Here’s a list of the money management accounts that I use. (Most have sign-up bonuses for you, and referral bonuses for me! Win, win, baby!)
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Free Checking Account: Wachovia — No fees, no minimums, free debit card, free online bill pay, no direct deposit required. I have two free checking accounts with Wachovia. Plus, if you sign-up now, you can get a $50 bonus. You will have to purchase paper checks, but if you don’t need them, you can bank for free! Click here to find a Wachovia branch.
Free Online Savings Account: ING Direct — No fees, no minimums, no direct deposit required, easily transfer money between ING Direct and your checking account. I have had an account with ING Direct for more than four years and I’ve never had a problem with them. Plus, if you sign-up with a minimum deposit of $250, you can get a $25 bonus. (Sign-up through one of my links and I’ll get $10.)
Free Investment Account: Tradeking.com — No fee for taxable accounts, $4.95 per trade, free money transfers. I have an account with Tradeking and I use it for non-retirement investing. The per trade cost for stocks is very, very low. If you sign-up now, I can send you a referral link for a $50 bonus! Simply use my contact form and send me your email and ask for a Tradeking.com referral. You must deposit $1000 to get the bonus and make one trade. I’ll get $50 as well.
Free Education Savings Account: TD Ameritrade.com — No fee for ESA’s, free money transfers, many no-transaction fee mutual funds, $9.95 stock trades. I use TD Ameritrade for my children’s Education Savings Account. Here’s more information about the Coverdell Education Savings Account.
Free Money For College: Upromise.com — No fee, transfer savings to your 529 account, or (better yet) get your money sent to you via a check. I use Upromise to get money back when I use my grocery discount card, debt card, or shop online. Sign-up here to begin saving. I’ll get a bonus if you sign-up!
These are the only accounts I use for non-retirement savings. I’ve never had any trouble dealing with any of the above companies. Remember, any money you save in fees, you can apply towards debt reduction and savings!