Fabulous Finances Blog

Personal Finances for the Regular Person

Why You Should Open A Savings Account For Your Child

All parents think about the future and what they can do to help their children succeed. With daily expenses as well as money that is needed in the future, parents need to start thinking of something right now. If you’re serious about saving money, and want to teach your children to do the same, you might want to look into opening a childrens savings account. There are several advantages to opening a bank account for your kids. Take a look right now and find out how to benefit and where to get the process started.

It seems like it would cost a lot to build up a savings account into something that will be valuable for your children. If you deposit a small amount of money each month, you won’t even miss the money. If you start early enough, you’ll be surprised at how large the account can grow.

One of the most important reasons to set up a bank account for your kids is to teach them how to save money. Setting this example ahead of time is going to easily help the child develop the habit for life. People who don’t save often find themselves in trouble when the unexpected happens. A job loss or unexpected car trouble can really throw them for a loop. Doing the children savings accounts with the kids right there will help them to see how the process works.

Everyone wants their children to have the opportunity to go to college. But rising tuition rates make that more and more difficult, especially if you have more than one child. If you set up a savings account early and contribute to it regularly, by the time your child graduates from high school they’ll have a sizable amount to spend on their education. This is really great for the children who want to go out to college out of the state, which will be very expensive.

To make sure that the right amount of money is placed into an account, be sure to set up automatic deposits. A small amount will be deposited into the account every month, and over time it will add up to a significant sum. Most savings accounts offer interest. Although it’s a pretty low rate, just like the deposits, it adds up over time. Usually if a certain amount is being put in, the bank will add some more onto that to ensure that the family is saving as much as they possibly can.

Once the teenager reaches a certain age that is determined by the parents or even the banking establishment, the parents can pass that responsibility down. If they’ve learned well, they’ll be able to continue adding to their savings account and use it for major expenditures without blowing it. Of course, this is going to be up to the parents to decide so make sure that the right choice is made and the child is really ready.

The first thing to do when you want to open a children’s savings account is to find a bank or credit union. Most financial institutions now have an online presence. Internet bank accounts allow you to do almost everything from the comfort of your home computer. Interest rates and bank charges vary, so compare checking accounts or savings accounts’ terms.

Now is the best time to begin looking into children savings accounts. You can teach your children how to save money, and at the same time ensure that they’ll be in a pretty good position as they enter adulthood. You know what they say: There’s no time like the present!

January 23, 2011 Posted by | Banking, Children and Money | Leave a comment

The Internet: The Only Way To Bank

Nowadays most of us have a bank account. We have our paycheck, scholarship or loans paid into it, often via direct deposit. Then the funds are available to pay for all kinds of expenses, from rent to groceries to music. However many of us do not realize that most banks offer internet bank accounts with lots of advantages. Internet bank accounts offer convenience, security and cost savings.

If you do not know anything about such form of banking and how it works you are advised to talk to someone who has done it before. This could be a person from your family or one of your friends but if we want real professional assistance you should talk to one of the assistants in your bank branch. The key thing is to be informed before opening this special account.

It’s very easy to set up an internet bank account. Since the bank needs your original signature for the signature card, it’s probably easiest to go in to your local branch to set up the account and sign the card. After that you will get a username and a password that will probably consist of some letters and numbers. It is essential that you do not loose this data or show it to anyone else as this is the access to your very own money. Just like your ATM pin number, it’s best to memorize it.

Banking online can save you money, plus it’s good for the environment. You will not have to pay for our printed statements as you will not have them. You can go online at any time to balance your account or just to see what the balance is and review your most recent transactions. Getting your information online will help save the environment, since no paper statements will be printed and mailed.

What if you want to get a loan or a line of credit from your bank? You’ll be able to compare rates and terms easily. You can look up all the different interest rates and accounts in one single pdf. This is much easier than dropping by the bank to pick up a handful of flyers and brochures. It’s  a simple matter to open kids savings accounts too.

