Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Meet your perfect (money) match | The Hand

Posted by The Hand on February 14, 2012 in Money |

(ARA) ? For many, the relationship with your bank can be one of
the longest and most important commitments you?ll ever have.

More than half of consumers say they are committed to their
bank, according to a recent survey from TD Bank. Moreover, nearly two-thirds
of those in a committed banking relationship also feel valued by
their financial institution in return.

However, if you?re among the few feeling as though you are in a
one-sided relationship, maybe your bank is ?just not that into
you.? Just as there are many fish in the sea, there is a banking
match out there for everyone, which can easily be found by simply
assessing your personal finance needs.

Feel the love

The first step to achieving a healthy relationship with your
bank is to determine what you need to suit your lifestyle and what
?value? means to you.

?Similar to personal relationships, the best banking
relationships are built upon trust and knowing that your partner
will be there when you need them,? says John Rosenfeld, head of
retail deposits for TD Bank. For some, feeling the love from your
bank can be as simple as feeling the banking staff is there for
you.

Studies have shown that the majority of consumers say helpful
staff and personal service make them feel valued. If you are in the
same boat, look for financial institutions that offer customer
service beyond a teller. Look for banks that value your needs by
offering 24/7, 365-days-a-year call centers with real people on the
other end, are open when you want them to be and can even chat with
you on Twitter.

Love don?t cost a thing

According to Rosenfeld, perhaps the single most important step a
person can take in determining their perfect banking connection is
deciding on a checking account. Nearly two-thirds of respondents to
the TD Bank poll noted that no monthly checking fees and low
minimum balances are the top ways their bank shows its
commitment.

Contrary to popular belief, new versions of checking accounts
with perks like low to no fees, access to a vast network of ATMs
and even no-fee instant issue debit cards are still available.
According to a Bankrate survey, the average minimum checking
balance to avoid a monthly fee rose from $249 to $585 last year.
Some banks have minimum balance requirements as low as $100 to
avoid charges and you still get a great checking account with lots
of benefits. Avoid getting locked in to leaving huge balances just
to avoid a fee.

Always there for you

Aside from product and service offerings, it?s important that
your bank is available when and where you need it. Consider how
much access you need to a branch or ATM and if you prefer mobile
banking. According to the TD Bank poll, more than 50 percent of
respondents cited convenient banking locations and easy online
banking as key components to a bank showing a commitment to
customers.

Some banks have added fees for making in-person transactions
through tellers, while others include unlimited access to store
branches. Look for a bank with an extended network of ATMs and
mobile banking, allowing you quick and easy access to your
money.

Values and commitment are important things to share in any
relationship, including ones related to your finances. Whether you
are content in your banking relationship or if you are searching
for your perfect match, choosing a bank is about more than finding
a place to deposit money ? it?s about finding a bank that works
with your lifestyle.

Article source: http://www.taosnews.com/online_features/seasonal/article_8d62586f-30b2-5b66-aa24-458ef31b8660.html

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Tags: ideas, Money

Source: http://the-hand.fut-the-wuck.com/2012/02/meet-your-perfect-money-match/

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