December 2020 - CFI.co Blog

Are you suffering from quarantine boredom? Are you wondering if there’s a way to earn money at home?

Since COVID-19 entered the world, remote work has become more important than ever. And it’s a great way to use your time productively when there aren’t many places to go.

Here’s how you can earn extra money without getting out of your pajamas.

1. Sell Your Unwanted Items

You might be surprised at all the ways you can sell old items online, especially if they’re still in good condition. Sites like eBay, Gumtree, and Craigslist are great places to turn trash into treasure.

Laptops and tablets are always a hot commodity if they’re in good working order. CDs and vintage games are also in demand, especially during the holidays.

You may also be able to sell your old clothes this way. If you’ve got a few items that you rarely wear, they could be priceless to someone else. Just make sure they’re washed, ironed, and neatly folded.

Consignment shops are another great way to get a few dollars for gently used clothing and accessories. They might offer you upfront payments or the potential for profit sharing. If your store profit shares, your clothes will be tagged with an account number and you’ll get a portion of the profits after your items get purchased.

Look around for a specialty consignment shop that sells the types of items you tend to purchase. After a while, you’ll get a feel for the types of items that sell and start to make more profitable decisions.

2. Start Your Own Website

These days, you can start your own website with nothing more than a domain name, website hosting service, and website platform such as WordPress.

A good topic for your website could be a subject you have expertise in that you could inform your readers about. You can also provide services such as fashion advice, counseling, or self-help.

Affiliate marketing is a popular way to monetize your site. In these cases, you’ll have links to affiliate businesses on your site. And you’ll get a revenue share every time someone clicks on the link to set up an account.

You can also make money by selling a product or service that people want, such as an e-course. Other website entrepreneurs have paid members or sponsors who pay to post ads or product reviews.

Make sure you do your research before launching your site. Make sure that you choose a topic you have expertise and knowledge in. And you’ll want to be certain your ready to keep learning about the topic as your site becomes more popular.

3. Become an Online Tutor

Online tutors can make ten to nineteen pounds per hour. All you need is a working computer with a camera and expertise in a particular area.

Of course, a degree in a field you’ll be tutoring in will be particularly helpful. Yet many of today’s students need extra help with their schoolwork due to less time spent in the classroom.

Offer to tutor the children of some people you know for a low rate if you’re looking for a way to start. As you begin to develop a good reputation, you can start to charge more and organise your schedule to suit your needs and comfort. Social media is also a great way to advertise your services to local neighborhoods.

4. Get Paid to Write Reviews

There are lots of websites out there that will pay you to write reviews of restaurants, movies, or products. You’ll also be earning a little free entertainment.

Make sure that all of the reviews you turn out are of high quality. Check your grammar and spelling so you’ll continue to get work as a paid reviewer.

The best part about reviewing products and services is that there’s some flexibility with your schedule. You can visit local establishments or test various products after work or before your children wake up in the morning.

5. Work As a Customer Service Agent

Believe it or not, there are plenty of companies out there that will pay a decent hourly wage for individuals to work at home in customer service, especially around Christmas.

Unlike other remote options, work-from-home customer service agents earn a steady hourly wage. If you’re a good listener with important interpersonal skills, such as patience and empathy, remote customer service could be a great way to keep your bank account happy.

The Best Way to Earn Money at Home

Quarantining has required many of us to rethink the way we pay the bills. Working remotely is a wonderful way to turn your extra time into a profitable opportunity.

Side hustles are also an excellent opportunity for you to require new skills and experiences that can be valuable in the future. You can also begin developing a new network of contacts that may be important for your future professional development.

During a time when many are suffering from anxiety and depression, a profitable side business can give you a productive escape from negative thoughts and feelings. You’ll develop confidence and peace of mind, as well as the freedom to create a work-life balance that is optimal for your personal well-being.

Get to Work!

When you’re ready to earn money at home, there is a myriad of opportunities you can take advantage of. With a little research and a willingness to keep trying, you’ll discover an enterprise that suits your personality in no time.

Don’t stop getting smart about your financial opportunities now. For more information on personal finance, read our blog today.

