Fraudsters targeted homeowners hoping to avoid foreclosure
Source: mpamag.com
Category: Apartment Life
The Home Loan Arranger â ReFi or Buy Now â No Mortgage Payment Until March – FOX31 Denver
The Home Loan Arranger â ReFi or Buy Now â No Mortgage Payment Until March FOX31 Denver
Source: kdvr.com
How to Move While Practicing Social Distancing
So it’s the middle of a pandemic and you find yourself having to move soon, how do you do it appropriately and safely? There are a few routes to take, whether it’s professional help or just family and friends, but you still need to practice social distancing. Here’s how.
The post How to Move While Practicing Social Distancing appeared first on Homes.com.
Source: homes.com
How to Invest in Penny Stocks
More than with most assets, itâs imperative to truly understand how to invest in penny stocks before you start to buy. Hereâs what you need to know to invest safely.
Source: moneycrashers.com
5 Online Banking Myths Debunked
When’s the last time you made an appearance at a bank branch? With the latest digital technology, there’s almost no reason to step inside a physical bank: Nearly three-quarters of Americans bank primarily online or from their mobile device, according to the American Bankers Association.
But you might still like the idea of having a checking account at a bank with a branch nearby. Why? Maybe you think online banks aren’t as convenient as stopping by your neighborhood branch to get cash (free coffee aside), the perks aren’t as good as with traditional banks or that online banks aren’t insured. Actually, these are three of several big myths about online banking.
âPeople who say online bank accounts are inconvenient may not know how they work,” says Monica Lam, founder of money-saving blog Lucky Mojito. âI can mobile deposit a check into my account at any time without having to drive to the bank and wait in line.”
Lam wishes she hadn’t fallen for common online banking myths and took the benefits of online checking accounts more seriously sooner. âIf someone had told me I could avoid using gas or spending time going to the bank to deposit my checks,” Lam says, âI would have switched a long time ago.”
By now you’re probably wondering, “What are the most common myths about online banking?” We reveal themâand debunk themâso you can understand why opening an online checking account might be right for you.
Myth 1: They’re inconvenient
Don’t just take Lam’s word that inconvenience is an online banking myth. Patricia Russell, a certified financial planner at FinanceMarvel, agrees. âSome online accounts offer 24/7 access to many features of the bank. You can open your account, view your balance, deposit checks, apply for loans and pay billsâall from the convenience of the mobile app or website,” Russell says.
.block-quote_1back background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1back-730×500.jpg); @media (min-width: 730px) .block-quote_1back background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1back-1600×600.jpg);
Nearly three-quarters of Americans bank primarily online or from their mobile device.
In fact, some online banks make it easy and convenient to open an account. âOnline accounts are extremely easy to open,” says Miguel A. Suro, founder of the financial blog The Rich Miser. âAll you have to do is go to the website or download the app and follow the simple prompts.”
If convenience is on your mind, you may also worry about the ability to access cash without a physical bank branch, but online banks may have a large network of ATMs that you can use, Russell says. For instance, with Discover’s online checking account, called Cashback Debit, you can use your debit card at over 60,000 no-fee ATMs. How’s that for debunking myths about online checking?
Myth 2: The perks aren’t as good as with traditional banks
If you believe this, you’ve fallen for one of the most common myths about online banking.
Suro thinks one reason you may be able to score benefits from some online banks is that low overhead often means incentives can be passed down to the consumer.
One such incentive that disproves this myth about online checking is that many online banks charge low or no fees.
“You may be able to pay no fees for routine banking,” Suro says, “such as just having an account, ordering checks, ATM access and most money transfers.”
Discover Cashback Debit, for example, charges no fees. Period. That means you won’t be charged an account fee on your online checking account.1 Imagine, a host of potential fee-carrying features you no longer have to worry about!
Why should credit cards have all the fun?
Now you can earn cash back with your debit card.
Learn More
Discover Bank, Member FDIC
Another perk on the online checking account sceneâdiscrediting this myth about online checkingâis cash back rewards, which have more traditionally been associated with credit cards. With Discover Cashback Debit, you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases monthly.2 That means your monthly cash back earnings could yield $360 in total rewards each year. This perk could be covering a good portion of your coffee habit!
You may also find this online banking myth refuted with the fact that some online checking accounts offer higher yields compared to traditional banks, Lam says, which means you can potentially make some cash while your funds are stashed.
