07 Dec 2011

Smart Savings

Welcome to Smart Savings.org. If you are looking to save more money, find ways to increase the return on your investments or just want to get the most out of your money so you can live like royalty you have come to the right place.

We believe saving money for your goals shouldn’t be that hard and you shouldn’t have to suffer doing it either. The following are what we believe in:

Saving should be easy

Saving money should be easy, automatic and hassle free. Life is too short to spend hours trying to pay less for something or put more money into your savings account. How can you achieve this? By systematizing your savings to meet your goals.

Investing your smart savings should be easy too

Investing your hard earned savings should be easy, automatic and hassle free also. Don’t spend hours agonizing over your investments. Follow the Smart Savings way and systematize and forget it.

You shouldn’t have to pay to save

Paying high bank or investment fees are for the birds. When you follow the Smart Savings way you eliminate the pay to save conspiracy.

We believe in being frugal not cheap

There is a difference between being frugal and cheap. Being cheap means you never spend any money and always buy second best. I don’t know about you but I hate off market brands, poor quality stuff doing without. When you are frugal you watch what you spend, look for and take advantage of deals but still meet all your needs and wants.

You should be able to live a rich life

Want to drink wine, eat caviar or take a much needed vacation to an awesome place. You can when you follow our philosophy.

Saving for retirement is important but not at the expense of your current lifestyle

If you are like us you want a comfortable retirement. However, that is a long time away and a long time to suffer if you ask me. Plan for your future but enjoy your life today.

Strict budgets are for losers

Strict budgets never work unless you are a very meticulous person without a life. Want to learn a better way to make sure all the bills are paid but still enjoy yourself?

Feel free to browse our website, learn a little and participate in the discussion by leaving a comment. Here is to your financial success and smart savings!

Category: Smart Savings Tips  Tags: , , ,  One Comment
04 Jan 2012

Find the Best Long Term Savings to Safeguard your Future

Each and every person grows old and this is the reason why you have to find the best long term savings plan that can serve as a shield in times of financial difficulties. Studies show that some of the best strategies would also include intermingled short-term monetary objectives. It is vital that you put up a savings fund for your retirement. Make the right decision while you are still young and act on it! Other purposes of investing in long term savings are to purchase your own house or to send your kids to a nice university.

The best long term savings plan depends upon an individual’s financial capacity. There is no predetermined procedure that will guarantee success but you can pursue several time-tested actions that are especially designed to match your ambitions in life. Investing in the stock market is still one of the finest ventures that you can undertake. Studies show that the ROI in stocks is even greater than the income that you can get if you put your hard earned cash in bonds.

Carefully study and plan every option that you want to take. It is recommended that you put your money in different stock portfolios so as to distribute the amount of risks that are involved. You may also purchase federal bonds if you are not yet sure as to which type of long-term investment you should engage in. The best thing about government bonds is that the risks are relatively minimal and you are given the assurance that you will be able to get the face value of the bond on the stated date.

Some businessmen put their money in the bank either in the form of time deposits or unrestricted savings. If you have cash and you are not yet certain where you should place the amount, the safest place to keep the money is the bank.

Steps for Finding the Best Long Term Savings Plan:

  1. Gather enough data so you can come up with an informed decision. It is difficult to work with a blank piece of paper. You should be able to correctly identify the following: profitable stream, right spending habit, volume of loans and other significant monetary aspects of the savings plan. Make sure that you include the interest rate and the terms and conditions for repayment on the current loan.
  2. Set your objectives and do not hesitate to include the amount that you want to gain within a particular period of time. Work on your pre-determined objectives but you also have to make sure that your regular budget will not suffer.
  3. Shop around for the best banking institution that can provide the best percentages or benefits including the lowest service charges. Some people seek the help of financial advisers to help them decide which type of investments is the best.
  4. There are various savings tools like retirement funds and educational plans but you should properly study all the offers and determine which is more appropriate for you to take.

Figuring out the best long term savings plan is not that difficult if you know what you are doing. After reading this article you are now armed with the necessary information for success.

If you enjoyed reading this article about creating the Best Long Term Savings plan or have some advice for others please leave your comment below or share it with you friends.

Category: Savings Accounts, Smart Savings Tips  Tags:  Leave a Comment
14 Dec 2011

How to Get the Best Return on Savings

If you are looking to acquire the best return on savings there are a few steps that you should take in order to ensure your success. Let me explain. The stock market has been fluctuation drastically over the past fifteen years and so a lot of people all over the world are afraid to invest their money in something that may not show a reasonable amount of return.  Another issue is that individuals are looking for safe places to store their money in the short term that will be able provide them with extra money at the end.  Although there are not new methods of investment available to these individuals, there are ways that you can assure saving your money will inevitably lead to a high rate of return and the best return on savings.

How to Get the Best Return on Savings

Step 1: Compare a Variety of Bank Yields

It is highly recommended that you research a variety of different banks to see what their interests rates may be.  For example, you may find that the interest rates at Capital One Direct may not please you as much as those found within Ally Bank.  Having the ability to compare bank yields will help you to make the proper decision in the long run.

