September Budget Update

Later today I will post my personal budget update. I thought I was doing well, but I did go over.

Once Again CD Rates Drop...

This week a number of high paying short term CD rates dropped while Credit Unions continue to offer a substantially higher interest rate. The highest paying ING DIRECT CD is now only 5.10% and GMAC Bank's highest paying CD is only 5.25%

Again, if you find a good rate on a CD, LOCK IT! You might be interested in Citibank's 5.50% 6 month CD or check out some of your local credit unions. For example, in Maryland, Mid-Atlantic Credit Union is offering a 6.00% 13 month CD!

Look into the E-LOAN high yield savings account that is currently paying 5.50% on balances over $5000 and 5.25% for balances under $5000.

New Credit Card Offers

I came across some interesting credit card offers listed below:

1. Nascar RacePoints Visa from Bank of America
If you are a Nascar fan this just might be a card for you. It offers 0% for 12 months on balance transfers AND cash advance checks. There is a 3% balance transfer fee. ALSO you get a FREE NASCAR LICENSED TAILGATE CHAIR after your first qualifying purchase. Checkout there rewards:
"Earn NASCAR RacePoints reward points every time you make a purchase. Here are some of the cool items and experiences you can earn:

1,500 Points: Car flag of your favorite driver
5,400 Points: 1:24-Scale diecast car
14,900 Points: ProScan 100 scanner
50,000 Points: Access to driver-introduction Red Carpet area
175,000 Points: Crew Member for a Day "- Copied from the offer page.

2. Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card
Main features: 0% on balance transfers for 12 months. $100 Gift Card after first purchase! and you earn 5 points per $1 spent at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations!

E-LOAN Savings Account Update 5.50% APY

Here is the response I got from E-LOAN:

"Thank you for contacting E-LOAN.  In response to your question there are no fees
associated with our savings accounts.  Upon verification of funds in your
account you will be able to make unlimited deposits and up to six withdrawals of
any amount in every calendar month.  However, your interest rate will vary to
reflect current balance of the account.  We do require that you maintain a
balance of at least $500 or your savings account will be subject to closure.

We do not do a credit check for savings accounts.  Your social security number
will be used for identification purposes only.

If we can be of any further assistance please reply to this e-mail or call us at
(866) 576-7283.  Thank you. "


Important Things To Note:

• Min deposit of $500 required otherwise your account maybe closed.
• No hard credit pull!
• Interest varies - by how much? I will call them and get more information.
  

Another Online Bank Joins The Race With 5.50% APY

Forget about ING DIRECT (seriously), and the likes of Citibank, HSBC etc because a new online savings account is in town! Its the new "Free High Yield Online Savings Account" by E-LOAN.
Here is some information from their FAQ's:

• Minimum to open: $5000
• Withdraw/Deposit Money via ACH transfer through E-loan. You can only withdraw money using E-loans withdraw money, no outside debits are allowed.
• You can link only one account and change it only four times a year. (Need more clarification - Emailed)
• Statements issued Quarterly electronically.
  
• Interest is compounded daily and credited monthly. (Good!)
• For balances under $5000 the rate is 5.25% (Confirmation needed)

I have emailed their customer service with many questions. As soon as I get the details I will post them here. One important question I asked them is whether they perform a hard credit pull or not. I have to say this is a very attractive offer and I might open the account, depending on their response. I want to make sure there are no fees, minimum balances etc.

Got A Promotion? What About The Pay?

This is more of a rant so, I apologize for going a little off topic. I have been working at this company for over a year. Not to brag, but I pretty much do everything at some point each week. I mean, I have knowledge of over 80% of the duties of other employees with higher and lower positions than mine. I like the people I work with, and that is the only reason that is keeping me there as I have been screwed over my pay over and over again. I got a promotion in June, and my pay raise is scheduled to take effect in October and I am highly disappointed. They are going to pay me peanuts! Seriously, the pay I will receive is far too low, not only for the amount of work I do but compared to others in the same job band. I tried my best to negotiate, I am aware that if I were to apply at another company for an even high position I would get a lot more. I have been approached by recruiters but my loyalty to the company stood in the way. What should I do? Any suggestions?

Mystery Shop Earnings

I started Mystery Shopping this month. This was my first time doing it and it was an interesting experience. I work and go to school thus I do not have enough time to mystery shop. I only signed up for three shops that were very close to home or work.
Time Spent on all three shops: Less than 10 minutes combined.
Earnings: $17
Merchandise: Free food and clothes (Sorry I can't disclose where I shopped). Valued at $36.55
Net Amount: $ 17 + $ 36.55 = $53.55

Pretty good for less than 10 minutes of my time! I should be receiving my check in the mail around October 15th. If you need more information on mystery shops check out my other posts under "Making Money Online" or contact me via email.

Every Penny Counts

In today's world, money has attained a new priority in an average persons life. Money is the reason for many family feuds, end of relationships, friendships and in extreme cases someones life. I myself have noted a change in my way of thinking. From being a carefree, concerned human being, I have turned into a money minded freak looking to get the best deal, save every penny I can and just see my net worth grow. I realized today that this "disease" has cost me a part of my humanity. You see, I used to be very charitable. Ever since I was a kid, I would give most of my toys, money, and new clothes to the less fortunate. Anytime I would get cash for birthdays and holidays, I would give more than half out to charity. Now, I hardly do anything for them. I am fortunate to have a roof over my head and have three meals a day. I am fortunate enough to have a good education and money to spend.
So today I have decided to collect money for a month and donate to a charity or two. I have decided that I will not eat out for a month and the savings from that will go towards the charity which I will later decide upon. I urge you to donate as little or as much as you can. Every penny makes a difference. If I get a huge response I might open a donations account on paypal to collect the money. Please let me know if you would like me to open a donations account. I am planning on donating this to an organization that feeds the homeless, like a soup kitchen or feed the world campaign. I will list the organization later and when I make the donation I will post the corresponding documents.

My Charity Run Ends October 31st!