Finance

Why 3 Month Payday Loans Are Great for Holiday Sales

ByCFI.co Blogger

There are circumstances when money is needed necessarily. Contacting a bank is another trouble because the terms of the three-month payday loans will be accessible exclusively to the bank. Furthermore, high-interest rates worsen the entire situation.

Nowadays, the vast majority of citizens do not work officially. Thus, each of them can get a rejection from a banking institution to take out three-month payday loans or car repair loans here. The reason is that banks do not accept applications from customers without the presence of an income certificate and employment. Most modern citizens take 3-month payday loans to buy purchases for their loved ones on holidays.

3 Months Payday Loans: Benefits and Tips

Throughout the world, there are so-called microcredit organizations. They provide customers with three-month payday loans on favorable terms. There are more than a million users of such organizations nationwide per month who want to get three-month payday loans. The key customers of the following institutions are customarily young people aged from 25 to 35 years. Considering these statistics, the age of the audience is becoming smaller each year. Now you can even meet those who want to get a loan at 20 or even 18 years old. In this case, the borrower gets a real chance to solve all financial issues thanks to three-month payday loans. At the same time, you can get the maximum benefit from this holiday loan.

Citizens are trying to solve all their financial problems despite the complex bureaucratic system of getting a three-month payday loan in banking institutions. But even microcredit organizations come to the rescue, which provides the client with the convenience and mobility of modern services. Such services will be available anywhere and at any time convenient for the customer. A borrower only needs an Internet connection.

Here are the most popular reasons of taking out three-month payday loans before the holidays:

Delay in salary;
Money for gifts is urgently needed;
Purchase of expensive household appliances;
Organization of celebrations (weddings, anniversaries, and others);
Money for shopping;
An urgent trip.

There can be a lot of reasons. Most importantly, each of them still requires a certain amount of money, which may not be at hand. Three-month payday loans will help you cope with a difficult situation.

Benefits of Three-Month Payday Loans

Here are the main benefits to be noted in payday loans:

You can draw up an application and a contract remotely without leaving your home at any time;
High mobility of consideration of the customer’s received data. The organization issues the final decision on permission for a loan after 15-30 minutes;
Favorable lending conditions and a minimum interest rate of 0.01% per day;
Observance of complete anonymity provided to all clients, as well as the protection of their personal data;
In a very short time (up to 30 minutes), the customer receives the required amount. Regular customers wait until the processing is complete for several minutes.

Therefore, users should not have any doubts that the best choice would be to apply for three-month payday loans in a microcredit organization.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Applying for a Three-Month Payday Loan?

Many online lending services offer their customers to take out three-month payday loans at 0%, and regular users can also experience all the benefits of loyalty programs (for example, discounts on loans without certificates and guarantors, as well as arrange a loan in a few minutes).

In order to choose the most suitable credit organization, the customer, first of all, needs to pay attention to the characteristics of the declared services, profitable offers, periods, and how much the service can give. And, of course, find out all the conditions to make complete repayment of the three-month payday loans.

It is also very important to choose a service with an understanding and competent staff who will be able to suggest and advise exactly what the customer needs.

Making Three-Month Payday Loans Algorithm

When making an application for three-month payday loans, the service interface will be very useful. This feature will facilitate the operation. On the sites, you can fully consider all the rules and conditions to get three-month payday loans. Moreover, similar services have a section with an online calculator that can calculate the amount and period. The calculator provides the customer with the full figure along with the calculation of interest.

Loan registration in microcredit organizations will go through the following steps:

The customer needs to register on the website of the organization (fill out the form indicating passport data, TIN code, e-mail number, and mobile phone number);
Further, service employees process information about the customer;
Then you receive a notification about the result of the check using a phone call, SMS, or email.

If the application is accepted successfully, the service sends the required amount to the borrower’s card. If the customer was refused, then the amount does not come to the card. Then you can contact the service personnel and find out the reason. Employees will tell the reason and will recommend the amount which the customer will be able to claim with great chances.

Customers of such online services are provided with more loyal conditions than in banks. Services are also focused on debt repayment in a single pay-off payment. Furthermore, MFIs do not harass customers and do not threaten them. Everything is absolutely loyal as it is possible to extend the loan for the required period.

