Personal Checks Run Out? There Are Actually Alternatives to Reordering

Even though personal checks accounted for less than $20 billion in U.S. transactions in 2012 – down from $40 billion in 2000 – many people still rely on that old-fashioned payment method, particularly in certain situations, like paying rent or sending money to family and friends. That can get expensive when the blank drafts run out, though.

For those who only write one or two checks a month, online-only banks like Simple as well as financial institutions and companies like Venmo, PayPal and Square offer alternatives to ordering 80 or 100 checks at a time. Here are some of the options to buying box-loads of the documents:

The single check

Simple, a Portland, Ore.-based online bank founded in 2009, provides a creative solution to customers who need to write occasional checks. To request a draft, an account holder simply fills out the information through the website, and the bank sends a printed check to the payee, signature and all, for free. The entire process takes about three to five business days, though, so it requires a little planning ahead. As another payment alternative, the bank also offers free electronic funds transfers, which clear in two days.

The cashier’s check

Many banks and credit unions let customers buy cashier’s checks with no service fee. The only difference between one of these bank-issued drafts and a personal check is that the issuing financial institution backs the face value of cashier’s checks it has issued, while a personal draft relies on the account holder to back the payment.

Find out which banks give users access to free cashier’s checks and what the monthly limits are before fees are applied (for some banks and credit unions, it’s three checks; for others, 10). In most cases, getting a cashier’s check must be done in person. However, some institutions allow consumers to order online.

The wire transfer

Sending money electronically between financial institutions is old hat, but today many banks and credit unions have reciprocal relationships, allowing customers to move funds from one account to another online. Some banks don’t impose fees for this service, while others may charge as much as $80, depending on the amount being transferred, and the receiving bank may also hit you with additional costs. Generally, international wire transfers require the recipient’s name, account number and the bank routing number of that person’s bank or credit union. For electronic transfers between accounts in U.S. banks, simply providing the receiving party’s mobile phone number or email address can be all that’s needed, and it’s often free.

Not only is this more affordable than purchasing checks – it’s also less of a hassle. Payments may take a few days to clear, so it’s a good idea to submit the transfer early on to avoid being late.

The third-party transfer

For sending money to friends and family, consider using a third-party vendor like PayPal instead of sending a personal check or electronic transfer. Users only need to supply the recipient’s email address to complete a transaction. The only caveat: PayPal charges a service fee of about 3% when debit or credit cards are used. The fee is waived, however, for domestic bank transfers and when the money comes out of a PayPal account. While 3% isn’t a lot when the amount involve is small – just $3 for a $100 transfer – it can add up quickly for larger sums.

Square, the money-transferring app, offers a cost-effective alternative: for electronic transfers under $250 per week, there’s no fee. Users can verify their identity and upgrade their accounts to increase that limit to $2,500. With sophisticated encryption and anti-fraud algorithms, Square’s online transfers can offer even more security than checks.

With Venmo, a mobile app, users can also transfer money free of charge with only an email or phone number. Although customers pay a 3% fee for credit card payments, transfers between banks and most debit cards are free. This payment system isn’t made for all transactions, though; Venmo is designed for personal payments among acquaintances, not between consumers and merchants.

Heading into history

As consumers gravitate towards plastic and online payments, personal checks are becoming artifacts of the past. So why buy them by the box? Finding effective paperless alternatives can unclutter your financial life while saving a little money on the side. But if you do need a paper draft, you still have some free options.

Checkbook image via Shutterstock

Source Article http://ift.tt/1y39EC7

Read More

How Do I Financially Transition to Civilian Life?

If you’re nearing your separation date from the military, you probably have a lot of questions. How am I going to find a new job? How will my finances change as a civilian? What should I do about health insurance? To help you out, here are 10 steps to help you transition from military to civilian life.

