http://www.bankrate.com/default.aspx?pid=p:br3 An important part of any personal finance plan en-us Copyright 2009, Bankrate Inc. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:31:17 GMT webmaster@bankrate.com (webmaster) http://www.bankrate.com/Images/logos/bankratelogo.gif http://www.bankrate.com/default.aspx?pid=p:br3 118 22 60 The U.S. government offers some handy online tools for determining a savings bond's worth. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/how-do-you-find-bond-values.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/how-do-you-find-bond-values.aspx?pid=p:br3 You don't have to defy the laws of physics to stretch your money so it will last. Just plan wisely. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/7-ways-to-stretch-your-retirement-income-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/7-ways-to-stretch-your-retirement-income-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Opening a brokerage or CD account online isn't much different from doing so over the phone or in person. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/how-do-i-open-an-account-online.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/how-do-i-open-an-account-online.aspx?pid=p:br3 You might not even realize you're in the slender slice of the population that is retirement-rich. Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/could-you-be-saving-too-much.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/retirement/could-you-be-saving-too-much.aspx?pid=p:br3 They say a rising tide lifts all boats. Will you be stuck on the dock when the economy recovers? Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/how-the-economy-affects-your-pocketbook-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/how-the-economy-affects-your-pocketbook-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Most millionaires drive Toyotas and live in homes valued under $300,000, says author Thomas J. Stanley. Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/to-act-like-the-rich-be-frugal-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/to-act-like-the-rich-be-frugal-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Turn your talents into an income stream -- or launch a business. But no one promises it'll be easy. Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/6-ways-to-boost-your-income-in-a-big-way-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/6-ways-to-boost-your-income-in-a-big-way-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 A Series I savings bond investor should not grouse about the effect of a negative inflation rate. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/don-t-whine-about-inflation-rate.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/don-t-whine-about-inflation-rate.aspx?pid=p:br3 The Internal Revenue Service and other authorities have many tools to uncover money shenanigans. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/hiding-assets-likely-to-backfire.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/hiding-assets-likely-to-backfire.aspx?pid=p:br3 When it comes to paying yield, banks rely on a healthy balance of deposits and loans. Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/can-you-still-find-high-yield-checking-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/can-you-still-find-high-yield-checking-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Parents do not need a minor's consent to cash in savings bonds registered in the child's name. Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/parents-can-cash-bonds-in-kids-names.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/parents-can-cash-bonds-in-kids-names.aspx?pid=p:br3 Some organizations offer special savings rates to members. But are they worth the price? Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/top-savings-rates-for-members-only-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/top-savings-rates-for-members-only-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 It's unwise to leave $10,000 in a safe-deposit box, where the savings will earn no interest. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/fix-10-000-savings-mistake.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/fix-10-000-savings-mistake.aspx?pid=p:br3 The best time to cash in savings bonds depends on an investor's life circumstances. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/cash-in-savings-bonds-carefully.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/cash-in-savings-bonds-carefully.aspx?pid=p:br3 Money pros debate the value of clipping coupons and just saying "no" to the $4 daily latte. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/does-penny-pinching-pay-off-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/does-penny-pinching-pay-off-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 A saver's frustration with the statisticians who compile the inflation index is misplaced. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/inflation-index-reading-angers-saver.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/inflation-index-reading-angers-saver.aspx?pid=p:br3 Congress is allowing a second change this year to your 529 college-savings plan. Act soon. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/college-finance/time-to-change-your-529-plan-portfolio-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/college-finance/time-to-change-your-529-plan-portfolio-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Bank promotions promise to help you save with every purchase. But critics have their doubts. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/spend-to-save-accounts-helpful-or-hoax-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/spend-to-save-accounts-helpful-or-hoax-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Should you pay down your debt before saving? It depends on your circumstances. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/should-you-pay-debt-before-saving-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/should-you-pay-debt-before-saving-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 The state's take can be as minimal as a few dollars or as extravagant as the deed to a beachfront house. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/states-hold-property-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/states-hold-property-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 We do the math on three personal indulgences. See how much you can save by giving one up. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/are-your-vices-foiling-your-finances--1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/are-your-vices-foiling-your-finances--1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Three key savings vehicles allow parents to safely put away money for their children's future. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/3-ways-to-save-for-your-child-s-future-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/3-ways-to-save-for-your-child-s-future-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 The financial crisis has boosted the appeal of tax-favored bonds. But safety comes at a price. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/tax-favored-bonds-get-second-look-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/tax-favored-bonds-get-second-look-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 A Christmas club can make you cash-flush for the holiday season and end postholiday card debts. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/christmas-club-can-tame-holiday-bills-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/christmas-club-can-tame-holiday-bills-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 With some early holiday planning, you can save money and ease your seasonal stress. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/money-saving-tips-for-the-holidays-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/money-saving-tips-for-the-holidays-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Don't wait for the boss to recognize your worth. Together, these tips could net you more than $5,000! Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/10-ways-to-save-500-or-more-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/10-ways-to-save-500-or-more-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 There are several ways consumers can save before the holidays to prevent a January bill hangover. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/best-ways-to-save-for-holiday-shopping.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/best-ways-to-save-for-holiday-shopping.aspx?pid=p:br3 This map shows the banks that have failed since January, updated weekly. Click to see your state. Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks.aspx?pid=p:br3 This map shows the banks that have failed since January, updated weekly. Click to see your state. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-northeast.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-northeast.aspx?pid=p:br3 This map shows the banks that have failed since January, updated weekly. Click to see your state. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-midwest.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-midwest.aspx?pid=p:br3 This map shows the banks that have failed since January, updated weekly. Click to see your state. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-south.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-south.aspx?pid=p:br3 This map shows the banks that have failed since January, updated weekly. Click to see your state. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-west.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/map-of-failed-banks-west.aspx?pid=p:br3 For many savers, safety is the name of the game. Learn about low-risk ways to grow cash. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/safe-havens-for-your-savings.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/safe-havens-for-your-savings.aspx?pid=p:br3 A listing of all the state agencies that help you find unclaimed money and property. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/state-agencies-that-help-you-find-unclaimed-money-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/state-agencies-that-help-you-find-unclaimed-money-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 It's a lesson we forget too often as we become adults, but cultivating a savings plan is more important than ever. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/develop-a-savings-plan.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/develop-a-savings-plan.aspx?pid=p:br3 Basic savings and money market accounts will allow you to access your money and earn interest, too. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/savings-accounts.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/savings-accounts.aspx?pid=p:br3 Investors seeking safety must also guard against the danger of losing purchasing power to inflation. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/4-low-risk-inflation-strategies-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/4-low-risk-inflation-strategies-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Banking by cell phone is gaining popularity. Here's what you need to know to be secure. Sat, 26 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/is-mobile-banking-safe-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/personal-finance/is-mobile-banking-safe-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Many people face this dilemma. Here's how to decide what to do. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/invest-or-payoff-credit-card.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/invest-or-payoff-credit-card.aspx?pid=p:br3 Dr. Don Taylor discusses instances when investors should buck -- or heed -- standard savings wisdom. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/bucking-classic-savings-wisdom-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/bucking-classic-savings-wisdom-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 The recession has changed how the wealthy save. What can average investors learn from the rich? Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/how-the-rich-save-today-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/how-the-rich-save-today-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 Some local banks pay higher rates on retirement-fund CDs than national banks. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/want-higher-ira-yield-stay-local-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/want-higher-ira-yield-stay-local-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 When it comes to emergency funds, not having one at all is the biggest mistake consumers can make. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/financial-meltdown-emergency-funds.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/financial-meltdown-emergency-funds.aspx?pid=p:br3 Today's low interest rates won't last forever. Prepare now to benefit later when rates rise. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/5-savings-strategies-before-rates-rise-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/5-savings-strategies-before-rates-rise-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 If you work longer, your nest egg could grow. But you might sabotage your benefits. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/should-you-work-in-retirement-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/financial-literacy/should-you-work-in-retirement-1.aspx?pid=p:br3 These securities can help guard your portfolio against the ravages of inflation. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/tips-treasury-inflation-protected-securities.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/cd/tips-treasury-inflation-protected-securities.aspx?pid=p:br3 Bankrate's Greg McBride explains investing in CDs and government instruments. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/video-time-deposits-for-safe-investing.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/video-time-deposits-for-safe-investing.aspx?pid=p:br3 Use these calculators and videos to help reveal the best savings plan for you -- and the best road map to achieving your financial goals. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/chapter-4-tools-for-survival.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/chapter-4-tools-for-survival.aspx?pid=p:br3 See how savings instruments-- from CDs and money market accounts to high-yield checking and savings accounts -- stack up. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/saving-in-a-low-yield-world.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/savings/saving-in-a-low-yield-world.aspx?pid=p:br3 If you save early, you'll have to save less for fewer years and have more for retirement. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/video-the-miracle-of-compound-savings.aspx?pid=p:br3 http://www.bankrate.com/finance/video/video-the-miracle-of-compound-savings.aspx?pid=p:br3