Certainly, minor underpayments can lead to the refusal on the next loan, therefore, it is better to pay off the loan on time without delays.

Finance

What Is Day Trading and How You Can Become an Expert?

ByCFI.co

Day trading is often billed as a lucrative way to make fast and easy money from the comfort of your home. The average day trader makes about $80,000 a year. The best part about day trading is that you don’t necessarily have to be a financial wizard to be successful. Becoming a day trader is easy. Becoming a successful day trader is a much harder process.

But what is day trading and how can you stand to benefit from it? This useful guide has all the information you need to decide if day trading is right for you and your lifestyle.

Day Trading

Day trading is a type of investment strategy. It can be used when trading stocks, cryptocurrency, securities, bonds, and commodities. It can also be applied to any other form of speculative marketplace.

Day trading involves purchasing an asset and selling the asset on the same day before the markets close. Day trading is a short term investment strategy. It also limits the amount of risk an investor has in the long term.

It does this by preventing discrepancies that can occur between an asset’s closing price at the end of a trading day, and its opening price at the start of the next day. There are many different strategies and styles of day trading.

What Makes a Successful Day Trader?

Many potential investors are lured into the day trading world with the promise of easy money. These investors find out the hard way that day trading is no cakewalk. As a result, they sometimes lose everything.

To be a successful day trader you need to be willing to invest enormous amounts of time and capital. You also need to be able to read the marketplace and have some background financial knowledge.

If you start your journey as a day trader you can expect long hours, little leave time from work, and a gruelling self-learning process that many can’t stomach. You need to have good risk management strategies and marketplace awareness as well.

While day trading, your success or failure rides solely on you and your trading strategies. If you fail, there is no one else to blame. If you are successful, however, you alone get all the glory.

Cash Is King

Having sufficient investment capital is one of the most important things for day trading. When you first start you can expect to sustain heavy losses as you figure out the nuances of navigating the marketplace.

The old saying “it takes money to make money” applies here. To be successful, it is crucial that you have a buffer of cash to withstand any initial losses. Many veteran traders will tell you that the day trading world is extremely volatile.

Sometimes you can expect to lose money on multiple trades in a row before turning a profit on a big one and recovering all of your losses. If you don’t have sufficient capital to act as a cushion, you could lose everything.

Heading into the world of day trading without a sufficient bankroll is like heading into a marathon with no shoes. You might somehow pull it off and win against all odds, but chances are you will end up bloodied and broken on the side of the road.

Knowledge Is Power

A successful day trader needs to be familiar with all of the aspects of how the marketplace functions. This includes understanding all the mundane basics such as trading hours and holidays.

It also includes being able to grasp the bigger picture such as how massive geopolitical events can influence market behaviour and how small innovations or new technologies can send ripples throughout the financial world.

As a day trader, you need to be at the forefront of the economic knowledge-base. This means keeping up with any emerging trends or cutting edge technology before everyone else is aware of them.

Staying ahead of the curve is not easy, but it is well rewarded. You also need to have a broad understanding of multiple different types of marketplaces. Understanding investment banking, securities, conventional stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are all examples of things a day trader should be well versed in.

Develop and Implement a Strategy

Without a plan, you are simply flying by the seat of your pants. At this point, you might as well just take your money down to the closest casino, spin the wheel, and see what happens.

You need to develop a successful entry and exit strategy. This includes setting indicators and benchmarks for success or failure. You also need to be able to assess how well your plan is working and recalibrate it if necessary.

A successful investment strategy is what separates the wealthy from the penniless in the world of day trading. Many traders spend decades developing a good strategy. Some never get it right and end up washing-out as a result.

Warren Buffet is often credited with being one of the top financial investors in history. His strategy was simple and centred around investing in index funds. While this strategy is not applicable to day-trading, his thought process is.

The simplest solution is usually the best. The more complicated your strategy, the more can go wrong.

Start Small

Just because you have access to a large pool of capital, or have sufficient background knowledge of investment and the marketplace doesn’t mean you should be reckless. When implementing a new strategy, tread lightly.

If it works, you can always repeat it with a bigger chunk of change on the line after you have already secured some returns as a buffer. By not going “all in” you save yourself the financial ruin that comes with making too aggressive of an initial investment.