1. Build a cash buffer for your transition

Ideally, you’ll leave the service on Friday and walk into your new job on Monday. However, this may not be realistic. Save up a cash buffer to cover your expenses while you’re looking for work and during your first few weeks on the job in case there’s a lag in paychecks. Speaking of saving …

2. Save for emergencies

Make sure to save up an emergency fund of three months to one year of expenses. Military jobs are relatively stable, so you probably weren’t concerned about a lack of cash flow while you were in the service. However, job security is very much a thing of the past and having money put away to tide you over in case you lose your job might come in handy. This fund can also pay for other unexpected emergencies, like a major medical issue when you have a high-deductible insurance plan.

The amount you should save in the account will vary depending on your life circumstances. If you live in a dual-income household without children, three months of expenses should be adequate. If there’s only one income earner and three kids in the household, one year of expenses is probably a better idea.

3. Create a budget

As a civilian, your budget will be different from what it was while you were enlisted. For one thing, you need to budget taxes, insurance and savings — things you may not have had to budget for while in the military. And things like tax-free housing allowances? You may have to say goodbye to those as well (provided you aren’t eligible for or taking advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill — more on that later).

Assume you’ll pay for housing, utilities, health and life insurance, transportation and its related expenditures, food, entertainment, gifts and a slew of miscellaneous expenses that are bound to crop up. Depending on your situation, you may also have to pay for child and/or pet costs, including food, supplies, care and medical. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes, save up for emergencies, retirement and other goals, and pay off existing debt. This should all be taken into account in your budget.

The other big part of the equation is income. Your take-home pay should cover all of your expenses. If your expenses exceed your income, you’ll need to cut your expenses or increase your income. Your savings and debt payments should be at least 20% of your budget, limiting your life expenses to 80% or less of your income.

4. Seek further education

If you’re eligible, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers your education expenses for up to 36 months. In addition, you may be able to receive a monthly housing allowance, a stipend for books and supplies, and a one-time rural benefit payment. If your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, you may be eligible for more funds to assist you in furthering your education. Some military members will even be able to transfer unused benefits to their dependents.

5. Apply for new jobs

If you don’t yet have a resume, you’ll need to create one. Monster.com has an entire section dedicated to the military, including a resource on how to write a military-to-civilian resume. Better yet, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides a curriculum on transitioning to civilian life, including information on creating a resume, tips on interviewing and networking, and advice on finding a new job. TAP is required for all separating members of the military as of 2011, when President Obama signed into law the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act.

For veterans seeking government jobs, USAJOBS is a great resource.

If you’re more of an entrepreneurial spirit, there’s an elective program called Boots to Business that’s offered as a part of the TAP. At the end of the program, participants will have the knowledge necessary to identify a business opportunity, create a business plan and start a company.

6. Evaluate potential new jobs

There are a few things to think about when evaluating potential gigs. First, remember that your salary needs to cover your increased taxes. Check your state tax rates so you know what to expect.

Your salary also needs to cover your housing, which may have been covered previously by a tax-free housing stipend. Housing is generally the most expensive line item of most people’s budgets. As a rule of thumb, you should keep all housing expenses under one-third of your take-home pay. This will be more difficult in high cost-of-living areas, but it will make your financial life much less stressful.

You should also examine your benefits package. Health insurance is infinitely cheaper when purchased through an employer, and the same likely goes for basic life insurance coverage. Another nice bonus is an employer-sponsored retirement plan with a match. If your employer offers this benefit, always contribute enough to get the full company match. Otherwise, you’re turning down free money.

7. Get health insurance

People who retire from the military after 20 years will be qualified for insurance in retirement. However, military members who don’t serve for at least 20 years will need to replace their insurance. The likely cheapest solution is getting a job with health insurance benefits or getting on your spouse’s employer health insurance plan. Keep in mind, though, most jobs require that you pay at least part of your premium — generally pre-tax, automatically withdrawn from your paycheck.