Having your account information is available to you twenty four hours a day seven days a week improves the security of your funds. In fact, if anyone should make write a check against your account or make a fraudulent charge on your credit card, you’ll be able to see it immediately. If you notify the bank right away, they can stop it before it gets out of hand. Having an internet bank account at your fingertips all the time is an ideal protection against fraud and theft of your money.

When was the last time you bounced a check? Have you purchased something, thinking that you had enough money in account, only to find out later that you didn’t? You won’t get into this situation again if you can check your balance from any computer. Also, since so many transactions are conducted electronically these days, you probably won’t have a lot of outstanding checks to remember.

Traditional banking used to be very slow and time consuming. Having your checking account online saves you going to the bank and standing in line. You will also save some money as certain things, such as money transfer, are free of charge when done online but expensive when done in a branch.

The many advantages of internet bank accounts should have you running to your keyboard. It takes a little time to set it up, but once you do, you’ll wonder why you waited this long. Further information is available in other online articles or in leaflets of your bank institution.

January 16, 2011 Posted by | Banking | Leave a comment

Benefits of Motorcycle Ownership

The thought of owning their own motorcycle in sufficient reason to buy one for many enthusiasts. But the simple desire to have your own motorcycle is far from the only reason to get one. If you want to own your own motor bike, but can’t quite justify it to yourself (or to your spouse), read on for defensible benefits to having one that might just push you over your decision making standstill.

No matter if you are going to purchase one that is new or even and older model, these bikes will cost a lot less than buying any automobile. In so many cases, depending on the age and the quality, you shall discover that the price of a motor bike will cost about half the price that you will pay for almost any type of car. This can be one benefit in itself as you will never need to spend thousands of dollars like you would buying a car or any other vehicle.

As most of us are aware the cost of fuel is quite high and still rising. But by driving this type of motor bike you will be able to save a whole lot more money with fueling the bike than it would filling up the gas tank in any kind of car, van or any other kind of vehicle. Of course mileage varies depending on the type and size of the bike and where you ride – out on the highway or in a city with a lot of stops. On average, though, motorcycles will get somewhere between 30 and 60 miles per gallon.

Because of its smaller engine, motorcycles produce significantly lower carbon emissions and use less oil than other larger vehicles like cars and trucks. You’ll ride the open road, the wind in your face, knowing that you’re doing your part to clean the air and reduce greenhouse gasses while having a grand old time on your bike.

You’ll also find that motorbike insurance doesn’t cost as much as car insurance. Good drivers with clean driving records typically find that motorcycle insurance costs a few hundred dollars a year. Compare motorcycle insurance costs with car insurance, which often runs close to a thousand a year.

Maintenance and repair costs tend to be a little lower than on a car, mostly because the parts are usually smaller and less expensive. If you really want to save money, you might think about handling the maintenance yourself. You can take a motorcycle repair class at the local community college. If you do repairs yourself, it can save you a lot of money. Even if you choose to have a professional do repairs for you, you’ll know how difficult a repair is and be in a better position to pay less.

Riding along the roads can sure be a beautiful way of viewing the scenery as there will never be anything blocking your view. It’s also fun and romantic to ride your motorcycle with that special someone, their arms wrapped around you, enjoying the open road.

Motorcycle enthusiasts like to get together for afternoon rides, long road trips and socializing at local hangouts. Joining a club can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Do your research about motorcycle insurance before you buy a bike. The type of cycle you buy can greatly impact your ability to get affordable motorcycle insurance. Motorcycle insurance rates will also depend heavily on your driving record.

December 31, 2010 Posted by | Motorcycles | Leave a comment

Shopping For A Checking Account

If you are thinking of opening a new checking account, the first thing you need to know is that they’re not all alike. Most people just assume that a checking account is a checking account. They do not take the time to analyze them to understand the terms which are available so to get the best deal possible. Even though all these kinds of accounts do work alike, the terms that are offered through the banks and credit unions will vary. Here is what to look for in a checking account.

In many cases people assume that all checking accounts are equal and will go ahead and open an account that may not even be in the best interest to them at all. You can avoid future disappointments by taking a little time to think over how you use your checking account and what features are available.