Attain Your Financial Destiny

Day trading is not for everyone, but those that are successful will tell you that there are few better ways to earn a living. Being your own boss and taking your financial destiny into your own hands is an empowering experience!

Just make sure to have adequate capital and financial knowledge before trying your hand at day trading to avoid crashing and burning as a total failure.

If you want to become a day trader you first need a wide financial knowledge base. Start informing yourself today with the host of financial information available on our blog to better prepare yourself for the long economic road ahead!

Banking

Why You Should Join A Private Bank

ByCFI.co

The number of mobile wealth management accounts rose from 22% in 2018 to 40% in 2019. They allow users to manage their wealth remotely and effectively. A private bank helps with wealth management but provides a range of other services and benefits as well. They offer personalized service at all hours and let you enjoy exclusive perks.

There are several private bank options, and choosing one can be difficult. There are certain factors to look for before putting your money in their hands. It can also be difficult to begin a career in this field, but the more knowledge you have, the easier it will be.

Read our private banking guide to learn the benefits it provides and how to enter it as a client or account manager.

Private Bank Benefits

A private bank’s primary purpose is wealth management. It helps keep money in the right place and makes investment easier.

These are not the only benefits that private banking provides or the only reason you may choose to join one. There is a range of other benefits offered as well.

When you join a private bank, you’ll get connected to a skilled account manager. They can handle all your financial assets while providing personalized service.

The account manager can also easily connect with other professionals such as wealth management specialists, investment analysts, and tax attorneys.

A private bank also allows you to diversify your investments. Your account manager can put your wealth into ESG or Environmental, Social, and Governance investments. They can also manage your non-financial assets like real estate and natural resources, negotiate leases and contracts, facilitate inspections, and communicate with tax, accounting, and/or legal professionals.

A private bank gives you access to your banker at any time and place using apps and chat services. They also keep your assets private.

A private bank may also include concierge and premier travel services. They can educate you and your heirs and make business travel less of a hassle.

Private banks offer price reductions that can save you a great deal of money. These discounts include free checks and savings of up to $300 per year on a safe-deposit box.

Most private banks offer a range of other perks such as:

Loans with low annual percentage rates
Savings accounts with higher annual percentage yields
More commercial financing options
Senior underwriting support
Priority loan processing

These benefits and more explain the rise in private banking.

Starting a Career in Private Banking

Working at a private bank offers several benefits over other financial careers such as stockbrokers and investment bankers. These include high income potential, shorter hours, reduced stress, and stronger professional relationships.

Remember that most clients who join a private bank have a great deal of wealth. They are typically classified as either high net worth or ultra-high-net-worth.

You’ll also have to have a range of skills to begin a career in private banking. You should be familiar with wealth management, estate planning, taxes, portfolio management, and any other tasks your client requests.

There are also several steps you must complete to begin your career. They include education, experience, networking, certifications and licenses, and getting a job.

Education

The first thing you’ll need is an undergraduate degree, preferably with a focus on finance. Options include business administration, economics, and other related degrees.

Experience

Follow up your education with experience. Look for internships in a private bank and get all the experience you can in banking, investments, and related fields.

Networking

Networking is another important task. Meet up with potential clients, bankers, professors, and anyone else who can help you advance your career.

Certifications and Licenses

Certifications will make you a more attractive candidate, and there are several options to choose from. T

The Wealth Management Institute or WMI offers a 10-week Wealth Management Private Banking Programme and an associated certificate. The Globecom Institute offers a 9-month course and certificate in Private Banking and Wealth Management and a 3-4 month certification in Operations Investment Banking and Securities Markets.

You’ll need to get licensed before you can begin a career in private banking. You can obtain a Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, or Series 65 license by passing an exam. They differ in the services they allow you to perform and how much you can charge for them.

Finding a Job

Find a job by sending out as many resumes as possible and networking with professionals in the field. You can also start your own firm if you already have a large client base.

These steps are the basics of beginning your career, but you may be able to break tradition. Try moving from another financial field into the private banking industry.

