E*Trade is one of the oldest and well-known online stock brokers in the US. E*Trade is an award winning brokerage firm and offers a wide variety of investing tools, resources, and features that place it among the leaders among both full service brokerages and discount brokerage firms.

More importantly, E*Trade is affordable, with a commission and fee schedule that is good for both active traders and long term investors. Let’s take a look at some of E*Trade’s features and why are a solid brokerage account for a diverse group of investors.

E*Trade Online Brokerage Account Review

E*Trade Features

E*Trade is a full service brokerage firm, offering a full banking service in addition to its brokerage account, mortgages, and other financial products. E*Trade offers multiple service levels to meet different investor needs.

E*TRADE Complete Investment Account. The E*TRADE Complete Investment account is their entry level offering, but don’t let that fool you – there is a lot of service and value in this plan. You have the ability to open an E*Trade bank account which can be integrated into your investment account, making it easy to make quick trades and transfer funds. The E*Trade banking account comes with free unlimited checking, a debit card, free online bill pay, and Free ATM fee refunds. But that’s just the bank – the brokerage offers the following:

• Investors can buy stocks, bonds, mutual funds, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), and even participate in IPOs,
• There are over 1,100 no load and no transaction fee mutual funds,
• Free access to investing tools (see below for more information),
• Free web seminars, tutorials, videos, and other educational resources,
• IRAs – no fees or minimums,
• The minimum balance to open an account is $500.

Power E*Trade Account. The Power E*Trade Account is the next level service and is automatically available to investors and traders who make at least 10 trades per month or 30 trades or options in a quarter. It offers more advanced trading tools, advanced charts, analytical tools, screening tools, and access to the Power E*Trade Pro platform.

E*Trade IRAs. There are no fees or minimums to open or maintain an IRA through E*Trade.

E*Trade Trading Platform and Investment Tools

E*Trade offers customers a wide variety of trading tools to help make informed trades and investment decisions. Some of these tools include streaming stock quotes, charts, Stock, Fund, & ETF Screeners to find investments that meets your requirements, and an investor resource center where you can conduct research, read articles, and communicate with other investors. E*Trade also features E*Trade Mobile Pro, an app for the iPhone, iPad, and Blackberry. Visit the E*Trade website for more information about their offered investment tools and services.

E*Trade Commissions and Brokerage Fees

E*Trade has a tiered commission schedule, which can result in cheaper commissions if you are an active trader. The current commissions are $9.99 per trade if you make fewer than 150 trades/quarter or $7.99 if you make more than 150 trades/quarter. Options trades are the same as standard trades.

Additional rates:

• IRAs – no fees & no minimums
• Mutual Funds: over 7,600 available and over 1,100 with no load and no transaction fee
• Broker assisted trades are $45 for either plan

E*Trade Customer Service

E*Trade has award winning customer service, with phone support available year round – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. You can also contact customer support via a secure email form within your account and receive a response within 48 hours, which is great for those times you have a question, but don’t need an immediate response.

E*Trade Awards and Recognition

E*Trade has won numerous awards and has been recognized by a variety of third party sources. Here is how E*Trade finished in annual rankings by SmartMoney Magazine and Barron’s:

• SmartMoney Magazine, May 2010 Broker Survey: Trading Tools (5 stars), Customer Service (5 stars), Banking Services (5 stars), Mutual Funds & Investment Products (4 stars) and Research (4 stars).
• SmartMoney Magazine overall rankings: #2 in 2010; #1 in 2009, 2008, 2007; #2 in 2006.
• Barron’s Annual Ranking of the Best Online Brokers (Based on Trade Experience, Trade Technology, Usability, Range of Offerings, Research Amenities, Portfolio Analysis & Reports, Customer Service & Access, and Costs): E*TRADE overall ranked #11 in 2010; #10 in 2009, 2008; #8 in 2007; #6 in 2006.

Current E*Trade promotions:

E*Trade has the following offers and promotions available for new customers:

• 100 free trades with new IRA account.
• New account bonus – up to $500.
• Trade Free for 60 Days with new E*Trade account.

Final Thoughts about E*Trade

E*Trade is not the cheapest discount broker on the scene, but they offer some of the best value. Their full service bank and variety of other free resources and features make E*Trade one of the best discount brokerage firms on the market. For more information or to open an account, visit the E*Trade website.

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This article written by Ryan Guina. Ryan is the founder and editor of Cash Money Life. He is a writer, small business owner, entrepreneur, and professional in the corporate world. He served over 6 years in the USAF and also writes about military money topics at The Military Wallet.

All content copyright Cash Money Life; if you are reading this on another website it has been illegally reproduced in violation of copyright laws.

PerkStreet Financial is a relatively new banking company that offers what is quite possibly the best nationally available rewards debit card program. The current offer is 2% cash back program on all purchases, and up to 5% cash back on purchases in popular categories (details on the cash rewards program below). This makes the rewards program better than many credit card rewards programs.