Writing down a list of the things that you would like to have with your account just might save you aggravation and money in the future. Here are a few of the more common features, some of which you may want and some of which you definitely won’t want.

Most banks and credit unions have a stated policy regarding holding funds deposited by check. For example, you might deposit a local check into your account. Your bank might put a hold on the funds, or a portion of the funds, for three business days. But if you deposit a check from a foreign bank, your bank might put a seven day hold on the funds. If you don’t need access to your funds immediately, you probably don’t mind this. But if you regularly deposit funds and need access to them right away, this practice could present a problem, especially if your deposits come from out of state banks. This would be the case if you process checks from customers and need the funds fairly quickly for payroll or other time sensitive expenses.

So long before you make a decision to open up this kind of account, be sure to take the time to learn all of the policies of the bank in regard to the holding of checks and do arrange for a no hold checks from the employers, pension payments, investment money, etc. If the bank rejects to offer any guarantee you these accommodations, then perhaps it is time for you to consider finding yourself another financial institution to have your account with.

Minimum balance requirements are important too, depending on how much you regularly keep in your account. If you are able to, you might consider an account with a fairly high minimum balance requirement. These type of accounts often offer interest on your balance. But be careful. If you drop below the minimum balance even once, all your interest earnings could be wiped out. Another thing to consider is will you be able to get any over draft protection. This means that if you write a check for more than the balance available in your checking account, your bank will cover it. In essence, it’s an unsecured short term loan for the shortfall.

If you’re looking for a new checking account, don’t just go to the same bank you’ve always used, assuming that all checking accounts are the same. There are many differences in features and fees between one bank and the next. So never assume that they are all the same and if you are not at all comfortable with the term of your account, then look for a financial institution that offers a better arrangement that you can be quite satisfied with having in regard to a checking account.

Find internet checking accounts and learn about their features online. If you have kids, you’ll be interested in children’s bank accounts as well.

December 31, 2010 Posted by | Banking | Leave a comment

How To Shop For Motorcycle Insurance

Motorcycles are actually much more potentially dangerous than motor vehicles when it comes to accidents. None of us ever know when we may be involved in a terrible accident. And we need to protect ourselves financially by obtaining insurance coverage. It’s an investment really. There are several reasons to think about insurance before you have a problem and make sure you’re covered.

You take a risk every time you get on your bike. And there are many states that require their bikers to obtain this coverage before they can legally hit the pavement on their impressive bikes. However, the good news is that there are many ways one can find affordable coverage these days that will offer you protection without breaking the bank. Many people are looking for ways to save money on everything, and now they can stretch their budget a little further by doing some research and shopping around for their insurance coverage.

There are many ways to shop for motorcycle insurance. Many people contact their existing car insurance company, call an agent they see in an ad, or get referrals from friends and family. But modern technology has brought with it the convenience of the Internet. Because you can contact more companies in a shorter period of time, you can get more quotes and probably find a better price.

Free quote sites are one of the best ways to shop online. These sites will give you a side by side comparison of different policies and insurance companies quickly. You enter information about yourself, your motorcycle and your driving record, and the site will submit this information to several insurance companies and them compile the quotes for you to review.

Insurance rates are determined based on several risk factors, including your age, driving experience and history of tickets and accidents. The model and price tag of your motorcycle play an important part too, as does the zip code you live in. With a free quote site, you only have to enter this information once to get several quotes.

When using a quote site, you can view the results and then spend some time deciding which plan may be best for you. Don’t just pick the cheapest one and call it a day. Look at what is covered and what the limits of each coverage are. Find the one that meets your needs at an affordable price.

Narrow your choices down to three or four companies, and then contact each one to find out what discounts they offer than you could take advantage of. From student discounts to good driver discounts, you may actually be surprised what is available to you. This may allow you to potentially save even more money that you first thought.

