Good morning Dinks.. I just got back from another great trip in New York City. As you know I had a very hectic February and my extra long getaway to Toronto turned out to be more business than pleasure. To say that I was relaxed when I came home would be an understatement because I was just as restless as I was before I left. I just needed a change of scenery, time to … [Read more...] about Canada vs. USA: Banking
Banking
Online Banks: Are you convinced?
Good morning Dinks. Do you have an online bank yet? I'm not asking if you log into your bank's online portal to pay bills and transfer funds. I want to know if your primary bank is completely virtual. When online banks were first introduced it was a nightmare for me as a financial planner, but as a client I was intrigued. Online banks were offering rates that traditional … [Read more...] about Online Banks: Are you convinced?
Our joint account is empty
Good morning Dinks. Do you remember not so long ago when I was super excited because my boyfriend finally agreed to open a joint account...finally after all these years together. Well I'm sad to say that after three months our account is still empty. I never would have given this a second thought except the subject of our joint account recently came up in a conversation and … [Read more...] about Our joint account is empty
Your joint credit card: A gift or a curse?
Good morning Dinks. This past weekend Nick and I were shopping for household items and when we got to the checkout we had to decide how we were going to pay for our purchases. We could pay debit, credit or cash for our purchases. We had to decide if we were going to use our joint bank account or our joint credit card to pay for our purchases. Until recently Nick and I kept … [Read more...] about Your joint credit card: A gift or a curse?
Did the Heartbleed virus get your money?
Good morning Dinks. For the last few weeks all I've read about on every website online from CNN to my bank is about this Heartbleed virus. So let me ask you a question, did you change all of your passwords. I certainly did. As you know I am extremely paranoid when it comes to my money. I check my bank account balances every morning and throughout the day. I like to know … [Read more...] about Did the Heartbleed virus get your money?
Wealth, Security, Freedom, Choice and Power
At one time it was said America was a country where anyone could get rich. We’ve gotten away from that in recent years. This is a pity because there are a number of obvious advantages which accrue to the wealthy. Among these are security, freedom, choice and power. Security: Long time readers will know that DINKs finance has changed hands a couple of times. This is because … [Read more...] about Wealth, Security, Freedom, Choice and Power
Applying for a Mortgage? Banks Will Want More Info
Hi All, File this under good to know if you're going to shop for a mortgage in 2014. Evidently the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued new amendments regulating consumer's ability to replay loans. Pretty much the next time you go to the bank for a new mortgage, your lender will probably be asking you for a lot more information. It’s part of the new … [Read more...] about Applying for a Mortgage? Banks Will Want More Info
What does your bank say about you?
Good morning Dinks. We often talk about our financial habits, our past financial mistakes, our personal financial goals and our personal investment strategies – so today let’s discuss the one place that brings all of those subjects together...our bank. As a former bank branch employee I find the relationships that people have with their banks absolutely fascinating. Some … [Read more...] about What does your bank say about you?
Is your personal info safe with your bank?
Good morning Dinks. Yesterday I received a letter from TD Bank advising me that the fees for my checking and savings accounts are being increased. There were two inserts in the envelope that talked about how TD Bank is using my personal information. I never really thought about how or why my bank is using my information, but now it’s got me thinking. I have a checking and … [Read more...] about Is your personal info safe with your bank?
Spend Less On Housing
Hi All, If you're like many Americans, you are probably looking ways to shave money from your housing bill. There usually aren't any quick fixes with this sort of thing, most of them require some degree of sacrifice. That said, here are some moves you might consider. For renters: 1) Work Your Lease. If you are close to the end of your lease, consider doing two … [Read more...] about Spend Less On Housing