If you don’t have health insurance through work, you can sign up for the military version of COBRA — which is the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) — within 60 days of leaving the military. This coverage can be costly and is only available to you for 18 months. Other options include signing up for health insurance on your own or getting VA health care coverage, if eligible. You can apply for VA health benefits on the VA website.

If you opt for signing up for insurance on your own, you can compare quotes through the eHealthInsurance website. High-deductible plans will be the cheapest option, and many people will be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA can be contributed to pre-tax, up to a certain limit, and used to pay for medical expenses. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), this isn’t a “use it or lose it” account. You can use it for medical expenses tax-free whenever you want, and withdraw the balance tax-free after the age of 65, if desired.

8. Get life insurance

Your cheap life insurance through the military expires 120 days after you leave the service. From there, you have two major options. You can convert to Veteran’s Group Life Insurance or search for policies on your own. VGLI is typically more expensive than finding your own coverage, but it’s a good option for those with health issues that would drive up the price of regular life insurance. You have one year and 120 days to convert to VGLI, but if you do it in the first 120 days, you won’t have to submit evidence of good health.

If you opt to get life insurance other than VGLI, you can compare plans online. Try accuquote.com for term life insurance options. You could also get life (or medical, vision and dental) insurance through USAA — a bank for military members and their families. USAA also offers investing, mortgage and banking services to current and past military families.

9. Evaluate your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

You have a few options with your TSP. You can either leave it alone, or roll it into an individual retirement account (IRA) or employer-sponsored retirement plan. The best option is likely to leave it alone, as TSPs are invested in index funds with extremely low expense ratios.

If you choose to roll it over, consider an IRA over an employer-sponsored plan like the 401(k). That’s because you’ll have more control over the investments and fees with an IRA. You can open an IRA with any broker you choose. A good option is Vanguard — an online broker with very low expense ratios.

10. Evaluate your retirement plan

Whether military or civilian, everyone wants the option to retire at some point. If you’ve served in the military for a certain number of years, you’ll receive retired pay. Upon separating, you can calculate your retired pay and use this calculation to determine how much more you’ll need to save to retire comfortably.

With or without retired pay, you’ll likely want to save for retirement during your civilian life in either an employer-sponsored plan, IRA and/or self-employed retirement plan. To calculate the amount of money you’ll need to retire, check out this NerdWallet article on how much you should save for retirement. Remember, this money isn’t only for long, leisurely days on the golf course. It can also help pay for possible medical bills in your old age. To reduce those as much as possible, practice healthy habits and stay in shape.

Bottom line: Your financial life will change quite a bit during your transition to civilian life, but following these 10 steps will make the process easier. Good luck on your new endeavors and thank you for your service!

Family image via Shutterstock

Source Article http://ift.tt/1y39EC7

Read More

Personal Checks Run Out? There Are Actually Alternatives to Reordering

Even though personal checks accounted for less than $20 billion in U.S. transactions in 2012 – down from $40 billion in 2000 – many people still rely on that old-fashioned payment method, particularly in certain situations, like paying rent or sending money to family and friends. That can get expensive when the blank drafts run out, though.

For those who only write one or two checks a month, online-only banks like Simple as well as financial institutions and companies like Venmo, PayPal and Square offer alternatives to ordering 80 or 100 checks at a time. Here are some of the options to buying box-loads of the documents:

The single check

Simple, a Portland, Ore.-based online bank founded in 2009, provides a creative solution to customers who need to write occasional checks. To request a draft, an account holder simply fills out the information through the website, and the bank sends a printed check to the payee, signature and all, for free. The entire process takes about three to five business days, though, so it requires a little planning ahead. As another payment alternative, the bank also offers free electronic funds transfers, which clear in two days.

The cashier’s check

Many banks and credit unions let customers buy cashier’s checks with no service fee. The only difference between one of these bank-issued drafts and a personal check is that the issuing financial institution backs the face value of cashier’s checks it has issued, while a personal draft relies on the account holder to back the payment.