PerkStreet Financial Debit Reward Card

PerkStreet Financial is a free online checking account with one of the best rewards debit card programs available. How can they offer better rewards than most banks? Because PerkStreet lives entirely online. There are no branches so they don’t have to spend money maintaining buildings and property.

How PerkStreet Works

PerkStreet works like most other online banks. There are no account minimums or minimum monthly balance requirements, a wide network of free ATMs, and more. Because they only offer an online presence and don’t have branches, they also offer free overnight shipping to deposit checks. Just take your check to any UPS Store or MailBox, Etc. and you can ship it overnight for free for next day deposit.

Here are some more bullet points about PerkStreet Financial:

• The PerkStreet FinancialSM Visa Debit Card gives you awesome rewards: 10x the average debit card**
• $25 deposit and 5 minutes to open
• Free checks
• No minimum balance requirement
• No monthly fees when you use your account
• Nation’s largest surcharge-free ATM network
• Free online banking and bill pay

PerkStreet Financial Debit Rewards Program Details

2% cash back program. The PerkStreet debit card rewards program offers 2% cash back rewards for the first 6 months, and 1% thereafter. However, you will receive the full 2% cash back if you maintain a balance of at least $5,000. Here is the fine print:

When your Account Balance at the start of the day is $5,000 or more, youll earn 2% cash back for all non-PIN debit card purchases you make on that day. When your Account Balance at the start of the day is less than $5,000, youll earn 1% cash back on all non-PIN debit card purchases you make on that day. To determine your starting Account Balance, we use your closing balance after all settled transactions from the previous business day. Pending purchases and funds from deposited items that are not yet available are not included in your Account Balance. There is no limit to the total amount you can earn, unless otherwise specified in specific category bonus terms and conditions.

5% cash back in popular categories. PerkStreet is also offering 5% cash back for purchases in popular summer spending categories during the remainder of June and through July (including ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, Culvers, Dairy Queen and Cold Stone Creamery; home improvement goods from Lowes, Home Depot and Menards; and gas paid for at the pump). Current PerkStreet customers can also take advantage of 5% cash back at all Apple Stores from June 24-27.

Claiming your rewards. You can redeem your rewards for cash (my favorite option!), or a gift card from popular retailers such as Amazon, Target, Best Buy, or a VISA gift card.

Open a PerkStreet Financial Account to take advantage of this cash reward program! Opening a PerkStreet Financial Account is free and easy (it takes about 5 minutes). Click here to open you PerkStreet Financial account.

What Makes PerkStreet Financial better than its Competitors

Many banks offer debit card rewards programs, but few match up to PerkStreet. Many debit reward card programs offer small rewards, fees, or other requirements. The only way to get a better rewards program is to go to a credit card – which many people are unwilling to do.

Who PerkStreet is for

PerkStreet Financial is for anyone who wants a solid rewards program to reward their everyday spending, but doesn’t want to use a credit card. If you primarily use a debit card for purchases, then PerkStreet might just be a great fit for you.

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This article written by Ryan Guina. Ryan is the founder and editor of Cash Money Life. He is a writer, small business owner, entrepreneur, and professional in the corporate world. He served over 6 years in the USAF and also writes about military money topics at The Military Wallet.

All content copyright Cash Money Life; if you are reading this on another website it has been illegally reproduced in violation of copyright laws.

Living Trusts for Everyone

Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates

by Ronald Farrington Sharp

Excerpt by Allworth Press
Ronald Sharp explains trusts in clear and easy-to-understand language, including one truth most lawyers don’t want to admit: A trust is often better than a will and less costly! Wills benefit lawyers. Trusts benefit families. Without all of the technical jargon included in most law books, Living Trusts for Everyone highlights the benefits of trusts and how to avoid unnecessary legal expenses.

Readers will find information on:

• understanding the different types of trusts
• how to fund a trust
• the role of trustees and guardians
• selecting an expert attorney to draft the trust
• whether trust seminars are useful
• who absolutely must have a trust

Not only can probate be avoided with trusts, but lesser-known advantages include easier asset management for children and disabled heirs, estate tax reduction, avoiding court-ordered conservatorship, and a simpler and less costly settlement process than with a will. Even readers who already have trusts can benefit by determining whether a trust is a good one or needs to be updated. The book also includes step-by-step instructions explaining what to do when the maker of a trust dies. Sample forms and letters assist the family in the settlement process.

My Take

This is an excellent book about Living Trusts! Especially if you are looking to save potentially thousands of dollars in lawyer fees {not to mention time and effort at the lawyer’s office}.

It literally answers any and all questions one has about living trusts {answered ALL of my questions – especially because I have my children to think about}. And mentions the benefits of having a trust: assest management, tax reduction, probate avoidence {that’s a big one}, and for those wishing to avoid court ordered conservatorship should they become disabled as to be unable to manage their own affairs. Oh ya, a lot of other benefits are defined in this book when you read it.

