Also, Ginger, I did *not* know that about the Roth IRAs. Thanks for the info!

PC I want to thank you for starting this conversation about money. I'm terrible about my money and have been barely scraping by pay check to pay check with no savings. (Although I hav eput some in everytime I check my checking balance the money is right there and I tend to spend it). After reading all this I think I'll open a savings account with ING and check into the automatic transfer thing now that I have a raise.

I know the one thing I need to do is start investing independent of my 401(k). While it is doing quite well, it's all with Fidelity. And while Fidelity is a pretty damn good set of funds to be in, it's only one company of funds and feels like I'm putting all my eggs in one basket. I need to branch out more, but that would require being more disciplined in my savings than I am right now. At least with the 401(k) it's "out of sight, out of mind" savings that I can rely on.

eta: pronouns.

You're welcome, askye! I'm glad someone else got something out of this.

Hm. Hold on a second, I think I found the catch! Bank of America sez:

When you transfer funds to or from accounts you own at other financial institutions, these transfers cannot be reversed. There are daily and monthly limits to the transactions, depending on the delivery type you choose. You will be charged a fee for outbound transfers: $3 for three-business-day processing or $10 for next-business-day processing.

So it's...not as convenient, technically, but the eightfold jump in interest is worth it. It might be worth it to keep a small chunk in the BOA savings for easy access?

It might be worth it to keep a small chunk in the BOA savings for easy access?

That's what I do.

Right now, I'm unemployed. And not panicking. It is such an amazing relief to have cleared my debts and put aside a cushion.

Bear in mind, I don't want to spend the damned cushion--I like having it there--it lets me think about a new car (which I don't need) and a house (oh, god, please).

But being able to breathe while I look for jobs, and knowing I can breathe for a little while more? So entirely worth it.

Gah, DH just called to tell me that he has a company benefit that would allow us to purchase a new car from Ford for just $500 over invoice.

We don't need a new car.

Why tell me?

I just looked at my savings account - the best one 2.1%

I think it is time to open a third savings account. the one that will be come my big one

and a house

Which I read as horse. (ita's getting a pony!) Sheesh.

This is a great conversation. I'm marking the reading recs like a mad thing. Carry on!

Also, Laura, the pictures are great! What a handsome kid. But we knew that.

It might be worth it to keep a small chunk in the BOA savings for easy access?

That's what I do.

Cool! I feel smart.

Okay, now this whole $3/3-day thing just to get my own money is annoying. Boo.