Of course you could go back to the old way and do your insurance shopping on the phone, but why spend the time? Instead of wasting time waiting for return calls and being pressured by sales people, sit down at your own computer at any time that’s convenient for you. Anywhere that you have Internet access, you can search for rates using these quote sites. It’s easy, convenient and an efficient use of your time.

You should be able to enjoy your luxury motorcycle. Once you take a little time to find a motorcycle insurance policy that meets your needs, you’ll be able to forget about your worries and just have fun on the open road. You can feel confident that no matter what unexpected events come your way, you will not have to worry about coming up with an enormous amount of money in a hurry.

November 18, 2010 Posted by | Insurance | Leave a comment

Benefits of Opening Up Savings Accounts for Children

Many parents want to make sure that their children are set up and ready to go once they reach the age of being an adult. This is where savings accounts for children are becoming very popular as well as very easy to set up. Here are a few tips for getting started on this crucial part of your child’s financial education.

It’s important to start a savings account when your child is quite young. The point of a savings account is that it’s a long term plan, so the sooner you start, the better. By the time your child reaches a certain age, say 18 or 21, there will be enough money in the account to do something significant, like help pay for college. Be sure to look into different accounts and find out how easy it can be to find the right options for children.

Think about how much money you would like to accumulate over the years and how much you can afford to set aside. Consistency is the key, so make sure that deposits are made regularly and the money will gradually grow over time. Be sure to deposit small amounts every time so that it is still very affordable for the parent. The money is going to be safe once deposited so take the time to figure out how much is available.

There are banks that will allow the account holder to set everything up on an automatic basis. If the money is taken out automatically, the parents will never have anything to worry about. Set it all up and ensure that the money is going to be in the account each and every month. Be aware, though, that if your checking account is overdrawn or if you close your account, no deposit will be made.

Most savings accounts will accumulate interest from the bank or credit union. Take full advantage of this benefit to make your child’s money grow as much as possible. Make sure to compare a number of banks in order to get the very best information and account possible. The child will want to use this money for a new car or even college so it does need to grow.

Setting the age that the child needs to reach in order to gain control of the account is also something to think about. If it’s to be used for major purchases like a car, it should be available as early as age 16. If it’s for college, 18 is probably the right age. Whatever you decide, don’t turn over control until the child is mature enough to handle the responsibility. It would be a waste if he or she went out and blew the money on insignificant things.

Now is the best time to get started and find the right account. It will be very easy to set up savings accounts for your children and get them started on the road to a solid financial future. Take the time to visit at least three financial institutions, either in person or online to compare their savings accounts.

Parents want to teach their children about saving money, and provide them with some money to start off their adult life. It’s very easy to set up savings accounts for children, as evidenced by their ongoing popularity. So compare a few banks, pick the one with the best interest rates and get started today.

November 11, 2010 Posted by | Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Keeping the Family Pets safe with Pet Insurance Policies

Many people want to make sure that they have the right amount of protection for their pets.  There are so many choices for pet insurance that it can get confusing.  People who need to make sure that their pet is protected will easily be able to look through this guide to find out how to get the best policy.  Within a few minutes, the right insurance policy can be found and purchased.

Not too many years ago, pet insurance was unheard of. Now a lot of pet owners wouldn’t be without it. Think of all the times you’ve taken your pets to the veterinarian for regular checkups or when they were sick or injured. Have you ever had a pet that needed emergency surgery?  It’s critical to search out and buy a good pet insurance plan before your pet needs it. This way whatever happens, you’ll know that the vet bills are covered.  With a policy, pet owners get to have much needed peace of mind.

There is really no limit to what kind of pet can be covered by a pet insurance policy.  Dogs and cats are the most commonly insured pets, but if you have another type of pet, like a fish or a bird, you can find policies for them too.  Be sure to take the time to do the research and find out what is out there.  Every insurance company is going to offer a number of great policies for a number of different pets.

The internet is the best place to begin your search. Just by Googling pet insurance comparison, you’ll find a number of websites designed to help pet owners find exactly what they need.  The great aspect about this is the fact that the pet owner does not have to leave the home or office.  Take some time to get in connection with a company that is going to have everything that is needed for the pet.