But I think the best thing of all, atop all the key points listed above, it comes with a set of instructions to follow at death. {I wish someone gave me a key list like this when I got married about what and how to change all my paperwork!}

Ronald Farrington Sharp, attorney himself, tells it like it is in attorney land, too – the schemes and tactics used to help make attorneys rich {Wow, they can make lots of money to hold your files in a cabinet}. I got a kick from some of the potentially costly methods.

But Ronald Sharp offers great advice on how to choose an attorney and what to watch out for. Because having the guidance of an attorney is very beneficial when planning your estate. Your life is not as simple as a fill-in-the-lines-with-a-printed-document-obtained-from-any-legal-forms-website. Obtain an attorney to help you plan your estate and wrapping up your estate at death = good. Finding an attorney you trust to help you with these matters = perfect!

More Information on Living Trusts for Everyone: Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates by Ronald Farrington Sharp can be found at Amazon.com

Living Trusts for Everyone

Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates

by Ronald Farrington Sharp

Excerpt by Allworth Press
Ronald Sharp explains trusts in clear and easy-to-understand language, including one truth most lawyers don’t want to admit: A trust is often better than a will and less costly! Wills benefit lawyers. Trusts benefit families. Without all of the technical jargon included in most law books, Living Trusts for Everyone highlights the benefits of trusts and how to avoid unnecessary legal expenses.

Readers will find information on:

• understanding the different types of trusts
• how to fund a trust
• the role of trustees and guardians
• selecting an expert attorney to draft the trust
• whether trust seminars are useful
• who absolutely must have a trust

Not only can probate be avoided with trusts, but lesser-known advantages include easier asset management for children and disabled heirs, estate tax reduction, avoiding court-ordered conservatorship, and a simpler and less costly settlement process than with a will. Even readers who already have trusts can benefit by determining whether a trust is a good one or needs to be updated. The book also includes step-by-step instructions explaining what to do when the maker of a trust dies. Sample forms and letters assist the family in the settlement process.

My Take

This is an excellent book about Living Trusts! Especially if you are looking to save potentially thousands of dollars in lawyer fees {not to mention time and effort at the lawyer’s office}.

It literally answers any and all questions one has about living trusts {answered ALL of my questions – especially because I have my children to think about}. And mentions the benefits of having a trust: assest management, tax reduction, probate avoidence {that’s a big one}, and for those wishing to avoid court ordered conservatorship should they become disabled as to be unable to manage their own affairs. Oh ya, a lot of other benefits are defined in this book when you read it.

But I think the best thing of all, atop all the key points listed above, it comes with a set of instructions to follow at death. {I wish someone gave me a key list like this when I got married about what and how to change all my paperwork!}

Ronald Farrington Sharp, attorney himself, tells it like it is in attorney land, too – the schemes and tactics used to help make attorneys rich {Wow, they can make lots of money to hold your files in a cabinet}. I got a kick from some of the potentially costly methods.

But Ronald Sharp offers great advice on how to choose an attorney and what to watch out for. Because having the guidance of an attorney is very beneficial when planning your estate. Your life is not as simple as a fill-in-the-lines-with-a-printed-document-obtained-from-any-legal-forms-website. Obtain an attorney to help you plan your estate and wrapping up your estate at death = good. Finding an attorney you trust to help you with these matters = perfect!

More Information on Living Trusts for Everyone: Why a Will is Not the Way to Avoid Probate, Protect Heirs, and Settle Estates by Ronald Farrington Sharp can be found at Amazon.com

Looking for a new rewards credit card?

If you are looking for a new rewards credit card, then the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card is a solid option. Not only does it offer a great rewards program, but it is also useful for people who want to transfer credit card balances or get a credit card with a 0% introductory rate. Both of these offers are currently available for up to 15 months, which puts this card near the head of the pack in terms of overall consumer value.

Want more? How about a $50 gift card? Citi is also offering a $50 gift card for a limited time. To earn the $50 gift card, customers can redeem 6,000 bonus points after $300 in purchases within 3 months of account opening (this should be relatively easy for most consumers).

Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card

Here are more details on the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card:

• $50 gift card – Redeem 6,000 bonus points after $300 in purchases within 3 months of account opening
• 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for up to 15 months*
• 5 ThankYou Points for every $1 spent on purchases at supermarkets, drugstores and gas stations for 12 months, 1 ThankYou Point thereafter**
• Redeem ThankYou Points for merchandise, travel rewards, gift cards, cash and more
• No annual fee
• Apply Now!

Overall, this is a solid rewards credit card option, as well as a leader in the balance transfer and 0% introductory categories. If you need a new credit card of r any of these benefits, then give the Citi Diamond Preferred Rewards Card some consideration.

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This article written by Ryan Guina. Ryan is the founder and editor of Cash Money Life. He is a writer, small business owner, entrepreneur, and professional in the corporate world. He served over 6 years in the USAF and also writes about military money topics at Military Finance Network.

All content copyright Cash Money Life; if you are reading this on another website it has been illegally reproduced in violation of copyright laws.

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