me know if you know of any higher interest rates.

    DC

    Thursday, June 26, 2014

    Credit Card Bonus Categories Q3 2014

    Save money on purchases and get cash back with the following coupon codes and credit cards:

    Citi Dividend Card
    • 5% cash back thru 9/30/14: The Hilton Portfolio, car rental agencies, movie theaters and theme parks.
    • 1% on everything else.
    Discover Card
    • 5% cash back thru 9/30/14: Gas Stations
    • up to 1% on everything else.
    Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard (Travel Rewards)
    • 2.2% on travel and dining
    • 1.1% on everything else.
    • No annual fee.
    The Priceline Rewards Visa Card (no annual fee)
    • 5% on priceline.com purchases
    • 1% on everything else.
    Costco TrueEarnings Card from American Express
    • 3% cash back at gas stations
    • 2% cash back on restaurants, and travel
    • 1% on everything else.
    Barclaycard Arrival Plus World MasterCard (Travel Rewards)
    • 2.2% on travel and dining
    • 2.2% on everything else.
    • ($89 annual fee after first year)

    AT&T Universal Card by Citibank
    • 5% cash back thru 9/30/14: Online Purchases.
    Bank of America Quantum Visa Card
    • 5% Cash back through 9/30/14
    • Office supply stores
    • Book stores
    • Shoe stores
    • Electronics stores
    • Computer stores
    Also See:
    PF Stock Money Tips #1: Use Coupons
    PF Stock Money Tips #2: Credit Cards
    PF Stock Money Tips #3: Taxes
    PF Stock Money Tips #4: Shopping
    PF Stock Money Tips #5: Organize Your Purchases

    DC

    Saturday, May 10, 2014

    Three Stocks To Own Right Now

    Every once in a while a stock jumps off the chart at you as a no-brainer buy… but it’s not often that three stocks jump out as must-owns! INO.com Contributor, Wayne Burritt, found three this week that are just that. After you see his complimentary report, I think you’ll agree.

    Inside you’ll learn:

    • The identity of the 3 stocks.
    • Why these big-name stocks are set-up for an upside move.
    • When you should make a move.

    The technical and fundamental support suggests that these are stocks that are ready to move now.

    Don’t miss your chance, view this report: 3 Stocks To Own Now!

    3 Stocks You Should Own Right Now - Click Here!

    Three Stocks To Own Right Now…What they are and why you should own them!
    FREE INO.com Special Report – Click Here



    Monday, April 7, 2014

    Credit Card Bonus Categories Q2 2014

    Save money on purchases and get cash back with the following coupon codes and credit cards:

    AT&T Universal Card by Citibank
    • 5% cash back thru 6/30/14: Groceries, Gas, Drugstores, Restaurants, Commuter Expenses.
    Citi Dividend Card
    • 5% cash back thru 6/30/14: The Home Depot, Home Furnishing Stores, Home & Garden Stores.
    • 1% on everything else.
    Discover Card
    • 5% cash back thru 6/30/14: Home Improvement Stores, Furniture Stores, and Bed Bath & Beyond
    • up to 1% on everything else.
    Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard (Travel Rewards)
    • 2.2% on travel and dining
    • 2.2% on everything else ($89 annual fee after first year), or
    • 1.1% on everything else with no annual fee Barclaycard Arrival Card.

    The Priceline Rewards™ Visa® Card (no annual fee)
    • 5% on priceline.com purchases
    • 1% on everything else.
    Costco TrueEarnings Card from American Express
    • 3% cash back at gas stations
    • 2% cash back on restaurants, and travel
    • 1% on everything else.
    Barclaycard Arrival World MasterCard (Travel Rewards)
    • 2.2% on travel and dining
    • 2.2% on everything else ($89 annual fee after first year), or
    • 1.1% on everything else with no annual fee Barclaycard Arrival Card.

    Also See:
    PF Stock Money Tips #1: Use Coupons
    PF Stock Money Tips #2: Credit Cards

    DC

    Wednesday, March 12, 2014

    3 Things That You Can Do To Avoid Bankruptcy

    Bankruptcy is a scary concept for everyone. Unfortunately, for many consumers, it's not just a concept, it's a reality. The simple fact is, the recent financial recession has made it almost impossible to survive financially for many people. As a result of this, tons of people have racked up debts that they don’t see any way of paying back any time soon. So, one thing constantly looming on the minds of these consumers is, "Will I be able to avoid bankruptcy?".

    Although not everyone will be able to entirely avoid bankruptcy, most people asking the question will. That is, if they follow the right steps to realizing debt relief. That being said, here are 3 great ways to get your debts paid off, and hopefully avoid bankruptcy.

    Option #1 - Debt Consolidation
    Debt consolidation is a great process that's really been getting a bad rap lately for some reason. I think the biggest reason for this is the adverse effects it may have on consumer credit scores. The simple reality is, no debt relief program is going to have a positive effect on credit scores. That being said, debt consolidation is a great way for many to dig their way out of overwhelming debt.

    There are 2 forms of debt consolidation. The first is to consolidate your debts all in one debt consolidation loan. The other, and more popular form of debt consolidation is negotiation and management driven. In this form, the company you hire will negotiate hardship interest rates with the lenders you owe money to. Once all is negotiated, they will give you 1 lump sum payment to send. That payment will be sent to the debt consolidation company and they will administer payments to the lenders. This process generally leads to lower interest rates and lower monthly payments.

    Option #2 - Sell A Structured Settlement
    Although, not everyone has a structured settlement, those who do can really make it work for them in times of overwhelming debt. Instead of settling for bi-weekly or monthly payments, it's possible to sell your settlement payments and get one big lump sum in return. In this case, you could use the lump sum payment that you receive as a way to pay off your debts in full, or pay them down to a manageable amount.