This type of insurance is also going to be very affordable.  Many policies cost only around $20 a month. It typically costs more to insure dogs than cats, and more to insure purebreds than mixed breeds.  This is not going to be like the regular health insurance or car insurance policy that people might be expecting.  The payments are going to be very low as well as incredibly affordable.

Pet insurance policies typically cover bills for vet visits, surgeries and medications for your pet.  These policies will be great for those who want to save as much money as possible.  Before you sign up for a policy, make sure you know what is and isn’t covered. Pre-existing conditions and hereditary problems often surprise pet owners.

The point of buying pet insurance is to protect your pocketbook from unexpected and pricey vet bills.  If you get the right policy, you’ll be able to pay a set amount each month in return for knowing that veterinary costs will be covered when they come up.  Take time to compare policies and find the very best ones to work with.

Pet insurance is a very good investment for pet owners, especially for those who are willing to pay whatever they need to in order to make sure their beloved pets are taken care of.  It won’t take that long, so start now and you have pet insurance all lined up and ready to go.  Then you can sit back and relax, knowing that if anything happens to your pet, the finances are taken care of.

October 20, 2010 Posted by | Insurance | Leave a comment

Get The Right Motorcycle Insurance

Staying safe on the road is very important especially for those who are driving around on two wheels.  It is very easy to get in touch with the right amount of motorcycle insurance and save a great deal of money.  Those who are still looking for the very best policy to sign up for should seriously take a look at this great guide in order to discover more tips and tools that are needed to save and get the right amount of coverage.

In order to make sure you get the best policy for you, you will need to collect some information ahead of time.  Have the year, make and model of your motor bike handy. If possible, get the VIN too. This way the insurance company will know what kind of bike you want to insure.  You won’t be able to get an accurate quote without giving them this information.

From there, it is very important to sit down and think about the amount of coverage that is needed.  If the driver wants to make sure that they are covered at all times, they are going to need to shop around.  More coverage will cost more money in the form of insurance premiums. It’s also worth a little extra time to make sure you have the coverage you want at a good price.  Invest the time to learn about your options and get a motorcycle insurance policy that meets your needs.

Finding a company that can provide the right amount of coverage is not going to be very difficult. You should be able to find a company that offers the product that fits your needs.  Don’t rush this step. It may seem tedious, but it’s well worth your time to find the right insurer and policy.

Now it’s time to get some competing quotes.  All of the major auto insurance companies offer motorcycle insurance, and most of them make online quotes easily accessible.  Sign up for at least four or five quotes. Each company offers slightly different coverages, and sometimes very different premiums.
Now you have to compare motorcycle insurance quotes.  Comparing the prices is going to help enable drivers to get something that they know that they can afford each month. It should also connect the driver to a policy that is going to protect them at all times.  There are a lot of risks that can be taken when driving a bike so shop around.

If you’ve found an insurance policy that suits you, it’s time to enroll.  You can usually sign up online, saving time and money.  You can even set up automatic payments. This will avoid having your insurance canceled if you forget to pay the bill.  It only takes a few minutes to plug in the payment information. Be sure to print out your insurance card and tuck it away in your wallet. Put a copy of the whole policy somewhere safe – either print it out and keep it in a file cabinet, or save in on your hard drive.

In order to make sure that the driver is safe and legal at all times, the right motorcycle insurance policy needs to be located.  Start your search online to find the policy with the best coverage for your situation at the lowest price.  Once you have your insurance policy in place, you’ll be able to ride your bike without worrying.

October 19, 2010 Posted by | Insurance | Leave a comment

Starting Bank Accounts For Children, Open Their Eyes About The Value Of Money

When children see toys advertised on television, clothes in a store or candy on the shelf, they immediately want them. They have no understanding that those things cost money. And if a parent says well honey, that costs a lot of money, children think that parents have an endless supply of money that simply appears magically out of their wallets. That is why it is important to teach children early about the value of money by looking into bank accounts for children.

