New July PowerPerks At PerkStreet Financial

Summers here and PerkStreet Financial PowerPerks took the fun path this month. Thinking you deserved a little relaxation for the hot summer months PerkStreet is going to give you back 5% when you purchase these cool summer treats. 

This months Powerperks that will give you 5% back in rewards are:

1. Ben & Jerry’s
2. Diary Queen
3. Cold Stone Creamery
4. Old Navy
5. Movie Tickets

Remember even if you don't get to use these PowerPerk companies you still receive 1% to 2% cash back rewards (depending on your balance) on all your regular purchases. I like using the PerkStreet Mastercard because unlike a credit card there is never an interest charge or a late fee. You get all the benefits of a credit card without all the negatives.

PerkStreet customers can earn 2% cash back on all non-PIN debit card purchases when they have a daily opening balance of at least $5,000 in their checking account. Customers will continue to earn PerkStreet’s standard 1 percent cash back on all non-PIN debit card purchases even when their account balance is less than $5,000.

PerkStreet has calculated you will get back at least $600 per year by using their account. There are no fees or long list of exceptions to gaining rewards.

Though the amount you can earn via regular rewards (1% or 2% depending on your account balance) is unlimited, the amount you can earn at the 5% cash back bonus rate is limited to $250 per household annually (starting on the day your account was opened). The total amount of cash back you can earn remains unlimited.

Sign up today for PerkStreet Financial and start earning rewards today!

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Do You Have Coupon Etiquette ? - 5 Rules For Easy Coupon Shopping

Image via WikipediaAre you one of those out of control coupon clippers like those found on the TLC show "Extreme Couponing"? Recently many stores have changed or updated their coupon rules to clear up any questions of how the coupons are to be used. Our local supermarket has published a new use of coupon rules in each store because things have gotten out of hand. The problem is some shoppers are abusing the use of coupons and this may make it harder for the average couponer to shop.

If you are an avid coupon user there are a few simple rules to follow to make the whole experience a little less stressful for the cashier and the people in line behind you.

Rule #1. Don't clear off the shelves when you make purchases. It's bad form for you and keeps other shoppers from cashing in on the great deals. Also the store may not know the shelves are emptied out, so its better to only purchase a small amount. If you must make a large purchase either call ahead to the store so they can arrange to put aside enough items for your purchase and not have bare shelves. Also make your large purchase not just in one store, but spread it over a couple of stores.

Rule #2. Be organized at check out. When checking out have all your coupons organized and not just in a messy pile facing all different ways. It shows respect for the cashier and the people waiting in line behind you. Also make sure the coupons are not expired and that you are following the rules of the store in their use.

Rule #3. Try to plan your shopping at a slow time of the day. Holding up the line with coupon redemption at the peak shopping times shows bad form and is inconsiderate of other people. It irritates other customers when you are trying to use so many coupons, so go when you know its the slowest time of the day.

Rule #4. Be polite to the cashier and other customers. You may know more about coupons than the cashier but it's no excuse to be rude or impatient. Use your manners and stay calm if there is a problem. Ask to speak to the head cashier if extra help is needed. Also alert customers behind you that you have coupons and that there may be a delay. Let people behind you in line go ahead if they only have a couple of items.

Rule #5. Follow the rules. Know the rules of the store your shopping at. Don't be pushy with your coupons. If you are having a problem with the use of the coupon just skip that particular one. It's not worth arguing over something like that, it's better to not be known as the neighborhood coupon freak. It's better to build a friendship with the store and the cashiers that work there. Also make sure you have the correct item for that coupon and that the coupon is not expired.

Shopping with coupons will save you a lot of money. Following these few rules will make the experience pleasant for all.

What's A Construction Loan and How Does it Work?

Image via WikipediaConstruction loans can sometimes seem confusing to the first time, do it yourself home builder. But in reality they are a simple tool for borrowing the money to build a home. A construction loan is a simple loan used to finance the construction of a home. When the home is completed the loan is due. So a mortgage loan must already be set up and take affect at that time. Traditionally, you apply for both loans at the same time and it's a good idea to lock down the mortgage interest rate at this time.

