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It seems that as days go by people are becoming more and more concerned with the security of their money and protecting their personal and financial information from identity thieves and hackers. Wanting an extra degree of safety and security is never a bad thing, especially in a world where it seems that identity theft and high-tech crime is increasing.

Many people worry because they aren’t sure how they should go about protecting their financial and personal information? they may even go so far as to refuse to do business online. There’s no need for that, however, because there are some very simple and common-sense things that you can do to protect your identity from thieves.

Here are just a few suggestions that might bring you some ease and help secure your personal information against attacks.

Taking Care of Financial Documents

As a general rule, it’s important to keep some financial documents on file for some time? doing so can help prevent tax problems and can even help to prove your case should you encounter banking or payroll problems. The main problems with this come in having a secure place to store these documents, as well as a way to dispose of them safely once they have become obsolete.

The best way to go about storing your financial and personal documents is to purchase a lock-box or personal safe, preferably one that is fireproof to provide some extra security in case of fire or other natural disasters.

You should also take the time to purchase a cross-cut shredder, so that you can dispose of documents and unwanted mail by turning them into small slivers of paper that would be almost impossible to reconstruct.

Making Secure Online Purchases

You don’t have to be afraid of shopping online? you just need to take a moment to make sure that your information will be safe and secure once you submit it for payment. Look for websites that have a separate shopping cart, preferably one that boasts secure encryption technology. Many online retailers use third-party sites to process their payments, taking advantage of the reputations that these third-party companies have built.

The shopping cart should be automated, and display only the last four digits of your credit or debit card number? the order and payment are processed by computer, and all that Read more…

Do you have some money hidden somewhere at home?
May be you?ve had the idea of getting some of that money out of the reach of the federal government. Everybody understands that. We just need to admit it.

Haven?t we all watched those movies where some big bandits assault a big bank and go to Swiss and deposit their money to a secure account? It?s a good idea, we think. After all they never have to give explanation of where they got all that money.

Are you in a similar situation? Suddenly, you are getting big bucks and don?t want to report them to the IRS so they don?t start to ask question after question?

I think, my friend, it?s time for you to think about opening a Swiss bank account. Just think about how great it would be. I myself am thinking about opening a bank account over seas. Possibly I?ll do it next year. It?s not that I don?t want to pay taxes, because I surely do. This is a matter of security.

What if one day the American bank where I deposited all my money goes down and the insurance doesn?t pay? Well, maybe that is a little too difficult to happen. It?s almost sure that every bank has great insurance plans, however, you know the insurance companies; they always come up with some weird fine prints.

These companies want your money every month of course, but it?s very difficult that if something happens, they will help you, even if they can.

That is sad. That is why I think that opening a Swiss bank account is a good idea just to have that little piece of Read more…

Barclays’ offshore banking solutions are often chosen by British expatriates who already have a business relationship with the bank before they leave the UK and who are aware of the bank’s pedigree and reputation. All in all Barclays offshore banking division services the main requirements of the individual and corporate client, and because Barclays have a good industry recognised reputation from Standard and Poors, Fitch and Moodys their offshore and international client base is apparently growing. The focus of the private and premier banking services available from the offshore division of the bank is the provision of a first class service for the management, protection and growth of a client’s wealth. Barclays International and Private Banking Division offer offshore and private banking solutions to those with cross border needs, the Division is a part of the 300 year old UK based Barclays financial institution. Offshore corporate banking services available from Barclays offer corporate clients or intermediaries the ability to streamline cross border trading and banking.

For expatriates, international business professionals or those with cross border needs who are seeking a straightforward offshore personal bank account, Barclays International Personal Banking from Barclays International and Private Banking Division offers easy and secure access to funds with telephone and internet banking available, discounts on international money transfers, the ability to bank in multiple currencies, international mortgages, UK tax advice, good interest rates and a safe and secure account are also offered and assured. For expatriates, international business professionals or those with cross border needs who are seeking a straightforward offshore personal bank account, Barclays International Personal Banking from Barclays International and Private Banking Division offers easy and secure access to funds with telephone and internet banking available, discounts on international money transfers, the ability to bank in multiple currencies, international mortgages, UK tax advice, good interest rates and a safe and secure account are also offered and assured. Offshore corporate banking services available from Barclays offer corporate clients or intermediaries the ability to streamline cross border trading and banking. In terms of the Barclays’ offshore banking services available, the group offer personal, corporate and private banking solutions as well as a unique international premier banking solutions for those with in excess of GBP 100,000 to bank and invest. For those seeking private offshore banking solutions there is an international private banking division at Barclays and also the aforementioned premier banking solutions which are available to those who require a more personalised banking and investment service from Barclays.

In terms of the Barclays’ offshore banking services available, the group offer personal, corporate and private banking solutions as well as a unique international premier banking solutions for those with in excess of GBP 100,000 to bank and invest. For those seeking private offshore banking solutions there is an international private banking division at Barclays and also the aforementioned premier banking solutions which are available to those who require a more personalised banking and investment service from Barclays. For those seeking private offshore banking solutions there is an international private banking division at Barclays and also the aforementioned premier banking solutions which are available to those who require a more personalised banking and investment service from Barclays. Offshore corporate banking services available from Barclays offer corporate clients or intermediaries the ability to streamline cross border trading and banking. Their relevant corporate products and services include financing, investing, day to day banking and trading – and as with personal Barclays offshore bank accounts, corporate accounts are also safe and secure as Barclays is a bank with an excellent reputation.