Find out which banks give users access to free cashier’s checks and what the monthly limits are before fees are applied (for some banks and credit unions, it’s three checks; for others, 10). In most cases, getting a cashier’s check must be done in person. However, some institutions allow consumers to order online.

The wire transfer

Sending money electronically between financial institutions is old hat, but today many banks and credit unions have reciprocal relationships, allowing customers to move funds from one account to another online. Some banks don’t impose fees for this service, while others may charge as much as $80, depending on the amount being transferred, and the receiving bank may also hit you with additional costs. Generally, international wire transfers require the recipient’s name, account number and the bank routing number of that person’s bank or credit union. For electronic transfers between accounts in U.S. banks, simply providing the receiving party’s mobile phone number or email address can be all that’s needed, and it’s often free.

Not only is this more affordable than purchasing checks – it’s also less of a hassle. Payments may take a few days to clear, so it’s a good idea to submit the transfer early on to avoid being late.

The third-party transfer

For sending money to friends and family, consider using a third-party vendor like PayPal instead of sending a personal check or electronic transfer. Users only need to supply the recipient’s email address to complete a transaction. The only caveat: PayPal charges a service fee of about 3% when debit or credit cards are used. The fee is waived, however, for domestic bank transfers and when the money comes out of a PayPal account. While 3% isn’t a lot when the amount involve is small – just $3 for a $100 transfer – it can add up quickly for larger sums.

Square, the money-transferring app, offers a cost-effective alternative: for electronic transfers under $250 per week, there’s no fee. Users can verify their identity and upgrade their accounts to increase that limit to $2,500. With sophisticated encryption and anti-fraud algorithms, Square’s online transfers can offer even more security than checks.

With Venmo, a mobile app, users can also transfer money free of charge with only an email or phone number. Although customers pay a 3% fee for credit card payments, transfers between banks and most debit cards are free. This payment system isn’t made for all transactions, though; Venmo is designed for personal payments among acquaintances, not between consumers and merchants.

Heading into history

As consumers gravitate towards plastic and online payments, personal checks are becoming artifacts of the past. So why buy them by the box? Finding effective paperless alternatives can unclutter your financial life while saving a little money on the side. But if you do need a paper draft, you still have some free options.

Checkbook image via Shutterstock

Source Article :http://bit.ly/1v95EOx

Read More

How Do I Financially Transition to Civilian Life?

If you’re nearing your separation date from the military, you probably have a lot of questions. How am I going to find a new job? How will my finances change as a civilian? What should I do about health insurance? To help you out, here are 10 steps to help you transition from military to civilian life.

1. Build a cash buffer for your transition

Ideally, you’ll leave the service on Friday and walk into your new job on Monday. However, this may not be realistic. Save up a cash buffer to cover your expenses while you’re looking for work and during your first few weeks on the job in case there’s a lag in paychecks. Speaking of saving …

2. Save for emergencies

Make sure to save up an emergency fund of three months to one year of expenses. Military jobs are relatively stable, so you probably weren’t concerned about a lack of cash flow while you were in the service. However, job security is very much a thing of the past and having money put away to tide you over in case you lose your job might come in handy. This fund can also pay for other unexpected emergencies, like a major medical issue when you have a high-deductible insurance plan.

The amount you should save in the account will vary depending on your life circumstances. If you live in a dual-income household without children, three months of expenses should be adequate. If there’s only one income earner and three kids in the household, one year of expenses is probably a better idea.

3. Create a budget

As a civilian, your budget will be different from what it was while you were enlisted. For one thing, you need to budget taxes, insurance and savings — things you may not have had to budget for while in the military. And things like tax-free housing allowances? You may have to say goodbye to those as well (provided you aren’t eligible for or taking advantage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill — more on that later).

Assume you’ll pay for housing, utilities, health and life insurance, transportation and its related expenditures, food, entertainment, gifts and a slew of miscellaneous expenses that are bound to crop up. Depending on your situation, you may also have to pay for child and/or pet costs, including food, supplies, care and medical. In addition, you’ll have to pay taxes, save up for emergencies, retirement and other goals, and pay off existing debt. This should all be taken into account in your budget.

