I am a true believer in Credit Unions.
This is not a shameless promotion for the USC CREDIT UNION… but they have proven to very helpful and advantageous to members. The structure of a Credit Union benefits its members as they clearly have better rates and services. A lot of this can be due to the “not-for-profit business structure, along with many other reasons.
So why isn’t everyone rushing to open an account with Credit Unions…? I believe knowledge and convenience are two big reasons. It seems that a lot of people just don’t know about the true benefits of having an account with a Credit Union. Not to mention that you won’t find a Credit Union on every corner for your convenience.
People looking for better rates, smarter investments, and better personal services will find that a Credit Union may be worth the extra “out-of-the-way” drive. Credit Unions normally offer a bit more leniency towards their customers as they are not bound to nationwide standards and rules. They extend a helping hand when it comes to helping out the community (customers).
But if you are just looking for somewhere to hold your money (earning a lower rate) and offer branch services every other block, than a larger bank may actually be more of a fit for you.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Time for a spur of the moment interview...
How much cash do you usually carry in your wallet?
Well that definately depends on what I am doing at that moment. I don't like to carry a lot of cash because I don't want to feel guilty if I loose my wallet. I also tend to spend the cash that I have in my wallet. If it is not in my wallet, there is a better chance that I won't spend it. So I might carry around $60 in cash on a usual basis.
How much is in your wallet right now?
If I were to look in my wallet now, I would have to reply that this is one of those "unusual" times. I am currently on a small get-away vacation, and I have a bit more cash on me than usual. When I go somewhere that has the potential of me throwing away more money than I would like to, I will usually carry the amount of cash that I want to spend in total. That way, I can't overspend.
What's your favorite bill/note ($1 or $2 or $5 or $10 or $20 or $50 or $100)?
My favorite bill/note would have to be the $10. I like it for the fact that it is not too large or too small. It is large enough (with out having a huge stack) to cover most things that I would purchase and not feel guilty about it, yet it is small enough that I won't have to ask to break it when purchasing smaller things.
Are you a silver, or gold or platinum person?
I use to wear gold when I was in High School, I like silver, but I can't see myself spending so much to wear platinum.
Do you "credit-union"? If not, why not?
I currently "credit union" with the USC Credit Union, as they offer great service and they have been really great with helping me with my finances.
Have you ever found a penny and picked it up? Why?
I usually don't pick up the penny. Now, it is not because I don't value money and its worth, but I normally run into a penny on the ground in the filthies places. It's either covered with dirt, mudd, or some other unidentifiable gross substance. I'm not a fan in sticking my fingers into gross substances... so I choose to leave the penny for some one more adventurous. Plus, some one who needs that penny more than I do may find it if I don't pick it up. So I look at it as a favor to the needy.
Are you an online banker?
I definitely fit the bill of an online banker. I like to do as much as possible online. It saves me so much time when I don't have travel from place to place and wait in long lines. I do everything from check my balance to pay my student loans online.
Have you ever wondered or read into what those crazy designs are on the dollar bill?
I never did check out what those crazy designs that are on the back of the dollar bill. I guess I was never posed with the question of what they were. The only real reference towards those designs on the back of the dollar bill that I remember was in the movie "Half Baked," but I doubt his description of a guy hiding out and sneaking around the bushes is an accurate one.
Why the heck is everything financial-related so boring and uninteresting? or is it?
If you ask me, some things financial related are boring. But if I feel it is something that I can use to my advantage (investments, stocks, etc...) than I will probably find that bit of information interesting. You may even notice an instance of me turning into a nerd as I try to find out more about that information. I am naturally a curious person and if something intrigues me, I will definately persue for more information. But I believe that most people find most financial related stuff boring because they may not fully understand it. It is hard to find anything that you don't understand to be interesting at all. So my curiousity may be to my advantage if no one else likes useful or profitable information.
Die broke or pass it on?
I hope to pass it on. But since I do not currently have any dependents, I can't promise anything.
Well that definately depends on what I am doing at that moment. I don't like to carry a lot of cash because I don't want to feel guilty if I loose my wallet. I also tend to spend the cash that I have in my wallet. If it is not in my wallet, there is a better chance that I won't spend it. So I might carry around $60 in cash on a usual basis.
How much is in your wallet right now?
If I were to look in my wallet now, I would have to reply that this is one of those "unusual" times. I am currently on a small get-away vacation, and I have a bit more cash on me than usual. When I go somewhere that has the potential of me throwing away more money than I would like to, I will usually carry the amount of cash that I want to spend in total. That way, I can't overspend.
What's your favorite bill/note ($1 or $2 or $5 or $10 or $20 or $50 or $100)?
My favorite bill/note would have to be the $10. I like it for the fact that it is not too large or too small. It is large enough (with out having a huge stack) to cover most things that I would purchase and not feel guilty about it, yet it is small enough that I won't have to ask to break it when purchasing smaller things.
Are you a silver, or gold or platinum person?
I use to wear gold when I was in High School, I like silver, but I can't see myself spending so much to wear platinum.
Do you "credit-union"? If not, why not?
I currently "credit union" with the USC Credit Union, as they offer great service and they have been really great with helping me with my finances.
Have you ever found a penny and picked it up? Why?
