Q&A: Saving at online banks

Dear Liz: My wife keeps over $60,000 in her checking account at a brick-and-mortar bank. I think that is a bad idea. Too easy for possible fraud. I have tried to convince her the safest place to keep the bulk of her cash is in a savings account, preferably in an online bank, which I believe provides added protection against fraud as long as we maintain good computer health. What do you think?

Answer: Many people have the opposite conviction, which is that online banks are somehow less safe than brick-and-mortar versions. In reality, both types offer encryption and other safety measures to deter fraud. Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and covered by federal banking regulations designed to protect consumers against fraud.

Your wife’s money wouldn’t necessarily be safer in a savings account, but she’d earn a little more interest. Many online banks currently offer rates of about 1% on savings accounts. If she moved all but $10,000 out of the checking account, she could earn about $500 a year in interest and perhaps more if the Federal Reserve continues to raise rates.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Are 0% interest student loans better than forgiveness? Also in the news: The worst hidden travel fees and how to avoid them, 5 reasons why you haven’t switched banks, and the best app for splitting the check.

Are 0% Interest Student Loans Better Than $10K Cancellation?
Cancellation is the most popular proposal to address student loan debt, but it isn’t the only one out there.

The Worst Hidden Travel Fees and How to Avoid Them
Sticker prices can be misleading. Always make travel purchase decisions based on the final cost.

5 Reasons Why You Haven’t Switched Banks
Enough time, money and motivation can help overcome hurdles when changing banks.

The Best Apps for Splitting the Check
Never again break out the calculator to figure out how much you owe for mozzarella sticks.

Q&A: When institutions won’t go paperless

Dear Liz: I have for years insisted on being paperless, not only for credit card statements and utility bills but also for tax documents such as the 1099-INT and 1099-DIV. My problem is that I receive income from two lifetime annuities and those of course generate 1099-R forms each year, which are mailed to me. I have requested to receive those as PDFs from the companies that execute those annuities, and they claim they cannot do so and are not required to. Are they right, or is there some federal regulation I can quote to force the issue?

Answer: The idea that a business can’t generate an electronic form for a customer is a little ridiculous, but there’s not much you can do to force these companies to get with the times.

The IRS requires that any person or entity that files more than 250 information returns — 1099s, W-2s and other forms that report potentially taxable income — do so electronically. But that requirement applies only to forms being sent to the IRS, says Mark Luscombe, principal analyst for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting. There’s no requirement that such forms be issued electronically to individuals.

Which is unfortunate, since as you know getting forms electronically is much safer than having your private financial information sent through the mail. Since these companies are so insistent on clinging to paper, consider sending a letter — certified mail, return receipt requested — to the companies’ chief executives requesting that they join the 21st century.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How to score points in the credit game. Also in the news: 5 credit card trends to watch for, student loan payment plan promises forgiveness but rarely delivers, and how to tell if a bank account is right for you.

How to Score Points in the Credit Game
The traditional advice of paying on time and keeping balances low will eventually result in decent credit. But you can speed it up.

5 Credit Card Trends to Watch for in 2022
Expect more customized rewards and incentives, a more seamless overall customer experience and a big resurgence in travel credit cards, among other things.

Student Loan Payment Plan Promises Forgiveness But Rarely Delivers
Most borrowers are unlikely to ever see that debt forgiven, despite the baked-in promise to do just that.

4 Ways to Tell if a Bank Account Is Right for You

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 5 banking facts to fortify your finances. Also in the news: Taking a new look at banking in 2022, 6 predictions for small businesses, and how to stop wasting your gift cards.

5 Banking Facts to Fortify Your Finances in 2022

2022. New year. New you. New look at banking? It would be a smart move.
Save for what makes you feel good in 2022
Expenses that don’t put a roof over your head, but do provide joy, rejuvenation and other hard-to-quantify benefits are worth saving for, too.

How will small businesses survive 2022? 6 predictions on what they’ll need for success.
It’s been a rough couple of years for many small businesses—what does the future hold?

How to Stop Wasting Your Gift Cards
Stop letting them collect dust in your wallet.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: What to seek if you don’t like your bank. Also in the news: iPhone Black Friday 2021 deals, how to bank your digital coin, and the best time to buy a Christmas tree this year.

Survey: Most Like Their Bank; What To Seek if You Don’t
“Choosing a bank is a very personal decision, and no two banks are the same,” says Chanelle Bessette, a banking specialist with NerdWallet.

iPhone Black Friday 2021 Deals: Are They Worth It?
At&T is offering a free iPhone 13 or iPhone 13 mini with eligible trade-in.

From Cryptocurrency to Cash: How to Bank Your Digital Coin
Crypto banking allows consumers to hold and spend cryptocurrency with crypto debit cards.

The Best Time to Buy a Christmas Tree This Year
This year, due to supply chain issues, do it sooner. And bring more cash.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: How money mistakes could signal dementia risks. Also in the news: How to bank when you can’t get to one, will tax bills increase as home values soar, and why tax diversification is a smart investment strategy.

Money Mistakes Could Signal Dementia Risk
Missing bills could mean it’s time to build financial guardrails.

How to Bank When You Can’t Get to a Bank
Online banks, remote customer service, ATM reimbursement and shared branches are all options for consumers.

The Property Line: As Home Values Soar, Should You Brace for Your Tax Bill?
If you’re in a home whose value on paper has been going up, up, up, preparing for the resulting tax bill could bring you back down to earth.

Why ‘Tax Diversification’ Is a Smart Investment Strategy
You’ve heard of portfolio diversification? This is the same thing, but for taxes on your investments.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 4 ways to manage retirement health care costs. Also in the news: 6 ways to budget using your bank account, how to save money with Amazon and Walmart prescription discounts, and how much money you need to live on your own, in each state.

4 Ways to Manage Retirement Health Care Costs
Strategies to help control medical costs.

6 Ways to Budget Using Your Bank Account
Your bank account can do more than store your money. It can help you control your spending, too.

How to Save Money With Amazon, Walmart Prescription Discounts
The discounts can be substantial. But if you have insurance, consider your copay and deductible.

How Much Money You Need to Live on Your Own, in Each State
Using the living wage tool.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: 6 ways to budget using your bank account. Also in the news: Checking your finances now to avoid falling behind, how video games can level up kids’ money skills, and four questions to ask yourself before any big purchase.

6 Ways to Budget Using Your Bank Account
Your bank account can do more than store your money. It can help you control your spending, too.

Check Finances Now to Avoid Falling Behind
Financial experts recommend taking a close look at your retirement savings, planning for 2022 goals and more.

How Video Games Can Level Up Kids’ Money Skills
These four conversations can help your video game-loving kids learn about money.

You Should Ask Yourself These Four Questions Before Any Big Purchase
You need a game plan.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

Today’s top story: Google, Walgreens and H&R Block want to be your bank. Also in the news: 6 packing and planning tips for long-term travel, the imminent return of international travel, and Verizon’s new children’s money management app.

Google, Walgreens and H&R Block Want to Be Your Bank
Companies are working with partner banks to offer FDIC-insured accounts through their own apps and platforms.

6 Packing and Planning Tips for Long-Term Travel
No matter how long you plan to work abroad, these preparations can help set you up for a smoother trip.

Ask a Travel Nerd: I’m Vaccinated — Can I Finally Go Abroad?
The return of international travel is imminent, but you’ll have to book soon and be flexible with your plans.

Verizon introduces a children’s money management app
It’s never too early to start teaching financial responsibility.