The other big part of the equation is income. Your take-home pay should cover all of your expenses. If your expenses exceed your income, you’ll need to cut your expenses or increase your income. Your savings and debt payments should be at least 20% of your budget, limiting your life expenses to 80% or less of your income.

4. Seek further education

If you’re eligible, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers your education expenses for up to 36 months. In addition, you may be able to receive a monthly housing allowance, a stipend for books and supplies, and a one-time rural benefit payment. If your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, you may be eligible for more funds to assist you in furthering your education. Some military members will even be able to transfer unused benefits to their dependents.

5. Apply for new jobs

If you don’t yet have a resume, you’ll need to create one. Monster.com has an entire section dedicated to the military, including a resource on how to write a military-to-civilian resume. Better yet, the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides a curriculum on transitioning to civilian life, including information on creating a resume, tips on interviewing and networking, and advice on finding a new job. TAP is required for all separating members of the military as of 2011, when President Obama signed into law the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act.

For veterans seeking government jobs, USAJOBS is a great resource.

If you’re more of an entrepreneurial spirit, there’s an elective program called Boots to Business that’s offered as a part of the TAP. At the end of the program, participants will have the knowledge necessary to identify a business opportunity, create a business plan and start a company.

6. Evaluate potential new jobs

There are a few things to think about when evaluating potential gigs. First, remember that your salary needs to cover your increased taxes. Check your state tax rates so you know what to expect.

Your salary also needs to cover your housing, which may have been covered previously by a tax-free housing stipend. Housing is generally the most expensive line item of most people’s budgets. As a rule of thumb, you should keep all housing expenses under one-third of your take-home pay. This will be more difficult in high cost-of-living areas, but it will make your financial life much less stressful.

You should also examine your benefits package. Health insurance is infinitely cheaper when purchased through an employer, and the same likely goes for basic life insurance coverage. Another nice bonus is an employer-sponsored retirement plan with a match. If your employer offers this benefit, always contribute enough to get the full company match. Otherwise, you’re turning down free money.

7. Get health insurance

People who retire from the military after 20 years will be qualified for insurance in retirement. However, military members who don’t serve for at least 20 years will need to replace their insurance. The likely cheapest solution is getting a job with health insurance benefits or getting on your spouse’s employer health insurance plan. Keep in mind, though, most jobs require that you pay at least part of your premium — generally pre-tax, automatically withdrawn from your paycheck.

If you don’t have health insurance through work, you can sign up for the military version of COBRA — which is the Continued Health Care Benefit Program (CHCBP) — within 60 days of leaving the military. This coverage can be costly and is only available to you for 18 months. Other options include signing up for health insurance on your own or getting VA health care coverage, if eligible. You can apply for VA health benefits on the VA website.

If you opt for signing up for insurance on your own, you can compare quotes through the eHealthInsurance website. High-deductible plans will be the cheapest option, and many people will be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA). An HSA can be contributed to pre-tax, up to a certain limit, and used to pay for medical expenses. Unlike a flexible spending account (FSA), this isn’t a “use it or lose it” account. You can use it for medical expenses tax-free whenever you want, and withdraw the balance tax-free after the age of 65, if desired.

8. Get life insurance

Your cheap life insurance through the military expires 120 days after you leave the service. From there, you have two major options. You can convert to Veteran’s Group Life Insurance or search for policies on your own. VGLI is typically more expensive than finding your own coverage, but it’s a good option for those with health issues that would drive up the price of regular life insurance. You have one year and 120 days to convert to VGLI, but if you do it in the first 120 days, you won’t have to submit evidence of good health.

If you opt to get life insurance other than VGLI, you can compare plans online. Try accuquote.com for term life insurance options. You could also get life (or medical, vision and dental) insurance through USAA — a bank for military members and their families. USAA also offers investing, mortgage and banking services to current and past military families.

