Before I obtained an account with Netspend, I used my account at Bank Of America for everything "checking related" (bills, food, gas, etc). Then Bank of America started to do some really shady **** with my account. They would hold my direct deposit for a couple of days and let my automatic bill payment drafts post to my account. Then would post my direct deposit after that and hit me with tons of fees and overdrafts, because they know the customers that live paycheck to paycheck have a very tight budget, so if one thing gets over-drafted, then everything after that will also become part of that negative fees cycle, and fall like dominoes. It becomes really hard to get back on track after that. I remember one month my direct deposit paycheck was $600; and they ended up taking $350 in fees and overdrafts. I would complain to customer service, and they were unwilling to correct the situation. I got so frustrated with them, so I closed my account. That's when I stumbled upon Netspend. I only have to pay $9.95 per month, and that's it. And the best part about it is that they NEVER charge overdraft fees of any kind. I've been with them for about 5 years now; and I couldn't be more happy with their service. It's a win win situation with them because I get my free visa debit card, free direct deposit, free atm use, and they even send me a text message immediately after ever purchase and deposit. When I'm buying something with my debit at a store, I get a text message with all the transaction info before I even get to my car. So in my eyes, this company can do no wrong. I'd recommend them to anyone that's tired of the greedy banks taking advantage of them.
My dog was on (human) anti-seizure medicine for years. After several years of getting this same medicine at my vet, one day I noticed that the pills looked different. I called, to see if there was a mix-up. I was assured that the pills were fine, just a generic and they had switched to pass a cost-savings on to their patients (I can't remember if I paid less that day, it's been a few years). Anyway, I gave my dog the pill that night, and then, another one in the a.m. My husband found our dog in a full-on seizure, near death. later that day. We ran him to the vet, and I was assured that the new (generic) medicine was NOT the cause of the problem. I did not believe them, and insisted that they order me the non-generic medicine for my dog. We never had another problem, and my dog lived for several more years, but every time I went to pick up my dog's medicine, I got the vibe from the front desk staff of "There's that crazy woman who thinks her dog got bad medicine". Right....we would have switched to another vet office, but the next one was far away.
I always see the new year as a fresh start--a chance to start things off the way I really want them to be, so I'm looking forward to the new year to see how well I can do at accomplishing my new goals and having a new outlook.
My bike was built up from a dinged frame, so it was cheaper than retail, but the retail back then was $500. So, it was an expensive bike and the most expensive one of all the bikes that could have been filched.
Seriously, people need to stop automatically assuming that everything is a scam. Not only is your ignorance damaging to the company's reputation, but you also instill false information into the consumers who actually do need a service like this. From reading through the many comments, I can tell that most of you don't like to read your contracts when you sign up for services. You know, the little thing called "Terms and Conditions." Companies provide that for a reason and it's filled with information that you need to know!! You don't even need to call to figure out what the company name is because it's right there on the "Terms and Conditions!" And yes, there are fees and they are all listed on that paper. The only account maintenance fee that I see is for $5.95 a month if you HAVE NOT made any transactions within 90 days of your last transaction. That fee is no different than a bank's FREE checking account maintenance fee.
If you've just stumbled upon this site, please educate yourself by reading the contract and don't pay so much attention to ignorant rants.
Around 20 years ago, I had a moderately expensive bike. It would be around $500 or more today. It was uglified with brown paint and reflector tape. One day, the shared house I was living in with a bunch of students got burglarized. Many things were stolen, including other bicycles, but mine was ignored. It wasn't even locked up.
My mini truck is also ugly. Not super-ugly, but it looks like it's been used to haul stuff and been hit a couple time, which it has. I've tossed my bike into the bed, and sometimes haven't had the inclination to lock it up. (Well, used to, a few years back.) Now, by this time, the bike was 15 years old, and not very valuable, but I still have that old bike.
u could rent the same exact game and install it onto ur hard drive (if u have 1) an then return it back an now u have the whole game complete on ur system
I LOVE this post. We have traveled by bus all over Latin America and always uglify our stuff, its the only way to stay safe. It also creates less of a division between you and the people you are traveling with. We also buy local luggage so it looks like the stuff everyone else has. And we don't use computer bags or camera cases. I keep my camera in an ugly coin purse I bought in Ecuador.