Step 2: Research Stock Dividends

Some of the stocks that are available pay dividends to their shareholders which can provide them with 5-6% every year.  Although this may be more than your bank will pay onto your savings, you will be exposed to a larger amount of risk.  Luckily, this risk can be reduced if you diversify your funds such as buying mutual funds instead of investing in single stocks.

Step 3: Beware of Bonds

Information gathered from The Consumer Reports advises that individuals stay away from bonds at this particular point in time because they are proving to have a detrimental long-term outcome.  If you are assured that bonds are the perfect solution for you, research TIPS (Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities) which will help to protect you against any inflation worries.

Considering that the stock market is showing a more volatile state than ever, it is imperative that you find the best way for you to get the best return on savings.  Investing your money is one of the most beneficial ways for you to get the best return but it is imperative that you invest smart.  By following the aforementioned three steps you will be on your way to success and you will notice that you have acquired the best return on savings that you could achieve.

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14 Dec 2011

Top Three Savings Comparison Websites

Figuring out which savings account would prove to be the most beneficial can be a difficult venture which is why savings comparison websites have become increasingly popular over the years. Money is the most sought after asset that a family or a person can have which is why it is one of the most important tools throughout life.  Not only is acquiring a source of income important but it is also imperative that you determine all of the best ways for you to accumulate your money and keep it within a safe environment where it has the potential to mature without being harmed by interest rates.

Three of the more popular savings comparison websites include: www.BankRate.com/checking.aspx, www.SavingsAccounts.com, and www.DepositAccounts.com/savings.  These three websites provide individuals with the ability to choose the best saving method for them with the company that will provide them with the most benefits but they differ in their own way.

Savings Comparison Websites

Bankrate.com provides individuals with the ability to determine the best checking and the best savings rates to suit their individual needs.  You will be able to choose from a variety of different savings product options including: MMA/Savings, MMA 10k/Savings, MMA Jumbo/Savings, and MMA 25k Savings.  You will also have the ability to search for the best savings rates nationally and locally.  As for the checking accounts you will be able to choose the best interest checking account for you on either an internet-based or local scale.

SavingsAccounts.com provides its users with the ability to read bank reviews in order to help them to make the perfect decision.  This website has compiled a list of all of the banks that are offering the best rates to customers and they also explain whether they are FDIC members or not.  If you are looking for a website that has a simple user interface that is easy to understand, SavingsAccounts.com is the option for you.

As for DepositAccounts.com you will gather the utmost amount of information about hundreds of different banks all over the nation.  Some of the information that you will acquire involves: the savings account rates, an estimate of your first year’s earnings depending on how much you have in your account and the type of product that you are interested in.

Choosing the right savings account can prove to be an exponentially difficult venture for the majority of people which is why savings comparison websites have grown in popularity over the years.  If you are looking for a way to store your money without having to worry about losing any of it or having the value decrease allow savings comparison websites to do the work for you and find the perfect financial institution to fit your personal needs.

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11 Dec 2011

Best Branch Savings Accounts

Looking for the best branch savings accounts? When we think of the best savings accounts we are usually looking for the highest interest rates to get the biggest return on our savings. Savings account rates rarely go over the 2% mark and ultimately there are better returns on your money available. But if you are considering opening up a savings account, let’s take a look at three of the best branch savings accounts available today in the U.S.:

Ultima Savings Bank

The Ultima Bank has a fantastic rate for those 18 years and younger that open a SMART (School Money at Right Time) account. They offer a variable rate at 2 ½ percentage points below prime, with a floor rate of 2 percent and a ceiling rate of 5 percent. Interest is calculated daily, compounded and credited quarterly. Withdrawals made prior to your 18th birthday may result in a penalty of the equivalent of six months interest.

Washington Savings Bank

Washington Savings offers a great rate on their Saver Rewards account. You must pair this account with an Interest Rewards Checking account. You need a minimum $10 deposit to open, and no minimum balance, with a maximum of $15,000. The interest rate on this account is 1.51% if you meet and maintain the qualifications.

Dollar Bank

The Dollar Bank Free Money Savings account will earn you the highest interest on dollar amounts below $20,000 if you link it with a Free Money Checking or Rewards Checking account. There is no monthly service charge, no minimum balance and a guaranteed return with the safety of FDIC insurance. Their current rate on this account is 1.50%.

When you are looking for the best branch savings accounts remember to look at things such as minimum and maximum account balances and numbers of withdrawals and/or deposits required or allowed per month. Many banks offer an interest rate based on prime rates and are subject to change.

It is also important to look at how and how often interest rates are calculated. Most banks offer a quarterly rate. Consider how much activity you will have on your account and watch for short term deals. Many banks will offer a fantastic one or two year rate, after which time your best branch savings account rate will drop back to par with every other bank on the block. If you are savvy, you can close your account after the honeymoon period and find yourself another bank offering a great deal.

Category: Savings Accounts  Tags:  2 Comments