9. Evaluate your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

You have a few options with your TSP. You can either leave it alone, or roll it into an individual retirement account (IRA) or employer-sponsored retirement plan. The best option is likely to leave it alone, as TSPs are invested in index funds with extremely low expense ratios.

If you choose to roll it over, consider an IRA over an employer-sponsored plan like the 401(k). That’s because you’ll have more control over the investments and fees with an IRA. You can open an IRA with any broker you choose. A good option is Vanguard — an online broker with very low expense ratios.

10. Evaluate your retirement plan

Whether military or civilian, everyone wants the option to retire at some point. If you’ve served in the military for a certain number of years, you’ll receive retired pay. Upon separating, you can calculate your retired pay and use this calculation to determine how much more you’ll need to save to retire comfortably.

With or without retired pay, you’ll likely want to save for retirement during your civilian life in either an employer-sponsored plan, IRA and/or self-employed retirement plan. To calculate the amount of money you’ll need to retire, check out this NerdWallet article on how much you should save for retirement. Remember, this money isn’t only for long, leisurely days on the golf course. It can also help pay for possible medical bills in your old age. To reduce those as much as possible, practice healthy habits and stay in shape.

Bottom line: Your financial life will change quite a bit during your transition to civilian life, but following these 10 steps will make the process easier. Good luck on your new endeavors and thank you for your service!

Family image via Shutterstock

Source Article :http://bit.ly/1v95EhA

Read More

The Best Credit Cards to Use for All Your Summer Activities

Getting the most out of the summer is a top priority for a lot of people. For many of us, there are only a few months of good weather every year – it’s important to enjoy them while they last!

Contrary to popular belief, making sweet summer memories doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. By simply choosing the right credit card, you could offset some of the expenses you’ll rack up during your warm-weather fun. Not sure which card to use for your particular summer activity? Don’t worry, the Nerds have you covered – take a look at our top picks below!

If you’re taking a road trip: Chase Freedom®

Apply Now

on Chase's

secure website

Hitting the open road to take in the sights along America’s highways and byways this summer? You’ll want a card that rewards you handsomely for all that money you’ll be spending at the pump, and the Chase Freedom® is a great choice!

With the Freedom, you’ll earn 5% cash back in quarterly rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Between July 1, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2014, gas stations are a featured 5% category. This means you could be earning a very high rewards rate at the pump this summer!

What’s more, the Freedom has historically featured gas stations for 2 out of 4 quarters of the year. That amounts to an annual average of 3% back on gas, certainly nothing to sneeze at!

The Freedom charges no annual fee and offers a decent signup bonus: Earn a $100 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. It’s one of the Nerds’ favorite cash-back cards, so you can feel good about getting it for your summer road trip and hanging onto it for a while!

If you’re spending a week at the beach: Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard®

Apply Now

on Barclays's

secure website

A beach vacation usually means a wide variety of activities – a few nights on the boardwalk, a round of mini golf and dining at all the local seafood joints. This means you’ll want a card that carries a high rewards rate no matter where you do your spending, plus the option to redeem those rewards for a number of different expenses. That might seem like a tall order, but the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard® fits the bill!

With the Arrival Plus, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend on any purchase. Assuming you redeem your miles for travel, this means you’ll be getting a sky-high rewards rate of 2.2% every time you swipe your card. What’s more, you can redeem those miles in the form of a statement credit for a wide range of travel options, including airfare, hotel stays, campgrounds and timeshares. This could really help bring the cost of a beach vacation down!

And if your beach vacation involves international travel, the Arrival Plus is a really good pick. It charges no foreign transaction fee and comes chip-enabled. Win-win!

Another stellar feature is the Arrival Plus’s signup bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 or more on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. If you’re planning on spending at least $3,000 during your week at the beach, you could be well on your way to your next vacation if you bring the Arrival Plus along!