@Debora I'm sorry but you cannot compare a $50 Schwinn with a Trek, or Santa Cruz, or Specialized, or Scott or a Cannondale, etc. not only that, but I'm pretty sure the parts on a $2,000 bike are much much better than that of a $50 Schwinn, whether it is on a road bike or a mountain bike. And yes you can get those $100 bike locks but thieves can be really tricky and smart, I've had friends gotten their bike stolen with those locks.
Maybe it is not worth uglifying your stuff in some places, but if I was going to Brazil or any third world country, I would definitely make mu stuff look ugly because there is no security box that can save you from getting mugged
That was my daughter's age. My son and daughter picked out the stuff. But again, we steered clear of the request lists for things that were out of our own reach for presents.
We got the 4 year old the same things we'd get our own 4 year old. But I think we gravitated towards her tag anyhow because she seemed to want things within our budget. If she'd wanted an iPod or an X box we wouldn't have taken her angel.
I always thought that planing trips was one of the easiest ways to save money, keeping my money in my wallet and not the gas pumps. Now surprisingly I think your paper idea is awesome, I print off way to much. As well I use a whole sheet of paper just to wright down a little information then throw it away when I'm done. Thanks for the great tips!
I was wondering if you knew of any other programs like UWC that offer study-abroad programs for high school students. I'm currently a sophomore and have already applied to UWC, but any other info about other programs would be greatly appreciated.
This concept is not new. Does anyone else remember the spoof done by SNL in the 70's? A commercial parody featuring a luxury vehicle called "The Chameleon XLE." The interior of the car was said to be filled with the most luxurious materials, while the exterior of the car, featuring a wire hanger antenna and mismatched hub caps, was an "anti theft" device. Classic.
I've done this for years with my homes. The last one I owned looked like the worst one on the block. I cleaned it up and kept it neat. But all the upgrades I made where in side. Nineteen years later I sold it. It was the only house on the block that had never been broken in to and when the new oweners ask for the key to the front door all I could do was say "sorry". In nineteen years I had never locked the door. And I couldn't fine my keys. I also sold it for a much higher profit then all my neighbors.
Red
Why would anyone spend the amount it would take to buy a decently running car on a bike and then destroy it? The truly frugal know how to get good things for cheap. I bought a very nice used Schwinn for $50. It took a lot of haggling but it was worth it. No sense paying the price of a car for something that you have to pedal. There are things called bike locks (the heavy chained ones with a big lock, not the plastic ones) and garages.
And if you're concerned about thievery, why not simply purchase a safe or safety deposit box? Lock your doors or employ the use of a security system? There are so many less expensive, less ugly ways to deal with thieves.
Really, I just don't see a purpose in ruining all of my nice things. I work hard to have nice things and I shop around so I get very good deals on what I buy. If it's not on sale, I don't buy it.
...but is an old 13-year old Camry. Has dents and dings and peeling paint. My friends think I am mad for liking my car (it runs great & I get 35-39 mph due to hypermiling) the way it is. I keep the engine and such in good shape.
Had it parked in a row of nice modern cars at a theater and all 8 of those cars were broken into and stuff taken. Mine (in the middle) was ignored.
I also point out to my friends that mine is less likely to be stolen for joy rides (parts are another matter) than their pretty ones. They do agree but find think it is such a deprivation for me to drive such a car.
Of course people (IMO) are too attached to their cars in the first place but hey that is just me.
We've kicked this around for so many years, and since we work at home, have de-cluttered our house, and the market has picked back up....Aloha!
Tired of waiting for dreams to come true. Life is short! Embrace, enjoy, love more! Happy New Year!
