Online Savings Accounts

We are starting off our Saving Series with a look into online savings accounts. The benefits to online savings accounts are: higher interest rates, waiting period to withdraw money, and auto-drafts into an account effortlessly.

SmartyPig

• Allows a you to set up goal-oriented funds (ie christmas, birthday, vacation etc)
• 1.00% APY
• 1% cash boost on purchases

Ally

• .84% APY
• No minimum monthly deposit
• No maintenance fees
• E-check deposit (submit checks from tablet, phone or computer)

FNBO Direct

• .85% APY
• Send and receive money directly to and from your account to your friends and family
• Multiple accounts (emergency, holiday etc)

Capital One 360 (formerly ING Direct)

• .75% APY
• No fees. No minimums.
• 24 hour live support from an actual customer service representative

 

All interest rates are subject to change. These are current as of publish date.

The Latest: Credit Union Growth on the Rise

Is credit union growth on the rise? It looks that way according to these articles:

Credit Unions Growing Again After Rough Recession Years

Credit Unions’ Rise Likely to Continue

Lower Costs Drive Credit Union Growth

Credit Unions’ Earnings Hit an All-Time High

Kansas Credit Unions Growth Figures Remain Strong

Don’t Tax My Credit Union Campaign

Via www.donttaxmycreditunion.org :

“’Don’t Tax My Credit Union’ is a national campaign dedicated to ensuring Congress doesn’t raise taxes on 96 million credit union members nationwide and preserves financial choice for American consumers. Join us today to share your story and tell Congress: Don’t Tax My Credit Union!”

We urge you to visit the link above and take action against raising taxes and imposing new fees on your credit union.

 

Budgeting Tools: Central Star’s Balance Program

First up, in our Budgeting Tools category is Central Star’s own program Balance.

Balance offers members certified counselors to speak with, help with managing money and debt, credit report reviews, home purchase counseling, and solutions to prevent identity theft.

They also offer three online tools designed to guide you through understanding and maintaining your finances. BalanceTrack offers mini financial education courses. OnTrack is an actual budget-making program. Financial Education provides in-depth articles, podcasts, calculators, and other resources to expand your fiscal knowledge.

Directly from their website, here is a detailed description of their services:

Central Star Credit Union provides all members with free access to Balance and all it has to offer. It is a wonderful resource to help you learn about, construct, and cultivate your new budget plan.