Keep in mind that the Arrival Plus does charge an annual fee: $89 - Waived first year. But with all the great features this card provides, that’s a small price to pay for big travelers.

If you’re visiting an amusement park: Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card — Earn 20,000 Bonus Points

Apply Now

on Citibank's

secure website

Spending a day riding roller coasters and wolfing down cotton candy is a quintessential summer activity. To add to the merriment, take along the Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card — Earn 20,000 Bonus Points and you’ll earn double points on your amusement park spending!

With the ThankYou Preferred card, you’ll earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar spent on entertainment and dining out and 1 ThankYou point per dollar spent on everything else. Amusement parks count as “entertainment,” so you’ll be getting double points on your day out and when you stop for dinner on the way home. Plus, if you have plans later in the week to take in a concert or cultural activity, you can keep racking up double points with this card.

The ThankYou Preferred doesn’t carry an annual fee, and it does provide a decent signup bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after $1,500 in card purchases within 3 months of account opening - redeemable for $200 in gift cards or other great rewards. All-in-all, this card is a good choice for many different types of summer fun.

Nerd note: When it comes time to redeem your ThankYou points, your best options are gift cards or cash equivalents. With these redemptions, you’ll get about $.01 in value out of each ThankYou point; if you choose cash back, each point will only be worth about half a cent.

If you’re exploring a new city: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Apply Now

on Chase's

secure website

If you plan to use your vacation days to experience the food, cultural events and nightlife of a new city, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect card to take along.

With the Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn 2 points for every dollar you spend on travel and dining out and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. Generally, Sapphire Preferred points are worth one cent apiece. However, they’re worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which drives the value of each point up to 1.25 cents.

This is all great news if you’re traveling to a new city, since a lot of your time will be spent in restaurants and taxis (which count as travel). You’ll be racking up big rewards everywhere you go!

Also, if you’re headed to an international city, you can travel easy with Sapphire Preferred. It doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee and comes chip-enabled.

In terms of a signup bonus, the Sapphire Preferred offers one of the best deals out there: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.

Keep in mind that it does charge an Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $95. But if you spend a lot on travel and dining out, the high rewards rate you’ll get with the Sapphire Preferred makes its annual fee worthwhile.

Summer fun image via Shutterstock

Source Article http://ift.tt/1y39EC7

Read More

The Best Credit Cards to Use for All Your Summer Activities

Getting the most out of the summer is a top priority for a lot of people. For many of us, there are only a few months of good weather every year – it’s important to enjoy them while they last!

Contrary to popular belief, making sweet summer memories doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. By simply choosing the right credit card, you could offset some of the expenses you’ll rack up during your warm-weather fun. Not sure which card to use for your particular summer activity? Don’t worry, the Nerds have you covered – take a look at our top picks below!

If you’re taking a road trip: Chase Freedom®

Apply Now

on Chase's

secure website

Hitting the open road to take in the sights along America’s highways and byways this summer? You’ll want a card that rewards you handsomely for all that money you’ll be spending at the pump, and the Chase Freedom® is a great choice!

With the Freedom, you’ll earn 5% cash back in quarterly rotating bonus categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Between July 1, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2014, gas stations are a featured 5% category. This means you could be earning a very high rewards rate at the pump this summer!

What’s more, the Freedom has historically featured gas stations for 2 out of 4 quarters of the year. That amounts to an annual average of 3% back on gas, certainly nothing to sneeze at!

The Freedom charges no annual fee and offers a decent signup bonus: Earn a $100 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. It’s one of the Nerds’ favorite cash-back cards, so you can feel good about getting it for your summer road trip and hanging onto it for a while!

If you’re spending a week at the beach: Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard®

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A beach vacation usually means a wide variety of activities – a few nights on the boardwalk, a round of mini golf and dining at all the local seafood joints. This means you’ll want a card that carries a high rewards rate no matter where you do your spending, plus the option to redeem those rewards for a number of different expenses. That might seem like a tall order, but the Barclaycard Arrival Plus™ World Elite MasterCard® fits the bill!