I usually don't pick up the penny. Now, it is not because I don't value money and its worth, but I normally run into a penny on the ground in the filthies places. It's either covered with dirt, mudd, or some other unidentifiable gross substance. I'm not a fan in sticking my fingers into gross substances... so I choose to leave the penny for some one more adventurous. Plus, some one who needs that penny more than I do may find it if I don't pick it up. So I look at it as a favor to the needy.
Are you an online banker?
I definitely fit the bill of an online banker. I like to do as much as possible online. It saves me so much time when I don't have travel from place to place and wait in long lines. I do everything from check my balance to pay my student loans online.
Have you ever wondered or read into what those crazy designs are on the dollar bill?
I never did check out what those crazy designs that are on the back of the dollar bill. I guess I was never posed with the question of what they were. The only real reference towards those designs on the back of the dollar bill that I remember was in the movie "Half Baked," but I doubt his description of a guy hiding out and sneaking around the bushes is an accurate one.
Why the heck is everything financial-related so boring and uninteresting? or is it?
If you ask me, some things financial related are boring. But if I feel it is something that I can use to my advantage (investments, stocks, etc...) than I will probably find that bit of information interesting. You may even notice an instance of me turning into a nerd as I try to find out more about that information. I am naturally a curious person and if something intrigues me, I will definately persue for more information. But I believe that most people find most financial related stuff boring because they may not fully understand it. It is hard to find anything that you don't understand to be interesting at all. So my curiousity may be to my advantage if no one else likes useful or profitable information.
Die broke or pass it on?
I hope to pass it on. But since I do not currently have any dependents, I can't promise anything.
Monday, July 30, 2007
When furnishing your home or apartment, have you ever purchased used furniture, garage sale pieces, or have any advice on budgeting for your home?
Summertime is probably one of the best times to purchase indoor funiture. Many stores are having summer blowout sales and you can capture a lot of savings by shopping at this time. But the real savings is going to depend on your taste. If you prefer the vinatage or slightly aged look, you will probabaly be able to find some great bargains at garage sales or thrift stores. But for those that prefer the more modern and new look may experience an adventure that lacks discounts and bargains. You may assume that not only are you purchasing new furniture, but you are also paying a premium for the "in-style" modern look.
I personally have never been into purchasing used furniture. This is for precautionary reasons more than anything. Most people are getting rid of furniture for a reason, and it is not always a positive one. By purchasing used couches and such, you may be introducing bugs, fleas, parasites, or other things into your house that are not obviously seen by the naked eye. If they had pets, there may be even more stuff..
I started filling in the empty spaces in my house piece by piece. I do prefer the more modern and newer looking style, but I knew I couldn't afford to go out and buy everything at once. I started with the basics and painted each room myself to the color of my liking. Then I bought each piece of furniture over time. I am still adding things to this day, but I believe that the length of time has allowed me to truly pick what I like.
So take your time when choosing what to buy. You really shouldn't be in a rush. If you are in a rush...is it because you aren't staying long... if so, they why buy anything at all?
I personally have never been into purchasing used furniture. This is for precautionary reasons more than anything. Most people are getting rid of furniture for a reason, and it is not always a positive one. By purchasing used couches and such, you may be introducing bugs, fleas, parasites, or other things into your house that are not obviously seen by the naked eye. If they had pets, there may be even more stuff..
I started filling in the empty spaces in my house piece by piece. I do prefer the more modern and newer looking style, but I knew I couldn't afford to go out and buy everything at once. I started with the basics and painted each room myself to the color of my liking. Then I bought each piece of furniture over time. I am still adding things to this day, but I believe that the length of time has allowed me to truly pick what I like.
So take your time when choosing what to buy. You really shouldn't be in a rush. If you are in a rush...is it because you aren't staying long... if so, they why buy anything at all?
What things should I consider when dealing with retirement, savings, a CD or Mutual Fund? Do you have any experience in this, and how did it go?
What to do with your money… this again, depends on your needs and goals. If you are young, you can afford to invest in something a bit more risky (as you have more years to make that money back). If you have money that you know you will not need to touch for a long time, then you can probably afford to invest it in something long term that might give you a better return.
I feel that I am still young and I truly like the excitement of investing in the stock market. I put away a certain amount each paycheck towards my retirement plan, and I have my own lump sum that I invest in the equity market. Though I don’t recommend this for everyone, it is always good to find out what your “willingness to risk” is. I have never been a big fan of Mutual Funds and CD’s myself, due to the fact that I am actively involved in the market and I believe I can bring in better returns than Mutual Funds… and I save myself all those fees they charge. But CD’s and Mutual Funds are pretty safe ways for everyday people to invest their money.
Just stop by your local branch and ask a few questions and see what your options are.
I feel that I am still young and I truly like the excitement of investing in the stock market. I put away a certain amount each paycheck towards my retirement plan, and I have my own lump sum that I invest in the equity market. Though I don’t recommend this for everyone, it is always good to find out what your “willingness to risk” is. I have never been a big fan of Mutual Funds and CD’s myself, due to the fact that I am actively involved in the market and I believe I can bring in better returns than Mutual Funds… and I save myself all those fees they charge. But CD’s and Mutual Funds are pretty safe ways for everyday people to invest their money.
Just stop by your local branch and ask a few questions and see what your options are.
Monday, July 23, 2007
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