US Banking System

This week we identify and compare two very similar debt instruments, both denominated in Swiss francs, from two of Europe’s most reputable insurance companies, Swiss Life and SRLEV N.V.  Both of these high yielding investment grade bonds have a first call date in 2016, at which time they will either be called by the company, or reset their coupon rate to the 5 year CHF swap rate (the Swiss National Bank’s key lending rate) plus the initial spread (which was 3.55% for Swiss Life, and 5.625% for SRLEV N.V.)  We have targeted acquiring these bonds at close to par value, which would give holders a yield close to their current coupon rate of 5.25% for Swiss Life, or 7% for SRLEV N.V.  Thes

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Want to enjoy dining out once and awhile? If you find that the cost of eating out is too expensive and it’s too difficult, you need to look for different ways in which you can save money on dining out so you can enjoy it once and awhile! Here are some easy ways to save money on dining out:

A great way to save money on eating out is by using websites like Groupon as they will send you daily offers. This is a great way to get discounts on expensive restaurants along with fast food restaurants too! When you use a coupon website you will also be able to save on travel costs along with massages and many other services. I

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Integrity, loyalty and hard work seem to be attributes taken from an ancient and evanescing record of altruism. Such is the obsession with money and the power that comes along, that a fair deal has now lost its original definition and has perhaps been transformed into one that allows those who can make money, to make money through whatever means possible. In the midst of this rat race governed by deception and distraction, peering out as a lonesome yet profound organization is the Caxton FX. Here at Caxton, truth and forth right mannerisms seem to be the code of conduct. Read full post…

Bank of America, which is one of the largest banks in the country, was the first one to levy monthly charges of $5 on their checking accounts last fall. However, this move did not go down well with the public who raised a hue and cry. The bank had to retreat and eliminate these charges. But, not the one to concede easily, this bank continues to levy these charges on accounts in certain states across the country.

Another bank to follow in the footsteps of the Bank of America is Wells Fargo & Co. This bank has implemented monthly fees of $7 on checking accounts in certain states across the country. However, these fees are applicable only to customers who do not carry out a lot of financial transactions on their accounts on a monthly basis.

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The Umpqua internet banking is considered the GPS of online banking by this financial institution. They were first founded in 1953 in the city of Roseburg, Oregon, and have since grown to become the largest Oregon based bank in the state.

The reason the Umpqua online banking refers to itself as the GPS of online banking is the manner in which it can track the location of your money. This will include the checks you have written, and where in the process of them becoming cleared will occur.

The Umpqua electronic banking also has a unique service not available with other banks. You can designate family members that can have access to your accounts.

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If you are looking for a safe place to keep your savings both secure and accessible, you may be frustrated by the low interest rates offered by your current bank on a savings account. One option is to open an online-only account at another financial institution to earn a better interest rate.

New customers of Salem Five Direct bank can open an eOne Savings account online with a minimum deposit of $100. Funds in the eOne Savings account currently earn 1.00 percent APY on balances up to $500,000. No monthly fees are charged and there is no minimum balance requirement.

Compare savings account rates and terms online to find the highest interest rate.

The second quarter of 2011 was a tough quarter, possibly as surprisingly poor as the first quarter was surprisingly rewarding for our income based selection criteria.  The stock performance for the Investment with Income portfolio that was published on Seeking Alpha has been very good for up to and until the second quarter.  

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