With the Arrival Plus, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar you spend on any purchase. Assuming you redeem your miles for travel, this means you’ll be getting a sky-high rewards rate of 2.2% every time you swipe your card. What’s more, you can redeem those miles in the form of a statement credit for a wide range of travel options, including airfare, hotel stays, campgrounds and timeshares. This could really help bring the cost of a beach vacation down!

And if your beach vacation involves international travel, the Arrival Plus is a really good pick. It charges no foreign transaction fee and comes chip-enabled. Win-win!

Another stellar feature is the Arrival Plus’s signup bonus: Earn 40,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 or more on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. If you’re planning on spending at least $3,000 during your week at the beach, you could be well on your way to your next vacation if you bring the Arrival Plus along!

Keep in mind that the Arrival Plus does charge an annual fee: $89 - Waived first year. But with all the great features this card provides, that’s a small price to pay for big travelers.

If you’re visiting an amusement park: Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card — Earn 20,000 Bonus Points

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Spending a day riding roller coasters and wolfing down cotton candy is a quintessential summer activity. To add to the merriment, take along the Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card — Earn 20,000 Bonus Points and you’ll earn double points on your amusement park spending!

With the ThankYou Preferred card, you’ll earn 2 ThankYou points per dollar spent on entertainment and dining out and 1 ThankYou point per dollar spent on everything else. Amusement parks count as “entertainment,” so you’ll be getting double points on your day out and when you stop for dinner on the way home. Plus, if you have plans later in the week to take in a concert or cultural activity, you can keep racking up double points with this card.

The ThankYou Preferred doesn’t carry an annual fee, and it does provide a decent signup bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after $1,500 in card purchases within 3 months of account opening - redeemable for $200 in gift cards or other great rewards. All-in-all, this card is a good choice for many different types of summer fun.

Nerd note: When it comes time to redeem your ThankYou points, your best options are gift cards or cash equivalents. With these redemptions, you’ll get about $.01 in value out of each ThankYou point; if you choose cash back, each point will only be worth about half a cent.

If you’re exploring a new city: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

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If you plan to use your vacation days to experience the food, cultural events and nightlife of a new city, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the perfect card to take along.

With the Sapphire Preferred, you’ll earn 2 points for every dollar you spend on travel and dining out and 1 point per dollar spent on everything else. Generally, Sapphire Preferred points are worth one cent apiece. However, they’re worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which drives the value of each point up to 1.25 cents.

This is all great news if you’re traveling to a new city, since a lot of your time will be spent in restaurants and taxis (which count as travel). You’ll be racking up big rewards everywhere you go!

Also, if you’re headed to an international city, you can travel easy with Sapphire Preferred. It doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee and comes chip-enabled.

In terms of a signup bonus, the Sapphire Preferred offers one of the best deals out there: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months.

Keep in mind that it does charge an Introductory Annual Fee of $0 the first year, then $95. But if you spend a lot on travel and dining out, the high rewards rate you’ll get with the Sapphire Preferred makes its annual fee worthwhile.

Summer fun image via Shutterstock

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States Where People Use the Most Electricity — and States Where They Pay the Most For It

From powering up our favorite gadgets to lighting up our homes, electricity is part of life for most Americans. Residents of some states, however, are using more electricity than others. People in Louisiana average 1,254 kWh/month, more than twice that of Maine residents, who use an average of 531 kWh/month.

While there’s no absolute correlation, the states with the highest average monthly consumption of electricity also tend to be the ones where electricity is cheaper. Here are the 5 states with the cheapest electricity and the 5 with the most expensive.

Besides cutting down on your electricity usage, you can also save on electricity bills by using alternate sources of energy. Check out the best states for residential solar energy for more information and resources.

Check our more data visualizations here.

Light decor photo from Shutterstock

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