Myth 3: You have to be tech savvy to use online accounts
While you need to have a computer, tablet or smartphone to use an online bank and access an online checking account, one of the top myths about online banking is that you have to be a techie.
.post__breaker–8125 background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/5-Online-Banking-Myths-Debunked_3-FULL-450×200.jpg);@media (min-width: 450px) .post__breaker–8125 background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/5-Online-Banking-Myths-Debunked_3-FULL-730×215.jpg); @media (min-width: 730px) .post__breaker–8125 background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/5-Online-Banking-Myths-Debunked_3-FULL-992×400.jpg); @media (min-width: 992px) .post__breaker–8125 background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/5-Online-Banking-Myths-Debunked_3-FULL-1200×400.jpg); @media (min-width: 1200px) .post__breaker–8125 background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/5-Online-Banking-Myths-Debunked_3-FULL-1600×400.jpg);
âThere is no need to know a lot about technology to have an online account,” Russell says. âSome banks know the importance of easy-to-use websites and mobile apps, so they often have a design that is simple and straightforwardâeven for those claiming not to be tech savvy.”
Lam, who recently opened a new online bank account, also challenges this myth about online banking. âI went online and filled out a simple form and instantly had access to my account,” she says.
Suro has had an online bank account for 10 years and has not found the technology to be challenging, debunking this myth about online checking. âIf you can manage your traditional bank’s account online via its website or app, you can manage an online-only account,” Suro says. âIt’s the same basic experience.”
.block-quote_100back background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/100back-730×500.jpg); @media (min-width: 730px) .block-quote_100back background-image: url(https://865cd2fc18498405a75a-f8cbe8cb758c89f0cd738fe08520ecb9.ssl.cf5.rackcdn.com/online-banking/banking-topics/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/100back-1600×600.jpg);
âIf you can manage your traditional bank’s account online via its website or app, you can manage an online-only account. It’s the same basic experience.”
Myth 4: You won’t be able to talk to a human if there’s a problem
Another online banking myth is that you won’t be able to access good customer service for your online checking account because you can’t walk into a branch to talk to someone. Not so fast.
Some online banks have customer service representatives that you can call, and some may even have this service available around the clock (no need to even leave the comfort of your home if you have a question). For instance, Discover’s customer service is available 24/7.
âYou no longer have to make it to the bank before it closes, you can actually contact the bank in the evening and get an answer,” Russell says.
If you’re all about communication from your favorite device, note that some online banks offer digital customer service through the bank’s website or app, calling into question this myth about online checking. âMany online banks offer [live] chat,” Russell says. You may also be able to contact an online bank’s customer service through social media.
Despite the face-to-face opportunity, Suro doesn’t think bank branches are necessarily better at providing customer service. He once needed to send a wire transfer and easily figured out how to do it online. When his relative went into a branch to do the same thing, he got held up. “The whole thing turned into an ordeal that took over 45 minutes,” Suro says.
Myth 5: Online checking isn’t insured
One final online banking myth is that deposited money isn’t insured.
Online banks can be members of the FDIC, which means they insure your money up to $250,000 or the maximum allowed by law, Lam says. Before you open an account, you’ll want to make sure that the online bank is FDIC-insured. One way to do this is to call the FDIC’s toll-free number at 1-877-ASK FDIC (1-877-275-3342) and ask a deposit insurance specialist to confirm that the online bank in question is FDIC-insured. The FDIC’s online tool BankFind also allows you to search banks by name and informs you of their FDIC number and status, among other information. Banks often include language on their websites and in marketing materials noting if they are members of the FDIC, so be sure to look for that as well.
No myths about online bankingâonly a new reality
“Despite the benefits of online banks, many people don’t open accounts because of all these misconceptions,” Russell says.
Now that some of the common online banking myths have been challenged, you can more easily see the simplicity of online accounts and the time saved by banking onlineâtwo key reasons Suro is a huge proponent.
âThat’s why banking online is one of my core strategies for effortlessly saving money and moving through life more efficiently,” he adds.
1 Outgoing wire transfers are subject to a service charge. You may be charged a fee by a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in our no-fee network.
2 ATM transactions, the purchase of money orders or other cash equivalents, cash over portions of point-of-sale transactions, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments (such as Apple Pay Cash), and loan payments or account funding made with your debit card are not eligible for cash back rewards. In addition, purchases made using third-party payment accounts (services such as Venmo® and PayPalTM, who also provide P2P payments) may not be eligible for cash back rewards. Apple, the Apple logo and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
The post 5 Online Banking Myths Debunked appeared first on Discover Bank – Banking Topics Blog.