Offshore Private banking is most suited to those with in excess of GBP 1 million and the premier banking service is for those with in excess of GBP 100,000 – either to invest, trade or bank. For Read more…

The Internet boom and the beginning of the cyber age has given rise to all sorts of things that, twenty years ago, would have sounded impossible. The Internet has become an entire world unto itself, filled with virtual business, auction houses, libraries, and galleries. There is nothing you cannot buy, sell, or trade online, no topic you cannot research, nothing you cannot view. With the click of a few buttons, you can virtually travel around the world.

The latest Internet trends have given rise to another trend that could only happen in this very modern age we live in: online banking. Online banking is probably the most exciting thing to happen to the financial world since the invention of coinage. And, to many, the concept of online banking is just as confusing today as the concept of coins were to people who lived more than a thousand years ago.

Wrap your mind around this: a virtual bank, filled with virtual money, transmitted through electronic impulses and bits of data. Completely through the Internet, you can invest, borrow, lend, withdraw, deposit ? anything and everything you can do at the brick bank down the street. Only this bank exists on the Internet only.

The first question that springs to mind is where does the money go? If you deposit two thousand dollars in online banking, where is your money all of a sudden? An online bank exists in a virtual bit of cyberspace ? but the two grand you put into that bank is an object you can hold in your hands. So how in the world, or better yet in cyberspace, does online banking work?

Online banking of any kind works in the same way that a credit card works. Even credit cards are somewhat hard to understand. The credit card feeds information into a computer system, information such as your account number and routing numbers that the bank keeps on file to track your specific account. One computer Read more…

If you’re a young person who has just begun to earn some money, it is very important that you know how to open a bank account. Once you do, you’ll have taken the first step in a long-term process of financial independence and growth.

A bank account is not only essential to cultivating savings, it is also important for day-to-day financial activities. Before you decide what bank or financial institution with which to do business, however, do some research. Talk to your friends and family about where they do their banking. Ask them questions about the service their bank provides, and whether or not they are satisfied with it.

Next, determine exactly what type of account you want. The two most common types of accounts are a checking account, and a savings account. A savings account does just what its name implies ? it allows you to deposit money in the bank that will receive a small amount of interest over a period of time. A checking account is intended more for daily, weekly, and monthly transactions, such as the writing of checks and the withdrawal of cash for various minor purposes. For this reason, a checking account does not usually generate interest.

When choosing a bank account it is crucial to know what services are important to you. Do you want low Read more…

With all the things you have to remember to do on a regular basis, balancing your checkbook doesn’t always receive priority. But if you plan ahead and schedule some time for this important task, you will reap the financial rewards.

Before you begin make sure you have the following items on hand: checkbook, ledger book, ATM and deposit receipts, calculator and a pencil. The next step is to check your items. First, separate your returned checks and ATM withdrawal slips into two distinct piles. Then place your returned checks in numerical order and compare them to your ledger book by writing an ?X? in the ledger beside every figure that matches a cancelled check.

The next step is to put your ATM withdrawal slips in chronological order (that is, according to date) and compare them to your ledger book by placing an ?X? beside every figure that matches an ATM withdrawal amount. You can make final changes to your ledger by comparing your deposit receipts with your bank statement. Write an ?X? by every figure in the ledger that matches with a deposit receipt. If you notice any discrepancies after carrying out this relatively simple procedure, you must notify your bank immediately in order to rectify the situation.

To calculate your balance, record you checkbook’s current balance either at the top of a piece of paper, or on the back Read more…

With online banking becoming more popular, many traditional banks are now providing services that are accessible through the Internet. We searched for the top three banks that provide the best online services while keeping privacy and security as a main concern.

Here are our picks:

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the top rated online banking services available. With low fees and an easy to use online interface, Bank of America has a wide range of appeal. Bank of America allows you to check the transaction activity for all of your checking and savings account, including pending transactions, Check Card purchases, ATM visits and direct deposits. You can also review your monthly statements online, and Bank of America provides the option of receiving a statement notification via e-mail as opposed to a paper copy. Bank of America also offers Bill Pay, which allows you to pay as many bills online as you choose for free.

HSBC

In addition to the standard online checking features, HSBC offers an exclusive online savings account. The HSBC online savings programs is currently offering a 4.65% APY, which is one America?s highest savings account rates. The account features free ATM withdrawals and deposits. There are no monthly maintenance fees, and an account can be opened with as little as one dollar. There is no minimum term, and HSBC offers plenty of features. Read more…

The history of banking dates back to the ancient times; in fact, the earliest banks were the ancient religious temples. People then stored their golds and other precious belongings in the temples because these places were strongly built, were always guarded, and most of all, were sacred. In ancient Greece, financial transactions were also done in temples and credit notes were already being used to reduce risks in carrying and carting money from one place to another.