Finding The Best Banking Services

There is a range of private bank options to choose from. They differ in the services they offer and the fees they charge, which can make choosing the best bank difficult.

When deciding where to invest your money, you should look at a variety of different factors. Look for proof of quality, past experiences, and the services offered.

The experiences of past clients can help you choose the best private bank. Look for testimonials that suggest clients have had positive experiences with qualified account managers in the past.

There are also ways to find proof of whether or not you’ve found a high-quality option. Look for things like bank awards and stay away from banks with blemishes like lawsuits.

The best investment bank offers the full range of services you require at the best possible price. Compare all the options and see where you can get everything you need at the most affordable price.

How Can I Join a Private Bank?

Everyone wants to keep their money safe, especially those with plenty of wealth and investments. This is where a private bank comes in.

Joining a private bank gives you access to a qualified account manager at any time of day. They’ll manage your assets, keep them secure and private, and offer several other perks.

If you’re a high-income earner with a large portfolio of investments, a private bank can provide an account manager to look after them for you. If you’re a qualified financial expert, you can begin a career in private banking to help others manage their money.

The more you know about the private banking industry, the better you’ll be able to enter it or use it to manage your wealth. Contact us for more information today.

Lifestyle

South Africa as a HNWI Aestination

ByCFI.co Blogger

New World Wealth in collaboration with Steyn City recently reviewed the top factors that attract HNWIs to South Africa.

Notably, South Africa is home to over twice as many millionaires (HNWIs) as any other African country. The country ranks 30th in the world by this measure, ahead of major economies such as Greece, Portugal and Turkey. Currently, there are just over 35,000 HNWIs living in SA (as at Sept 2020).

Things that attract HNWIs to SA include:

Lifestyle aspects: weather, beaches and scenery.
A large free media which helps disseminate reliable information to investors. This sets South Africa apart from most other emerging markets worldwide.
One of the 20 biggest stock exchanges in the world (by market cap).
A well-developed banking system and large fund management sector.
Hub for doing business in the rest of Africa.
Luxury food stores such as Woolworths, which appeal to wealthy consumers.
Exclusive areas such as Umhlanga Rocks and the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town.
Top-end estates and apartments. SA is a global pioneer in estate living and is home to many of the world’s best lifestyle estates. New World Wealth estimates that over 45% of SA HNWIs either live or have homes on estates. An additional 30% have homes in luxury apartment blocks (which have been the fastest growing residential segment in SA over the past 20 years in terms of price growth).
Good transport infrastructure.
World-class shopping centres such as: Gateway, Sandton City and the V&A Waterfront.

SA wealth stats (for Sept 2020)

There are approximately 680,000 mass affluent individuals living in SA, each with net assets of US$100,000 or more.
There are approximately 35,000 millionaires (HNWIs) living in SA, each with net assets of US$1 million or more. Most of these HNWIs are based in Johannesburg (Sandton especially), Cape Town, Umhlanga and Pretoria.
There are approximately 1,800 multi-millionaires living in SA, each with net assets of US$10 million or more.
There are 86 centi-millionaires living in SA, each with net assets of US$100 million or more.
There are 5 billionaires living in SA, each with net assets of US$1 billion or more.

Note: “Wealth” refers to the net assets of a person. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equities, business interests) less any liabilities.

About Steyn City

Steyn City is a luxury residential parkland residence situated north of Fourways in Johannesburg. The lifestyle resort features over 2,000 acres of indigenous parkland, ensuring that every resident has a sprawling back garden to explore.

Steyn City residents have access to a wide array of amenities and world-class facilities, which include kilometers of running and cycling track, outdoor yoga centres, a fully equipped gym, resort pools, aquatic centre, several restaurants, a world class equestrian centre and Jack Nicklaus championship golf course with award-winning clubhouse. Added to this, the development offers a forward-thinking educational campus and outstanding office premises.

All of this makes Steyn City an obvious choice for people relocating to South Africa. The development offers all that a family or even executive could possibly need, from excellent infrastructure to a highly esteemed school – all within a safe and secure setting.

At a time when many people are reconsidering their location, now that remote working means they are no longer bound to an address close to their workplace, Steyn City stands out as a destination that makes it possible for residents to enjoy vacation-style tranquility, just minutes from the city.