    Option #3 - Debt Settlement
    The final option, debt settlement is looked down upon by many. However, it's been the key to debt relief for tens and possibly even hundreds of thousands of consumers. Using this option, you would hire a company that will help you through the process of settling your debts for pennies on the dollar. Often times, debts can be settled for as little as 30% of the total amount owed.

    Although there is a lot to this process, I can provide a short, to the point breakdown. Instead of sending your lenders payments, you would send them to the debt settlement company. Those payments will be held in a SPA (Special Purpose Account) until you had enough to pay off the settled amount of at least one of your debts. At this point, the debt settlement company will call the lenders you owe money to and make an attempt to negotiate the amount owed on the debt.

    Final Thoughts
    When you're in debt, it may seem like there’s absolutely no way out. The good news is, there is a way out. Not just one way, but many. Now, it’s up to you to do your research and find the option that works best for you!

    Saturday, February 8, 2014

    Get the Ideal Balance between Your Needs and Wants

    Suppose that you won a shopping spree, but could only choose to use the money for grocery items, or use it to shop in your favorite boutiques. Which would you choose? Most of the time, needs win over wants and sometimes when impulse attacks, wants gets the allotted money for needs. Are there ways to balance these two? Here are a few:

    Point Out Your Needs and Wants
    First thing you need to do is to differentiate two things: needs are those you would normally need daily, weekly, or monthly such as food, clothing, shelter and safety.

    Buy at Better Rates
    We've all got have financial priorities. But we often stray from those goals and priorities and nowhere does this happen as regularly as in a grocery. Maybe you don’t think your food bill is excessive—even when it is. Can't live without coffee? Go for more affordable ones rather those than ask you to spend a small fortune in coffee beans alone. Don't buy in bulk when you won’t finish off the food anyway. Whatever you managed to save would've just been forfeited because of the food you wasted. So buy only what you need, and if you can, buy them cheaper.

    Keep Track of Your Finances
    Keeping track of your spending helps you compare your income against your expenses. It often gives you a clear idea of your financial situation, of how much you earn versus how much money you save.

    You can start doing this by creating a budget. Categorizing and identifying all costs or payments you make will help you see how you spend and manage your money. Don't throw away receipts, whether from shopping or withdrawing on your ATM. Keeping these paper records can show you where you overspent and should be more careful with in the future.

    Still Have Fun While You Save
    You're not depriving yourself when you save for the future. While you may need to “tighten your belt” a few times, this really shouldn't get in the way of your fun, not when you know how

    Besides, allotting only 20% of your income for your savings is the ideal way to go. You don't have to save to the point that you rely on freebies everywhere: you take free tissues from the toilet or only drink water because it’s free at the office while the coffee isn't. Indulge from time-to-time or when your budget can afford it. Don’t take the things you love away just because you think doing that saves you more money. Financially, it does. Emotionally, it takes out a lot more, and might even make you feel deprived, sad, and even depressed because while you earn enough, you can’t seem to spend on things you like. It’s not going to make you feel very positive about saving in the long run.

    Control Yourself
    If you've never been in the habit of making a budget and sticking to it, you may find it a bit hard to start working on one. However, you don’t have to go pro all at once. Start with a simple grocery list. Then try your hardest to stick to that list, even when you see something you really, really like while you amble through the grocery shelves. Treat it as an exercise in self-control. That pricey chocolate drink might make you happy for a few days but what happens when you run short before payday—just because of one costly purchase?

    Getting what you want isn't all that fun, not when you get yourself in debt over it—or when you need to borrow money just to survive till payday. Discipline is the key to successfully managing your money. All the budget tips in the world won’t make a difference if you don’t get your spending habits under control.

    Finding the ideal balance between spending for your needs and wants is different for everyone. People have different ideas of what’s important to them, of priorities. For first-time savers or those who want to start being money-wise, following these steps will ensure you get a strong start with your financial goals this year.

    About the Guest Author
    Ryan Del Villar is a writer at Money Max, Philippines' leading online comparison portal. Ryan is also a freelance writer at Helm Word, an Online Reputation Management company. He worked as an online video editor before he started his writing career.

    Thursday, January 23, 2014

    Money Market Rates 1/14

    Here are the latest money market interest rates of the banks that I've been tracking on my blog. Note that these rates are sorted by APY, and represent institutions that I have accounts at, or have otherwise mentioned in my blog:

    0.87% Ally Bank Online Savings
    0.85% American Express High Yield Savings
    0.85% FNBO Direct Online Savings
    0.85% Discover Bank Online Savings
    0.75% Capital One 360 Savings (formerly ING Direct)
    0.20% Western FCU Money Market
    0.10% Citibank Savings Plus
    0.05% Chase Plus Savings


    In some cases, MMA interest rates are tiered. If this is the case, I usually report the interest rate at the $10,000 tier in these updates. Rates are believed to be accurate as of 1/22/14. I did not include banks that had special, or introductory rates in the list because they are not ongoing interest rates. I am also not including non-liquid accounts such as CD's in the list. I have included one few credit union in the list so that readers have a comparison point with banks. By a slim margin, Ally Bank Online Savings is again in the top position on this list. Last year, ING Direct has been replaced by Capital One 360.

    The frequent changes show how variable the money market is. Because this is a constantly moving target, it has been very hard to keep track of the rates that I've been getting in my various money market accounts, and this is the main reason I've decided to compile a list of these annual percentage yields.

    So, that is the latest list of money market rates. Please let me know if you know of any higher interest rates.

    DC