Since those times, banking evolved in many aspects. Banking regulations were formulated, additional services such as lending became part of banking and things such as adding interest to loans became common bank practices. Now with the emergence of the latest technologies and the Internet, banking has taken a new face. People can now access bank account online and transact business with the bank with greater convenience and security through the Internet.

Online Banking

Performing bank transactions through the Internet is generally referred to as online banking or Internet banking. This form of banking allows consumers to directly access their bank account online (usually savings account) and obtain any information about their account. This direct-to-consumer system is faster and more convenient for consumers compared to traditional banking systems. Especially if you are to withdraw money after banking hours, this banking system may be your easiest and sole solution. You just have to connect to the Internet trough your personal computer and access your bank account in an instant.

Online-only banks

Many popular banks offer online banking as one of their services; however there are also some banks that transact businesses solely online, so you have no other choice but to access your bank account online and avail of other bank services through the Internet. The latter are referred to as online-only banks. These banks virtually exist yet they provide services traditional banks offer, only that they are done through the Internet.

Benefits

Today as more Read more…

Over the years I’ve never fully understood what the girl meant when she asked me if my account was a “current account”. I remember thinking, “well if I’m currently using it then I guess it’s my current account”, but I was never rude enough to say that. I never used to have a savings account, because I lived by the day and never had any savings to keep in it.

Since I’ve settled down and got a steady job I’ve began to wonder the differences between a current account and a savings account, and what a savings account had to offer me. Let’s start with the basic differences – a savings account gives you a better rate of interest for your savings and a current account gives you more services to use with your account. A current does accumulate interest, but at a fraction of the interest that a savings account does, plus the money doesn?t sit about long enough in a current account to accumulate much interest. If you would like to save a bit of money every month to keep for a rainy day then a savings account is the way to go. You won’t have easy access to your money like a current account, so it’s not so easy to spend, and it will gain good interest, and so grow for you for the future.

The main drawback of a savings account is the benefit I just mentioned: with a savings account you don?t have ease of access to your money that you would have with your current account. By this I mean you may not get a bank card for your savings account, so you cant withdraw money at a bank machine; or you may have to give like 3 or 5 days notice to withdraw money Read more…

Most of us open our first checking account by age 20. But just because we’ve had one for years, that doesn’t mean that we manage it properly. When is the last time you balanced your bank account? If it’s not part of your monthly routine, your inattention could carry a price. If you lose track of how much money is in your account you could get slapped with expensive insufficient funds fees.

But it’s not hard to get a handle on your account. These seven simple steps can help you keep your checking account under control:

1.
Keep good records.

The more informed you are about your checking account, the better equipped you’ll be to read and analyze your bank statement. “You have to have something to compare it to in order to know whether it’s right or wrong,” says Michael Stahl, author of Early to Rise: A Young Person’s Guide to Investing.That means keeping track of account activity. And you do have choices. You can keep a handwritten record of transactions using the register that comes with your checks. Or use a software program, such as Intuit’s Quicken or an online version of your favorite financial program. The point is to have a record of every check, deposit and electronic fund transfer that’s involved with the account.

2. Open your mail.

When the bank statement arrives, open it and put your record keeping to good use. Do it right when you get the statement,” Stahl says. “Don’t wait.” It’s better to examine your bank statement sooner than later for two reasons. First, if there are any mistakes, reporting them to your bank quickly will ensure they get corrected. Banks usually will disavow errors if they are reported more than 60 days after you received the statement. Second, the fewer days that pass between when the bank issues a statement and when you read it, the more in synch your records will be with the bank’s numbers. “It’s less confusing and easier to balance your bank statement if you do it as soon as you get it, not three months later,” Stahl says.

3. Scan first.

If you’re pressed for time, you can get away with examining just the account summary, says Susan Zimmerman of the Zimmerman Financial Group in St. Paul, Minnesota. It’s usually listed at the top of the page and it recaps the state of your account: previous balance, deposits and credits, checks and debits, service charges, interest paid and current balance. “At a bare-bones minimum, look over the summary information and see if the figures are in the ball park,” Zimmerman says. For example, you can see if the balance is roughly what you think it should be or whether the amount of withdrawals is way too high. Look for any unusual or unexpected fees.

Keep in mind that bank statements cover a set time period, say from Jan. 18 to Feb. 17, so any checks you’ve written around or after the closing date won’t be on the statement. Ditto any deposits you’ve made in the meantime.

4. Spend quality time with your account.

Scanning’s a good first step, but don’t stop there. “Go over the deposits and the checks,” says Paula Wegner, vice president of the First Eagle National Bank in Chicago. “Check all checks from your bank statement against your check register. Check off all checks.” Wegner’s emphasis on scrutinizing your posted checks is intentional. You need to see whether your payment records match what the bank has. Most bank statements will give you several ways of doing this. For example, some allow you to see what checks have been posted by including a copy of the check. The advantage: it shows you who the check was written to. Even when canceled checks are part of your statement, your monthly accounting probably will also include a list by check number of your transactions. Here you’ll see the check number, amount and when it posted, but
not the payee. Read more…