crazy yet cool: benefits of online banking & my first 1.5 months with ing’s savings account September 4, 2007

That’s far more aggressive than three years of business with our brick-and-mortar bank — all three years combined. Not even close.

ING’s low overhead packs a punch in our favor: 4.5% interest rate, no minimum balance vs the brick-and-mortar bank of $2,500 minimal opening balance at .65%.

It frankly took a while for my psyche to actually embrace online banks; it was purely phobic on my part where as my husband was more game long ago to commit. We chose ING for their name recognition.

The monthly & annual yield makes for supreme immediate gratification; I split my pants every week to deposit more into the account. Maybe that means savings is fun – or I need to get out more. Hmm.

More from:

• INGdirect’s savings account – good customer service with, as referenced in an earlier post…very strong security protocols;
• My Money Blog suggests how to keep those high-yield savings balances up up up;
• Frugal living article per About.com summarizes nicely the benefits of online banks.

spending habits, compound investing, & ING takes on annTaylor loft August 23, 2007

The more I read & talk with planners & analyze my family’s habits — the more this proves true:

controlled spending habits can hugely mobilize one’s savings.

It ain’t nothin’ to shake a stick at.

But I love AnnTaylor LOFT!

I would do well to resist that clothing splurge & invest the cash instead.

So I just opened up my family’s first cd with the would-be splurge dough (5.15%, 6 months, ING). ING offers strong security protocols & fine, reliable customer service. And as Michael Fischer expertly explains at his videoblog, the compounding examples tell it well.

…baby steps right?

It’s clear as our/my habits improve that increased savings power is inevitable (recognizing sovereignty over one’s choices looks exciting).