The government of the beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus came up with a great idea to bail itself out of impending bankruptcy: It would seize 40% of the money that wealthy people had "safely" deposited in their bank accounts. That type of thing could never happen here in the U.S., right? I'm glad to be back here at Money Wise Pastor after a bout with a big cold, flu, … [Read more...] about The Estate Tax: America’s Cyprus-like Wealth Confiscation
Banking & Investing
How an Online Checking Account that Earns Interest Will Save & Make You Money
Is your checking account making you money or costing you money? If your checking account is at a bank, it is probably costing you $5.00 or more a month in fees, and earns no interest. To save money AND earn interest on your checking account, consider opening a high-yield checking account from an online banking institution like ING Direct. … [Read more...] about How an Online Checking Account that Earns Interest Will Save & Make You Money
60 Million Americans are Unbanked or Underbanked – Are You One of Them?
60 million Americans are unbanked or underbanked, according to a 2009 report from the FDIC. Approximately 7.7 percent of U.S. households, or 17 million adults, are unbanked, meaning they have no checking or savings account at all. An estimated 17.9 percent of households, or 43 million adults, are underbanked, meaning they have a checking or savings account but rely on … [Read more...] about 60 Million Americans are Unbanked or Underbanked – Are You One of Them?
Is Now a Good Time for a Pastor to Buy a Home?
A reader asks: "Is now a good time for a pastor to buy a home?" From a number of perspectives, I believe the answer is YES! Now is a great time for a pastor to buy a home instead of living in a parsonage or renting. Here's why: Mortgage rates are at the lowest level ever. The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to an all-time low of 3.94 percent this … [Read more...] about Is Now a Good Time for a Pastor to Buy a Home?
Pastors Save Money by Refinancing Your Home
Now is a great time for pastors, missionaries, or other Christian workers to save money by refinancing your home. Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest level EVER! Yes, I did say EVER! The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to an all-time low of 3.94 percent this week, and the average rate on a 15-year fixed loan, which is a popular mortgage product … [Read more...] about Pastors Save Money by Refinancing Your Home