Source: discover.com
Second Chance Banking: 240+ Banks (December 2020)
The ULTIMATE LIST of Second Chance Banking Accounts: 30 national & regional options plus over 210 state bank options.
Source: crediful.com
Money Market Vs Savings: What’s The Difference?
Money market accounts and savings accounts have a lot of similarities than you may think. Among other things, both allow you to achieve your saving goals risk-free or very low risk.
However, the choice between money market vs savings accounts often boils down to interest rates and fees. So, before you decide on which account to open, it’s important to compare many of their features.
Money Market vs Savings: Overview
Money market accounts and savings accounts have a lot in common.
Both types of accounts allow you to deposit a certain amount of money with a bank and you get some type of interest on your money in return.
Your money in a savings account and a money market account are FDIC insured. There are some key differences, though. Money market accounts offer a higher interest rate than savings accounts.
| CIT Bank Member FDIC | Savings Builder that fits your lifestyle. Earn up to 0.95%APY. Open an account today and start earning. Minimum monthly deposit of $100 OR minimum balance of $25k. LEARN MORE |
Most savings accounts require no minimum balance, while money market accounts usually require a high minimum balance–around $1,000.
Savings accounts are very liquid, meaning that you can easily transfer money between checking and savings accounts.
On the other hand, money market accounts, while also liquid, will penalize you if you fall below the minimum required deposit.
Money market accounts have check writing privileges, while savings account have none.
Click here to open a money market account today.
| *TOP CIT BANK PROMOTIONS* | ||
|---|---|---|
| PROMOTIONAL LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| CIT Bank Money Market | 1.00% APY | Review |
| CIT Bank Savings Builder | 0.95% APY | Review |
| CIT Bank CDs | 0.75% APY 1 Year CD Term | Review |
| CIT Bank No Penalty CD | 0.75% APY | Review |
Money Market vs Savings: Table
This table below compares some of the features found in savings and money market accounts.
| Money Market Accounts | Savings Accounts | |
|---|---|---|
| FDIC-insured | Yes–up to $250,000 | Yes–up to $250,000 |
| Checks | 6 check per month | No |
| Minimum balance | Yes –usually $1,000 | None |
| Transactions | 6 per month | 6 per month |
| Interest rate | Yes | Yes |
| Best Account | CIT Bank Money Market Account | CIT Savings Builder |
What Is A Money Market Account?
A money market account or MMA is a type of bank savings account, but with some additional and different features than a regular savings account.
The interest rate on money market accounts are better than that of savings accounts. Moreover, they offer check-writing privileges.
That means you can write checks to 3rd parties, typically up to 3 per month, against your balance. They even offer debit card privileges as well.
Lastly, the FDIC insures MMA up to $250,000, just like a savings account.
One thing to note is that you should not confused MMAs with money market funds.
While they are great place to park your money as they invest in short-term investments such as certificate of deposit, treasury bills, and other government securities, they are not the same thing.
Pros & Cons of Money Market Accounts
Pros
1) Interest rates
One of the reasons most people prefer an MMA is the fact they offer a much higher interest rate than savings accounts.
2) Check writing and debit card privileges
MMAs offer check writing and debit card privileges. But there is a limit. You can only write six checks per month against your balance.
So, MMAs are best for those who do not need to write more than six checks. Also, there is no penalty when withdrawing your money.
3) FDIC insured
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC),an independent federal agency, insures money market accounts, just like savings accounts, up to $250,000.
Cons
1) Account minimums
MMAs generally require a deposit minimum amount to open the account and requires you to maintain a minimum balance to receive the best interest rate.
So MMAs are a good choice for those investors and savers who can maintain a high daily balance in the account.
2) Account fees
Another drawback of MMAs is the fee. If you don’t maintain the required minimum balance, a fee will apply.
So, maintaining the minimum balance is important because any fee will eat out your interest or earnings.
What is a savings account
A savings account is a deposit account that you can open at a bank or other financial institution. This account pays very little interest.
However, it is very safe and it is a good option to save your money.
Savings accounts are generally good for students or those with very little money and those who want easy access to their funds without penalty.
They are a good place to save money for short-term goals such as saving money to buy a house, or building an emergency fund.
You have unlimited money withdrawals. However, you can only make six withdrawal transactions.
Click here to open a savings account now.