Teaching children about money will help them make smart buying decisions, develop strong savings habits and show them that they cannot always get everything they want the minute they want it. If they get a sense of the importance of buying things that you need, instead of things you want.

To begin your child’s education into the world of finance, it is wise to explain that money can not simply give to them, but earned by them. Setting up a list of chores for children to do around the house and paying them when they are completed helps them understand about earned income.

Using a ceramic or toy bank will help children learn about the importance of saving money. If they see a toy they want, you tell them that the can save up the money by putting a portion of their allowance in their bank every week, soon they will have enough money to buy the toy themselves.

When a child starts saving, together you can visit your neighborhood bank so they can open their first savings account. Most banks have children’s savings accounts which give them the opportunity to start an account with a low balance without penalties or fees.

You should open the first account using both your name and the child’s name, which indicates a custodial account. Make sure you provide the required forms of identification, as well as birth dates, both of your social security numbers and current address.

Go over the bankbook with your child and encourage the child to place the bankbook in a safe place. Many bank account representatives will take the time to go over all the steps with your child, such as the importance of accurately entering deposits and withdraws, as well as dates and explanations. It wouldn’t hurt to go over this information with your child again when you get home.

Most important, keep it simple. Your child is not starting a checking account and does not need to know all the details that are involved with maintaining this type of account, at least not yet. Your child will stay encouraged about saving money once the bank statements arrive and the child can see the bank account grow. This can also discourage unnecessary purchases, as he or she will want to accumulate more money. Opening a bank account for children can open their eyes to the importance of saving and managing money. All it takes is a little praise and encouragement from the parents to help build their kids financial future.

October 15, 2010 Posted by | Banking, Children and Money | , | Leave a comment

Children and Savings Accounts

You explained the value of money to your children. They’ve earned money at home by doing chores. They’ve learned something about how much things cost. They’ve even learned to save some of  their money rather than spending it immediately. Now it’s time to take that piggy bank to a real bank and open a savings account. They’ll deposit their money, watch it grow, and be able to purchase that special item they’ve been wanting.

You must choose a bank that will meet your needs, if the bank you do business with does not have a special children’s bank accounts, then you should check with a local credit union. Being member owned, most credit unions are able to offer lower fees than banks. You can also check out an online bank if you would rather teach your children about internet banking. This is one of the easiest methods of banking and you can keep an eye on the account from your own home.

You should make sure that the account you open for your child does not impose monthly fees or have minimum balance requirements. You should also make sure they do not charge fees for inactive accounts. You need to get your children’s savings account set up just the right way in order for them to learn what you hope to teach. There’s no substitute for reading all the terms and conditions associated with the savings account.

The age of your kids also determine which type of account you will need. For example, infant accounts will be a deposit only type account. Older children will most likely want to withdraw funds occasionally. This account will be with your child for a long time, so think about how it will be used over the years.

Basically there are two kinds of savings accounts that you should consider for your child. They are passbook accounts and statement accounts. With passbook accounts, the bank will provide your child with a booklet where every transaction is recorded. Whenever your child deposits money, that amount will be entered in the passbook and added to the account balance.

Statement accounts are when your child is provided with a monthly statement of all account activity. It will show money that has been deposited, as well as withdrawn, interest that has been accrued and any fees that may have been charged to the account. Statements can be paper or electronic.

Once your child has a savings account of his own, you will see his interest in banking and managing money grow. Some children will want to save every penny and not spend any of it. Some children will want to save up for a specific item they want to buy themselves. Many children, especially the younger ones, will withdraw money as quickly as they deposit it. However your child handles their savings account, they will learn a lot about how to manage the money they have.

Opening a savings account for children can give them a sense of responsibility. Make sure they have the opportunity to manage their account themselves. Don’t just handle it for them. They will love to look over their bankbook and watch how the numbers change. It’s also a good way to save money for the things that they can’t buy with just one week’s allowance or money from their birthday. Starting while they’re young will help kids develop financial responsibility. And that’s worth any price.

October 9, 2010 Posted by | Banking, Children and Money | Leave a comment