5 Features Your Personal Checking Account Should Have

Your personal checking account is a necessity for paying your bills in this digital world. With so many options out there to choose from, it can be hard to decide which bank to get an account from. Here are five features that can help you to determine which personal checking account is best for you.

Mobile Deposit

No longer do you need to waste time out of your Friday to go to the bank. You can easily deposit your check with mobile deposit offered by many of the popular banks. This simply allows you to take pictures of your signed paycheck and submit it. Most banks will credit your account within seconds of your submission.

Online Bill Pay

No one likes to waste their money or their time putting stamps on envelopes. With online bill pay, you don’t have to. You can easily pay your usual monthly bills via your online checking account. This is a widely available feature at most banks that you should be on the lookout for.


When it comes time to open your own personal checking account, you don’t just want to go to any ole bank. You should be checking the various features of the checking accounts offered by numerous banks to ensure they can meet your needs. The above five features are the bare minimum essentials any checking account should offer you.

Free ATMs

While you may not think about it at first, when you set up personal checking accounts you want to be able to use your debit card to get cash. Sometimes we need cash for places that won’t accept cards and other times it’s just easier to keep track of our cash than using a debit card. Either way, you should have access to a wide network of charge-free ATMs where you can withdraw the cash you need whenever you need it.

Online Banking

Most of us don’t really get regular billing statements for anything that we purchase. Rather, we get online statements. Your personal checking account should be the same way. You should be able to assess your recent transactions, move money in your accounts, and deposit your checks via their online platform.

No Minimum Balance or Deposit Requirements

There’s been a popular trend lately created by the bigger banks that require you to deposit a specific amount of money each month into your account or to maintain a minimum balance in that account. 

This is done to help ensure that your account stays active so the bank doesn’t have to pay maintenance costs on keeping your account open when it’s not active. Not every bank is like this. You should opt for creating an account at a bank that has none of these requirements.

When it comes time to open your own checking account, there are some things you need to look out for. The above are five of the features that you should ensure your personal checking account has available with it. This way, you can get the most out of your banking experience.

Your Financial Options When Insurance Won’t Cover Auto Repair Costs

If your vehicle has squeaky brakes, a dented side panel, or a broken windshield, it is important to have the problem fixed quickly. However, there is a chance that your auto insurance policy won’t cover the cost to have vehicle damage fixed. Let’s look at some ways to pay a repair bill when your insurance company won’t help you.

Look Into Getting a Personal Loan

Personal loans are designed for individuals of all credit scores and histories. Unsecured personal loans generally have lower interest rates than credit cards, which can make it easier to afford the monthly payment. 

One of the key benefits to this option is that you know ahead of time when the balance will be repaid in full and how much interest the lender will receive.

Credit Cards Can Help in an Emergency

Typically, chipped windscreen replacement services are covered by your insurance policy. However, it may be necessary to pay a deductible of $200 or more to have the work done. There may also be a deductible to have other types of repairs made to your vehicle. 



If you have good credit, it may be possible to get a new credit card with 0% interest for up to 18 months. This will allow you to pay for the repair over several months without putting yourself too far into debt.

Payday Loans Can Help for Small Repair Bills

If you don’t have great credit, payday loans may be an option to help pay for emergency repairs that are less than $1,000. There is no credit check required for loan approval, and you can get the money in a matter of hours or days. 

However, it is worth pointing out that the interest rate for such a loan can be extremely high. Therefore, it is a good idea to have a plan to repay the balance before applying for emergency financing.

Get Money from a Friend or Family Member

As with any other financial emergency, you could try asking a friend or family member for help. These individuals may be able to loan you the hundreds or thousands of dollars that you need in a short period of time. Furthermore, they may be more lenient when it comes to paying the money back.

A car that is properly maintained is generally safer to drive, and cars that are properly maintained generally last longer. Therefore, it is important that you have a plan to pay for any repairs that your insurance policy won’t cover regardless of how expensive they may be.

Approaching Retirement? 4 Reasons to Work With a Financial Planner

You are slowly heading for retirement after putting years of hard work into accumulating wealth for your retirement days. It’s quite easy to misappropriate funds that you had planned for your retirement years. 