Pros and Cons of Savings Accounts
Pros
1) FDIC insured
Savings accounts are FDIC insured-or NCUA insured (if offered by a credit union)
2) Liquidity
Savings accounts are very liquid. That means you get quick access to your funds at any time without any penalty.
3) Minimum balance
Unlike money market accounts, savings accounts typically have no initial deposit or minimum balance requirement.
However, a high-yield savings account may require a minimum balance. And a maintenance fee or a penalty may apply if your balance falls below the required minimum.
Cons
1) Interest
A regular savings account pays interest just like a money market account, though the interest paid by a savings account is very, very low.
Money Market vs Savings: which one should you choose?
Best Money Market Accounts
CIT Bank Money Market Account
The CIT Bank money market account is one of the best ones out there. Currently, the money market account offers a 1.0% APY.
This is very competitive comparing to other MMAs. Moreover, CIT Bank’s MMA has a required account minimum of only $100.
Open a CIT Bank Money Market Account.
Best Savings Accounts
CIT bank Savings Builder
The CIT Bank Savings Builder is among the best savings accounts where you can a very competitive interest rate.
In fact, you can earn a better rate with CIT bank Savings Builder than most money market accounts. The Savings Builder is currently offering a 0.95% APY.
To get this competitive rate, you can 1) open the account with a minimum of $100 and deposit at least $100 per month afterwards.
Or, (2) open an account with a minimum of $25,000.
Open a CIT Bank Savings Builder today.
What should you use a money market account and savings account for?
Both MMAs and savings accounts are great places to park you hard earned cash safely. Indeed, they are great places for short term goals like:
Emergency fund: If you’re saving money for a rainy day such as a loss of job, paying medical bills, major car repairs, an MMA or savings account is a good place to do it. The reason is because the money is safe there and you have quick and easy access to it. According to experts, you should have at least 3 to 6 months of living expenses in that fund.
Down payment: Savings accounts and money market accounts are great places for a down payment on a house.
Other popular reasons for saving money in a savings accounts and MMAs are for large purchases such as a car or vacation.
Money Market vs Savings: the bottom line
Deciding on a money market account and a savings account depends largely on what is important to you. For example, are you looking for a better interest rate? If so, an MMA is a better choice.
However, if one of your concern about whether you choose an MMA or a savings account is liquidity, then a savings accounts may be appropriate.
Another factor to consider is how frequently you will need to access your funds. Both accounts however are safe. They are both insured by the federal government up to $250,000.
One thing to keep in mind, however, these accounts generally offer interest rates that are inferior to other investments such as mutual funds or stocks are offering.
For that reason, use these accounts for short-term solutions.
Related:
- CIT Bank Savings: How Much Can You Earn
- 7 Short Term Bonds to Buy in 2020
Speak with the Right Financial Advisor
- If you have questions about your finances, you can talk to a financial advisor who can review your finances and help you reach your goals (whether it is making more money, paying off debt, investing, buying a house, planning for retirement, saving, etc).
- Find one who meets your needs with SmartAssetâs free financial advisor matching service. You answer a few questions and they match you with up to three financial advisors in your area. So, if you want help developing a plan to reach your financial goals, get started now.
| *TOP CIT BANK PROMOTIONS* | ||
|---|---|---|
| PROMOTIONAL LINK | OFFER | REVIEW |
| CIT Bank Money Market | 1.00% APY | Review |
| CIT Bank Savings Builder | 0.95% APY | Review |
| CIT Bank CDs | 0.75% APY 1 Year CD Term | Review |
| CIT Bank No Penalty CD | 0.75% APY | Review |
The post Money Market Vs Savings: What’s The Difference? appeared first on GrowthRapidly.
Source: growthrapidly.com
Discover Bank CD Rates – The Simple Dollar
Discover CD rates are some of the highest at any bank and come with plenty of flexible term options and high rates regardless of your investment size.
Source: thesimpledollar.com
How to Make Better Financial Decisions
Source: feeds.killeraces.com
5 Online Learning Platforms to Help Bolster your Resume
Hundreds of public libraries across the nation offer Udemy courses for no cost with just a library card. And if your public library doesnât have a connection with Udemy, you may be able to get a digital library card elsewhere and still take part in all that Udemy has to offer.
One of the good things to come out of 2020 was the abundance of college courses made available for free online. While some universities have always offered a select few classes for no-cost online access, institutions like Yale and MIT expanded their libraries last year.
