WYTI Links 10.03.2007

Some links for your Wednesday:

• The Simple Dollar Book Club: Your Money or Your Life (via The Simple Dollar) I'm two chapters away from finishing my current reading material (Visioneering by Andy Stanley). When I finish (hopefully today), I plan to start Your Money or Your Life and read Trent's detailed reviews. He's previously published a review of the entire book.
• Top 50 Christian Business & Finance Blogs (via Bootstrapper)

From ChristianPF.com (who might have commented on one of Wes's recent posts):

• What is an IRA account? I know we've mentioned IRA's before, but this is another helpful summary about them. If you're a preacher or paid minister, opening an IRA of some sort is a very helpful thing...chances are, you have no other retirement, like a 401k. Some congregations will even match (either 100% or 50%) your donations to an IRA...thereby giving you free money.
• How to Budget with ING Direct This highlights the usefulness of online accounts--specifically the ING Direct savings account, which allows for easy multiple accounts.

WYTI Links: 09.28.2007

Just another dial-up week :) [But we're still extremely thankful for the internet we do have]

• Do Student Loans Affect a Mortgage Application? (via Kiplinger Personal Finance)

• Top High-Yield Savings Accounts: Interest Rates & Some Thoughts (via Money, Matter, and More Musings)

• 6 Places Where Precision Matters (via Dumb Little Man)

• Simple Tips to Organizing Your Vital Information - Are You Prepared? (via My Estate Planning Career Blog)

• Is the Value Menu Really a Value? Comparing the Homemade Double Cheeseburger to The McDonald's $1 Version (via The Simple Dollar) This is a classic post. The post itself is intriguing. I think Trent conducted his "experiment" pretty fairly and thoroughly...and in my opinion, the health factor trumps price anyway. It's also amazing to read the comments and see how many people almost seem "offended" that even the cheapest thing on a fast food menu isn't that great of a financial deal. I guess we're still not ready to accept that something we've been told is a good deal is not really as good as it is presented. BTW, advertising is the only difference between Mickey D's and Trent's experiment. Equipment is a moot point (because homes already have cooking equipment and McDonald's billions served have more than paid for their burger presser). My guess is that they're still making dough off that $1 Double Cheeseburger (and an even greater % on those fries and drink). James, you have anything to add from behind the scenes we might not be aware of?

Have a great weekend...

WYTI Links: 08.14.07

• Official government site for assistance with any bank-related isses: helpwithmybank.gov

• Improve Your Office: How to Re-Organize Your Bookshelves (via Real Simple Magazine)

• Protect Your Files: How to Back Up Your PC (via Wired How To's) This is a very important concept for someone like me who has everything related to my sermons, Bible class lessons, etc. in digital form. I even have the bulk of my study resources on my computer.

• Two places to go for free samples (check often): Walmart.com & Startsampling.com
  

Product Review: HSBC Online Savings

Okay, so you're finally ready to get out of debt. Good for you! Just admitting that is a major step in the right direction.

As you begin your journey, though, something happens. You have to stay in the hospital for a week. Your brakes go out. You find out you need a new roof. These are major expenses that can ruin a financial plan...

...unless you have money set aside for emergencies.

We'll have more to say about emergency funds on this site in the future, but one thing you must decide is where that money is going to go. It needs to be liquid enough so you can get to it in an emergency, but you don't want to make 1% or less on the money either.

One possible place is HSBC's Online Savings Account. Personally, I don't use this one, but I am thinking about it. While interest rates change often, today (June 12) the account is at 5.05%. I'm willing to say that's probably more than you are making at your local bank!

The account has many good features. One of my favorites is free electronic transfer of money. Also, the account comes with a debit card, so getting to your cash in a real emergency is possible.

As with any account, please take the time to look over the information and choose the one that is right for your situation. If you don't see a feature that you'd like to have, send a question to the company.

There are many good places to put money for an emergency fund, and we hope to highlight some of the best here over the next few days, but HSBC has a good history of online banking. Check them out for more information...

...but more importantly, get started on that emergency fund!!!

HSBC Online Savings Account information page