Bringing in a financial planner will help you allocate your funds and plan for retirement in a more logical and organized way. With irregular paychecks, we want to believe that you will need a financial planner as you approach your retirement days.

Living entirely on a pension isn’t a great idea

During retirement, your paycheck gets cut off since you are off the payroll. Luckily, you should have accumulated pension funds that will stand-in for the absent paycheck after you retire. 

Unfortunately, pension money may not be adequate to finance a comfortable lifestyle. Your financial planner will help you strategize on how to supplement the pension money and afford the lifestyle you have always dreamed of in your old days.

Make ideal investment choices

Your lifetime savings might come in handy during your retirement period if you decide to invest them in good ventures. Through a financial planner, you will choose investments that meet your goals and needs, whether you want them to be in the long-run or short-term. 



You can reduce the risks of losing your savings since the adviser is more knowledgeable of the stocks, capital, and investments market.

Get professional insights

When you need medical help, you will head to the doctor’s office for professional and quality assistance. If you want to eat better, you will talk to a dietitian. The same case applies when you need to plan for your retirement days. 

Seek the expert services of a retirement planner to have a serious conversation about your retirement, your goals, and ideas on how to execute them. You are likely to walk out with valuable information that you wouldn’t have managed to gather anywhere else.

Plan for the unexpected

We don’t like to talk about the unfortunate events that life has to offer. You might have a plan in mind and be faithful to the plan until life happens. What do you do if you lose your job before the retirement period? 

In the event you lose a spouse unexpectedly, how do you take care of your family while staying on track with your retirement plans? A wealth management provider can help you plan for unexpected life events, so you don’t have to change your plans.

Nothing beats the feeling of taking charge of your life and staying in control. Now you have four reasons to start looking for the right financial planner and start preparing for your retirement period.

5 Reasons Trucks Make Great Vehicles for Seniors

Just because you’re considered a senior citizen doesn’t mean you have to fit yourself in the stereotypical mold when it comes to the vehicle you drive. While comfort is a key factor in your purchasing decision, it’s not the only one. 

While providing comfort, trucks also offer other amenities that make them grate for seniors. Consider the five reasons below as reasons why trucks are great vehicles for seniors.

Wintertime Assistance

With winter on its way, snow is likely to become a usual part of your daily routine. Having a truck allows you the capacity for four-wheel drive to get through some of the most rugged winter storms. 

This beats out purchasing a two-wheel drive car that may not travel safely when winter conditions get harsh.

Help Moving

As you reach your senior years, it’s likely your family has grown. With many children and even grandchildren wandering around, they’re likely going to need help moving items. 

Whether it’s moving your granddaughter to her college dorm or helping your son transport his newly purchased big-screen television, having a truck can allow you to help when your family or friends need it most.

They’re Luxury

If you go to any Chevy truck dealer, you’ll notice that trucks are built with more luxury than ever before. When it comes to luxury options like heated seats, navigation systems, electric mirrors, and so forth, trucks have these options now. 

You don’t have to look to the traditional luxury car brands to get the features that you desire.

Better View

Trucks will give you a height advantage while you drive, granting you a better view of the road. This will keep you and your passengers safer than you would be in a car. You don’t need to worry about the difficulty of getting into a truck either. 

Many trucks these days come with retractable steps or nerf bars to help you get into your truck easily and painlessly.

Storage for Traveling

One very nice feature about purchasing a truck is that you have the whole bed to use on a whim. Since you’re likely retired at your age, you’ll have more free time to explore the country. 

With a truck, you can simply throw in your items and go on a whim. With a car, you have to worry about properly packing items and you may run into an issue of things not fitting.

Trucks are made for people of all ages. If you’re a senior citizen, you should really consider purchasing a truck as your go-to vehicle. The above five are just some of the many reasons that you should consider upgrading to a truck over a car.

From a Building to a Home—Staying Financially on Track While Buying a House

Becoming a homeowner is an exciting yet daunting undertaking. However, great rewards invariably accompany great risks. If you’re gearing up to purchase a home and are looking for insight on how to remain financially stable, consider these expert tips.