There are a lot of ways to exemplify curiosity and a penchant for learning new skills: meeting regularly with your boss, attending professional development days and taking classes to hone a professional skill.
Google Skillshop provides learn-at-your-own-pace courses to help you become an expert in Google Ads, Google Analytics, Google Marketing Platform, Google My Business, Google Ad Manager, Google AdMob, Authorized Buyers, and Waze. All courses in the skillshop are free.
Being a lifelong learner is one of the best ways to stay engaged in your job, whatever field youâre in.
Coursera works with over 200 leading institutions and companies worldwide to provide courses on topics ranging from data science to personal improvement. Partners like Yale University, IBM and Google provide outlines for more than 3,900 courses.
1. Coursera
LinkedIn Learning provides thousands of programs covering topics such as marketing tactics, mobile app development and how to use Photoshop. The courses are generally self-paced, with a LinkedIn Learning certificate awarded on completion that you can display on your LinkedIn profile.
Most options are videos, slides and quick quizzes that build into a final assessment. A certificate is awarded to passing students and is usually valid for 12 months.
Quirk offered some final advice about positioning these certificates and course completions on your resume: âRecruiters skim really fast,â she said. âMake it as easy as possible for recruiters to see the skills you have so they can line them up with the job description.â
2. Google Skillshop
It has become more accessible and easier than ever to take courses to elevate your professional expertise. There are endless online resources to peruse, so it helps to be deliberate before diving in.
Julia Quirk, SPHR, a 10-year veteran of the HR industry and senior HR manager for TriSalus, recommends being practical and strategic about honing your professional talents.
Yale also makes numerous introductory classes accessible to anyone with an internet connection. Last year, Yale made one of its most famous courses, the Science of Well-Being, available for free on Coursera. This class dives into the meaning of happiness.
3. LinkedIn Learning
âLook at the skills needed for your industry and the jobs youâre interested in,â said Quirk. âI recommend starting by first doing some research about what will actually be impressive to people in your career field, and then seeking out professional education opportunities from there.â
Udemy is an online learning platform specifically designed to help you bolster your professional skills. Although Udemy courses can range from to 0, one resourceful way to access these classes is through your public library.
And, with LinkedIn Learning, the classes are taught by top leaders from diverse backgrounds: Guy Kawasaki, Ben Long and David Rivers are just some of the highlights.
4. Online College Courses
MIT offers free online programming not just on computer science, but also biology, race and ethics, accounting and more.
Udemy offers more than 130,000 classes (boasting the worldâs largest selection of courses) on topics like Python coding, piano playing and digital marketing.
Stanford is another university offering public access to many of its courses for free. The university breaks down its offerings into four main categories: Health and Medicine, Education, Engineering and Arts and Humanities.
Quirk advised putting the skills you gain from a course in the top part of your resume, but putting the actual course certifications lower down along with any other educational achievements.
LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) offers a free one-month trial before charging a month as part of a larger LinkedIn Premium subscription.
5. Udemy
Google Skillshop is one of the classic online learning platforms. The technology behind Google Ads, Google Analytics and more is powerful, and mastering it can benefit nearly any line of work.
Coursera also gives you the opportunity to see how a particular course benefited other students, breaking down what percentage of past students either started a new career after taking a course or got a tangible career benefit from it.
Quirk noted that digital classes and certifications are some of the best ways to boost your resume and grow in your current position. Here are some of her topic picks for online learning platforms.
This was originally published on The Penny Hoarder, which helps millions of readers worldwide earn and save money by sharing unique job opportunities, personal stories, freebies and more. The Inc. 5000 ranked The Penny Hoarder as the fastest-growing private media company in the U.S. in 2017.
Shine a Spotlight on Your New Skills
Be sure to use keywords on your resume so screening software doesnât pass you over.
Itâs important to note that very few of these courses offer an official completion certificate or degree, but theyâre still impressive to complete and are a strong addition to a resume. Other prestigious institutions like Harvard and Dartmouth also offer free online classes.
Coursera is free to join and nearly all of its courses can be accessed at no cost. The catch here is that to take a course for free, youâll be using the âauditâ function, which means no grade and sometimes no official certificate is offered â but all the knowledge and coursework is. Some classes on Coursera are paid-only and will generally set you back about per month.
Source: thepennyhoarder.com
When a course is complete, the student receives a digital badge and certificate they can affix to their LinkedIn profile (and that should be included on their hardcopy resume, too).