I need to save cash. But when I run low in my checking I just dip my dirty hands right into savings. So I've decided to open an online banking account. I'm not sure why I didn't do this before because so far it's pretty awesome. Right now I'm earning .1% (WTF!) interest in my Chase money market account (aka savings). E*Trade Complete Savings (my choice of online savings) is offering a whopping 3.3%. That is basically CD interest rates! All you have to do is go to E*Trade.com, sign up for an account and deposit at least $1, maximum $100 (for a day or two). You have no minimum or fees, and free online transfers from any account. In about 5-7 (which I'm still waiting on) you have your account. Simple! And you'll be earning WAY more money (33% to be exact), and it's a bit harder to get to when you really need to buy that new winter coat instead of X-mas presents for the fam (oops).
And while your on E*Trade's site check out their
checking accounts (offering 2.9% yield right now, as well as ATM refunds on any ATM when you get a debit card--hollar). You can also watch the
cute baby TV ads.