Finding money in all the right places...

So, here are some financial things I have been reading about lately.   First, the Bailout Banks are aboutt to stick it to us common folk!  There are talks about these banks limiting debit card purchases to $50 or $100.  The reason for this?  The banks charge the retailer 44 cents per card swipe.  With the new Wall Street reform, they will only be allowed to charge 12 cents per swipe.  These are the same banks WE bailed out with our tax dollars!  How gracious they are for our help.  Here is an article explaining it a little more...Bailout Banks... "screw the little guy, thanks for keeping us open though".

If any of you bank with the large Bailout Banks, make sure you keep an eye on your checking accounts.  These banks are also going to start charging fees for checking accounts that were free.  So, if you have a free checking account with a BofA, Chase, Wachovia/Wells Fargo, etc you might be in for a surprise.  Do business with your local banks or credit unions!! 

So we went and talked with our Insurance agent today, well an agent.  We have been in Aiken since January of 2009 and I have yet to meet our agent.  She worked at another office when I was off on Mondays, so I go in today thinking I will finally meet her, well.... no.  Needless to say, the poor fella who helps us every time we come gets no commission from us and does all the work.  Anyway, back to the real story.  We made some changes that will save us about $130 dollars a year!  I have learned to re-assess our insurance plans every year.  Shop around to see if you can get better deals.  Actually look at your policy and make sure you are getting the discounts you are supposed to be getting.  And what I have found to be most important, re-assess your financial situation and if possible, raise your deductibles!  Also if you are driving a car that is more than 8 - 10 years old or has high mileage, get rid of that Full coverage and go with comprehensive. 

Well, that's my financial spill for the week.  Some good places to get your learn on in regards to finances... CNN Money, Bloomberg, Forbes.  There are many others, but those are the ones I have been reading the most lately. 

Enjoy!

Paul "the bad math financial guy who is good at math when a dollar sign precedes the math"