Banking

Are New Checking Account Offers Really Worth The Switch?

ByCFI.co

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has created a financial crunch for just about everyone. As you look for ways to make your money stretch further, you might have started looking at various bonus offers and considering switching some of your service providers.

Nowadays, almost every bank is advertising new checking account offers, and that “free” money sounds pretty good. But, is switching bank accounts really worth it?

That’s a good question! Stick with us as we explore the pros and cons of taking advantage of new checking account bonus offers.

3 Ways to Get a New Checking Account Bonus

Before diving into the things to ask before switching banks, it’s important to note that there’s more than one way to take advantage of new checking account offers. Most offers don’t actually say that you have to close your old account.

Typically, they’ll require you to make a minimum deposit and perform specific tasks, like completing a certain number of transactions, setting up direct deposit, or using their app. It’s important to read the fine print carefully and understand exactly what you need to do to get your bonus. Once you understand the requirements, you’ll likely have three options:

Keep your current checking account exactly as it is and open an additional account with the new bank
Make a partial switch, moving certain payments and deposits over to the new account
Close your old accounts and move everything over to the new bank

Most people choose the third option because they don’t want to deal with the hassle of managing multiple accounts. However, there are pros and cons to each approach. It’s a good idea to consider the following questions before you decide.

Questions to Ask Before Making the Switch

Sometimes, it’s clear that you need to switch to a new bank. If you’re having problems with your current bank – like ridiculously high fees or poor customer service – then it makes sense to take advantage of a new checking account bonus.

However, if you’re thinking about making a change purely for the extra money, there are some important things to consider.

1. Is the Bonus Really Worth It?

How much money do you need to make it worth your effort? Do you have to jump through a bunch of hoops to get it?

If you’re really cash-strapped then even a small bonus might sound appealing. If the bank is offering something else, like rewards points or a charity donation, you’ll have to consider whether you’ll receive a sufficient benefit to make the change a smart move.

2. Are There Any Drawbacks?

Be careful not to let the bonus offer distract you from the potential drawbacks of working with the new bank. If there are monthly fees or high minimum balance requirements, then it’s likely you’re going to be unhappy in the long run.

You’ll want to look at the new bank’s maintenance fees, ATM fees, and overdraft fees. Also, consider the new bank’s opening hours and whether the website and app are user-friendly. Do they offer other services you need like mobile deposit, easy transfers, and plenty of ATM machines?

Compare all of these things to your current bank and make sure that making the change won’t end up being a downgrade.

3. How Much of a Hassle Will it Be?

To make the switch, you’ll need to open a new account, initiate a transfer, and make sure you meet all of the bonus requirements. Transferring all of your auto-debit bills is usually the biggest hassle.

It’s easy to make a mistake and you could end up missing payments or bouncing checks. This can lead to late fees, damage to your credit rating, and more.

If you’re going to make a full switch it’s in your best interest to make sure the bank you choose is one you’ll want to stick with for the long term. Bouncing from one checking account to the next is rarely worth the trouble, even if you do get a bonus each time.

4. How Much Do You Really Like Your Bank?

Are you at your current bank because you really like the services they offer? Or is it just a matter of habit? If there’s nothing special about your bank and you’re comfortable with the answers to the other questions above, then now might be the perfect time for you to make a switch.

Tips for Finding the Best New Checking Account Offers

Doing a bit of research online will help you find out which banking institutions are offering checking account bonuses and exactly what they’re offering. However, it’s important to consider which offers are most valuable to you.

For example, if you overdraft your account frequently, then switching to a bank that’s offering fee-free overdrafts might be a great move for you. However, if an offer requires a large minimum balance that you don’t think you’ll be able to maintain, then moving to this bank will likely end up being a waste of your time.

Remember, in most cases, looking for a long-term partner instead of just a quick cash bonus will bring you the greatest benefit.

Making Smart Financial Moves in a COVID-19 World

Taking a close look at new checking account offers and other bonuses is one way to give your finances a boost, but that’s certainly not your only option. If you want to keep your finances on track, knowledge is power. We suggest taking some time to browse through more of our financial articles.