Before I obtained an account with Netspend, I used my account at Bank Of America for everything "checking related" (bills, food, gas, etc). Then Bank of America started to do some really shady **** with my account. They would hold my direct deposit for a couple of days and let my automatic bill payment drafts post to my account. Then would post my direct deposit after that and hit me with tons of fees and overdrafts, because they know the customers that live paycheck to paycheck have a very tight budget, so if one thing gets over-drafted, then everything after that will also become part of that negative fees cycle, and fall like dominoes. It becomes really hard to get back on track after that. I remember one month my direct deposit paycheck was $600; and they ended up taking $350 in fees and overdrafts. I would complain to customer service, and they were unwilling to correct the situation. I got so frustrated with them, so I closed my account. That's when I stumbled upon Netspend. I only have to pay $9.95 per month, and that's it. And the best part about it is that they NEVER charge overdraft fees of any kind. I've been with them for about 5 years now; and I couldn't be more happy with their service. It's a win win situation with them because I get my free visa debit card, free direct deposit, free atm use, and they even send me a text message immediately after ever purchase and deposit. When I'm buying something with my debit at a store, I get a text message with all the transaction info before I even get to my car. So in my eyes, this company can do no wrong. I'd recommend them to anyone that's tired of the greedy banks taking advantage of them.
-DeMon
www.demonspencer.com
www.sociallyurban.com
Great article!
I personally used my accrued savings from my online surveys to buy my girlfriend her gifts!
Feels great to give meaningful gifts and save money for the two of you at the same time!
I am also somewhat weary of giving away my information, but your article made me curious, I will definitely be using your referral links!
hi
how do i make my Philips DVDR3600 DVD Recorder region free
My dog was on (human) anti-seizure medicine for years. After several years of getting this same medicine at my vet, one day I noticed that the pills looked different. I called, to see if there was a mix-up. I was assured that the pills were fine, just a generic and they had switched to pass a cost-savings on to their patients (I can't remember if I paid less that day, it's been a few years). Anyway, I gave my dog the pill that night, and then, another one in the a.m. My husband found our dog in a full-on seizure, near death. later that day. We ran him to the vet, and I was assured that the new (generic) medicine was NOT the cause of the problem. I did not believe them, and insisted that they order me the non-generic medicine for my dog. We never had another problem, and my dog lived for several more years, but every time I went to pick up my dog's medicine, I got the vibe from the front desk staff of "There's that crazy woman who thinks her dog got bad medicine". Right....we would have switched to another vet office, but the next one was far away.
I always see the new year as a fresh start--a chance to start things off the way I really want them to be, so I'm looking forward to the new year to see how well I can do at accomplishing my new goals and having a new outlook.
My bike was built up from a dinged frame, so it was cheaper than retail, but the retail back then was $500. So, it was an expensive bike and the most expensive one of all the bikes that could have been filched.
Seriously, people need to stop automatically assuming that everything is a scam. Not only is your ignorance damaging to the company's reputation, but you also instill false information into the consumers who actually do need a service like this. From reading through the many comments, I can tell that most of you don't like to read your contracts when you sign up for services. You know, the little thing called "Terms and Conditions." Companies provide that for a reason and it's filled with information that you need to know!! You don't even need to call to figure out what the company name is because it's right there on the "Terms and Conditions!" And yes, there are fees and they are all listed on that paper. The only account maintenance fee that I see is for $5.95 a month if you HAVE NOT made any transactions within 90 days of your last transaction. That fee is no different than a bank's FREE checking account maintenance fee.
If you've just stumbled upon this site, please educate yourself by reading the contract and don't pay so much attention to ignorant rants.
Around 20 years ago, I had a moderately expensive bike. It would be around $500 or more today. It was uglified with brown paint and reflector tape. One day, the shared house I was living in with a bunch of students got burglarized. Many things were stolen, including other bicycles, but mine was ignored. It wasn't even locked up.
My mini truck is also ugly. Not super-ugly, but it looks like it's been used to haul stuff and been hit a couple time, which it has. I've tossed my bike into the bed, and sometimes haven't had the inclination to lock it up. (Well, used to, a few years back.) Now, by this time, the bike was 15 years old, and not very valuable, but I still have that old bike.
u could rent the same exact game and install it onto ur hard drive (if u have 1) an then return it back an now u have the whole game complete on ur system
I LOVE this post. We have traveled by bus all over Latin America and always uglify our stuff, its the only way to stay safe. It also creates less of a division between you and the people you are traveling with. We also buy local luggage so it looks like the stuff everyone else has. And we don't use computer bags or camera cases. I keep my camera in an ugly coin purse I bought in Ecuador.