At the beginning of home construction, the borrowed money from the construction loan is placed in a bank account and checks are written, drawing on this money. You only pay interest to the bank on the money used. You do not pay principle, that happens when it converts to a mortgage, after the home is built.

Just as there are different kind of mortgages, there are variety of construction loans with different variables.

• Construction loans are short term loans that can last between 6 months and 2 years depending on terms from your lender.
• Some loans are construction only or construction to mortgage loan.
• The credit score of the borrower determines the amount of funds that the banks will lend, it's not open ended.
• Construction loans are usually variable-rate loans priced at a spread to the prime rate or some other short-term interest rate.

The construction loan funds are dispersed on a predetermined schedule or upon stages of completion. According to completion and inspections more money is released. At the end of construction a certificate of occupancy is issued by the municipality allowing occupancy of the home. This triggers the end of the construction loan.

Why Does Dave Ramsey Recommend PerkStreet Financial For Checking and Rewards Debit Card?

Dave Ramsey the king of the debt free life recommends PerkStreet Financial. Dave Ramsey hates debt and on his radio show and many books he preaches the debt free life. Dave is adverse to debt because when he was a young real estate investor he lost everything and went bankrupt. He learned the way to prosper with your finances is to stay away from debt and live on what you make.


He has gone on to write several books about his experiences and all he has learned on his debt free journey. He has a website called DaveRamsey.com and has taught millions his money program "Financial Peace University". He is most famous for his "7 Baby Steps".

"7 Baby Steps"

1. $1,000 to start an emergency fund
2. Pay off all debt using the Debt Snowball
3. 3 to 6 months of expenses in savings
4. Invest 15% of household income in Roth IRAs and pre-tax retirement
5. College funding for children
6. Pay off home early
7. Build wealth and give!

While using these steps, Dave recommends creating a budget and using the envelope system. The envelope system is where you have envelopes for groceries, gas, eating out, clothes, entertainment, etc. Once that cash is gone, you have no more money to spend on that category. It’s a great way to force yourself to stick to a budget. But you can't use that system when you need to buy something and can't use cash. You may not be able to use cash in a situation so credit cards are not allowed anymore, but a debit card is. You would need one to rent a car or make a purchase online. For these types of purchases Dave Ramsey rcommends using the PerkStreet Financial Rewards Debit Card.


Why Use PerkStreet Financial?

PerkStreet is one of the few rewards debit cards on the market, and is available to virtually anyone who wants to open a new checking account. PerkStreet is currently offering 2% cash back on all purchases, and up to 5% cash back on purchases in popular categories. This makes the rewards program better than many rewards credit cards.

How Does the Cash Back Work?

To receive 2% cash back, you need to have a minimum balance of $5,000 on the day you make the purchase. If your balance drops below $5,000 your cash back reward drops to 1%. The max cash rewards of 5% is for select spending categories and stores, which changes on a scheduled basis. You can redeem your rewards for cash, or for gift cards from popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, or a gift card.

How Can PerkStreet Afford To Give You So Much Cash Back?

Every year, banks spend $80 billion on branches. That equals nearly $1,000 for every family in the United States. You probably only walk into a branch to use the ATM or to talk to someone when you have a question. At PerkStreet, there are better ways to spend that money — like having even more ATMs and even better service.

Additional PerkStreet Financial benefits:

• PerkStreet Financial is a FREE online checking account
• No cap on the amount of perks you can earn
• Nation’s Largest Surcharge-Free ATM Network
• No Minimum Balance Requirement
• No monthly fees when you use your account
• Sign-Up In Just 5 Minutes
• Free online banking and bill pay
• FDIC Insured Up to $250,000 and Protected from Fraud
• PerkStreet Financial Debit MasterCard® gives you up to 5% cash back

Sign up today for one of the most rewarding checking accounts and get the PerkStreet Financial Debit MasterCard® - the debit card that helps you get debt free. It gives you 5% cash back on certain categories and 2% on everything else.