Monitor Your Credit Score

Nothing will prove more stressful than watching your credit score decline while affairs are underway. What’s more, you’re likely to get hit with a higher interest rate if your finances aren’t in good standing. With that said, make it a point to track your credit score. 

Obtaining this information is exceedingly simple, and in this instance, ignorance certainly isn’t bliss. Most importantly, it’s crucial to go over your credit report with a fine-tooth comb; that way, you’ll be able to pinpoint any inaccuracies.

Consult with a Lender

You’ll want to forge an intimate relationship with your lender. In addition to offering sound financial advice, they also oversee your monthly payments. Should you have questions or concerns, they’ll be able to address them. 



Mortgage programs are inherently complex, but with assistance from a professional, all information will be rendered into layman’s terms.

Save

While this pointer may seem obvious, the importance of saving can’t be stressed enough. If you fail to save, you’ll inevitably wind up in a sticky situation. Unexpected fees are a part of the process, and in order to be financially prepared, saving is vital. 

Moreover, if you’re looking to lower your monthly payments, a larger down payment is required. In short, having a fair amount of money to lean on bodes well for a stress-free experience.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Nothing will compound your anxiety quicker than having charges pile up. You’ll also sully your reputation with your lender if you fall behind on payments. In essence, you need to account for any recurring charges. 

Lenders can be rather unforgiving, so if you drop the ball even once, it can be difficult to get back on track. If you don’t consider yourself a financial expert, enlist the help of a trusted advisor. There’s no shame in seeking guidance, and you’ll gain both knowledge and peace of mind by doing so.

It’s not uncommon for budding homeowners to wonder if their finances will soon hang in the balance. If you resonate with this notion, avail yourself of the above advice. As a result, you’ll maintain financial security while buying a home.

3 Ways to Put Money Away for Your Retirement

Image via Flickr by KMR Photography 

It's wise to plan on your retirement. Planning will ensure that your golden years are free of hardships, stress, and worry. You should also consider looking for financial planning services and professional investment assistance.

With small investments, you can enjoy great rewards when you are old and possibly ready to take a break from work-related stress. You do not need lots of money to plan for retirement. Then again, it is never too late or too early to get started.

Here are the top three proven ways of setting aside money for your retirement.

1. Invest In Penny Stocks

Any stock that trades for $5 a share or less can be a worthy penny stock. Even though penny stocks are high-risk investments, they also have the potential of bringing forth high rewards. 

Understanding the market history and diligently doing your research is the surest way to ensure your investment is profitable.

To mitigate risks, you must not make blind investments. Consider enlisting a broker to educate you on the market trends and equip you with the tips and tricks to thrive. 

When traded right, penny stock investments only require small capital, and the returns can be glorious.

2. Venture into Real Estate

Did you know that you don't need to be financially endowed to invest in real estate? You have the crowdfunding option, and although it may sound intimidating, it is something worth a look. 

This option works by allowing many people to invest small amounts into a specific project. Credible companies will enable you to choose the kinds of properties that are in line with your investment objectives. 




Again, the surest way to gain financial security through real estate investments is by making educated decisions. Keep in mind that even with crowdfunding, you face the same investment risk as any other real estate investor. On the bright side, the lower capital requirements can leave you enjoying consistent income with each passing month.

3. Make a Small Business Investment

Another proven way to ensure financial security upon retirement is to invest in small businesses. You have the option of venturing into entrepreneurship or investing in an established enterprise as a silent partner. 

What makes this option enticing is that the anticipated return on investment is potentially higher.

Just like other forms of significant investments, this one too poses some level of risk. Doing your research ahead of time will help you find opportunities with higher chances of generating substantial returns. 

Some ventures can provide unlimited income that the generations after you will enjoy.

There are many ways of investing for a comfortable retirement. With more professionals getting familiar with what works and what doesn't, it is easier than ever to find a venture that matches your needs and goals. 

With proper guidance, you'll easily have nothing but blissful moments as you flip through the chapters of life after retirement. If you get stuck, you can also inquire from professionals to help you invest in the right venture.