I think its a great idea.
@Debora I'm sorry but you cannot compare a $50 Schwinn with a Trek, or Santa Cruz, or Specialized, or Scott or a Cannondale, etc. not only that, but I'm pretty sure the parts on a $2,000 bike are much much better than that of a $50 Schwinn, whether it is on a road bike or a mountain bike. And yes you can get those $100 bike locks but thieves can be really tricky and smart, I've had friends gotten their bike stolen with those locks.
Maybe it is not worth uglifying your stuff in some places, but if I was going to Brazil or any third world country, I would definitely make mu stuff look ugly because there is no security box that can save you from getting mugged
Nice article, but this stuff really makes me sad about the kind of world we live in. Oh, and don't do this to your girlfriend :P
That was my daughter's age. My son and daughter picked out the stuff. But again, we steered clear of the request lists for things that were out of our own reach for presents.
We got the 4 year old the same things we'd get our own 4 year old. But I think we gravitated towards her tag anyhow because she seemed to want things within our budget. If she'd wanted an iPod or an X box we wouldn't have taken her angel.
Margaret Garcia-Couoh
I did the exact same thing!
i had to make my new car like like crap when i worked in the bronx in 1972, or it would have been vandalized and stolen.
John DeFlumeri Jr
My vet gave me the following recipe for dog ear cleaning solution:
1 part alcohol
1 part white vinegar
smidgen of witch hazel
I always thought that planing trips was one of the easiest ways to save money, keeping my money in my wallet and not the gas pumps. Now surprisingly I think your paper idea is awesome, I print off way to much. As well I use a whole sheet of paper just to wright down a little information then throw it away when I'm done. Thanks for the great tips!
-Matt
Hi,
I was wondering if you knew of any other programs like UWC that offer study-abroad programs for high school students. I'm currently a sophomore and have already applied to UWC, but any other info about other programs would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
love the swagbucks idea!
This concept is not new. Does anyone else remember the spoof done by SNL in the 70's? A commercial parody featuring a luxury vehicle called "The Chameleon XLE." The interior of the car was said to be filled with the most luxurious materials, while the exterior of the car, featuring a wire hanger antenna and mismatched hub caps, was an "anti theft" device. Classic.
I've done this for years with my homes. The last one I owned looked like the worst one on the block. I cleaned it up and kept it neat. But all the upgrades I made where in side. Nineteen years later I sold it. It was the only house on the block that had never been broken in to and when the new oweners ask for the key to the front door all I could do was say "sorry". In nineteen years I had never locked the door. And I couldn't fine my keys. I also sold it for a much higher profit then all my neighbors.
Red
Why would anyone spend the amount it would take to buy a decently running car on a bike and then destroy it? The truly frugal know how to get good things for cheap. I bought a very nice used Schwinn for $50. It took a lot of haggling but it was worth it. No sense paying the price of a car for something that you have to pedal. There are things called bike locks (the heavy chained ones with a big lock, not the plastic ones) and garages.
And if you're concerned about thievery, why not simply purchase a safe or safety deposit box? Lock your doors or employ the use of a security system? There are so many less expensive, less ugly ways to deal with thieves.
Really, I just don't see a purpose in ruining all of my nice things. I work hard to have nice things and I shop around so I get very good deals on what I buy. If it's not on sale, I don't buy it.
Uglify your cash, see if I'll take it from you.
...but is an old 13-year old Camry. Has dents and dings and peeling paint. My friends think I am mad for liking my car (it runs great & I get 35-39 mph due to hypermiling) the way it is. I keep the engine and such in good shape.
Had it parked in a row of nice modern cars at a theater and all 8 of those cars were broken into and stuff taken. Mine (in the middle) was ignored.
I also point out to my friends that mine is less likely to be stolen for joy rides (parts are another matter) than their pretty ones. They do agree but find think it is such a deprivation for me to drive such a car.
Of course people (IMO) are too attached to their cars in the first place but hey that is just me.
We've kicked this around for so many years, and since we work at home, have de-cluttered our house, and the market has picked back up....Aloha!
Tired of waiting for dreams to come true. Life is short! Embrace, enjoy, love more! Happy New Year!