We’ll help you stay up to date with all of the latest financial developments and provide you with tips you can start implementing right away.

Banking

6 Helpful Tricks To Avoid Paying ATM Fees

ByCFI.co

Are you tired of getting hijacked by ATM machines with big charges when you want some cash? Do you find yourself paying 25 percent or more of the amount you want to get out? Want to know how to avoid those fees?

There are many tips and hacks you can use to stop being hit with big fees just to get at your money. We’ve given this some careful thought because we’re also tired of the insane charges ATM operators put on using their machines.

So, read on to learn about six of the best ways to avoid ATM fees. From research and planning to choosing the right account, we’ve got your back so that you don’t pay for your own cash anymore.

1. Use ATMs for Your Bank

Using ATMs that are part of your bank’s network is the best and easiest way to avoid ATM fees. Big, chain banks have a lot of fee free ATMs to use, especially in larger urban areas. These ATMs won’t cost you anything when you withdraw cash from them.

You can search your bank’s website or mobile app for no fee ATM near me to find ATMs run by your bank. However, if you do use an ATM that isn’t run by your bank you could incur a fee from your bank as well as the company that runs that particular ATM.

So, always try to search for an ATM that is part of your bank’s network if you can.

2. Open an Account at Banks with no ATM Fees

If you are considering opening a new bank account, do some research to find banks with no ATM fees.accounts. Or, if you find yourself always having to pay for cash from an ATM, it might be time to think about switching banks. In that case, look for a bank where you can get an account that doesn’t charge you ATM fees.

Many online banks have agreements with ATM networks that mean you don’t have to pay the network’s ATM charges. These online banks will usually have an ATM finder service as part of their website and app. Use this service to locate the nearest no fee ATM when you need cash quickly.

3. Get Cash Back at the Grocery Store

Another great way to get cash for free is to ask for cash back when you make a purchase at a grocery store or other shop. This works best if you pick up cash as part of your regular shopping trip. Then keep that cash handy in your wallet.

However, if you need cash quickly, you can still use a store as your ATM. Simply make a small purchase at the store. Because ATM fees are usually three pounds or more, buying a chocolate bar or bottle of water, for example, will cost you far less than the ATM fee.

4. Keep More Cash on Hand

Although you can’t always plan ahead to know how much cash you’ll need and when, a little forethought can go a long way to reducing the chances of unwanted ATM fees. When you do get cash out, try to get more than you need right then. Having some extra cash at home or in your wallet or purse will reduce your ATM fees.

Taking larger sums out of the ATM when you do visit also means that if you do have to pay a fee, you’re getting more cash for the charge. So, you’re cash costs you less if you have to pay for it.

Putting together a home budget for each month will give you a sense of how much cash you generally need. With your budget in mind you can go once a month to the ATM and withdraw what you need all in one go. Then, just keep your wallet or purse topped up with the cash you’ll likely need that week.

5. Find Out Which Other Banks Your Bank Has an ATM Fees Agreement With

Many banks have agreements with other banks or ATM operators. These agreements let you withdraw cash from those ATMs without a fee. Check with your bank or search online to find out what other ATMs you can use.

The ATMs that are part of your bank’s network agreement might also include non-bank ATMs. These ATMs are the ones you find in shops, bars, or petrol stations. Those ATMs are often the most expensive to use for cash withdrawals.

6. Go Cashless

A really easy way to avoid ATM fees is to try not to use cash. Fortunately, this is becoming much easier. Mobile apps, debit and credit cards, iPay and equivalents, Venmo, Paypal, and so on, all offer the opportunity for cashless transactions.

With the exception of some entertainment options and small shops in out of the way locations you can often choose not to spend cash if you really don’t want to. Some shops and services still have a minimum transaction amount to use your card. But those minimums are often still less than an ATM fee.

Reducing the amount of times you need cash means you won’t need to hit the ATM very often. The fewer times you have to go to an ATM the less you will spend on those pesky fees.

Stop Wasting Money on ATM Fees

ATM fees can quickly add up. If every time you use an ATM you pay three or more pounds for the privilege of taking your own money out, your monthly costs will soon make getting cash out not worth it.

As you can see from our list of tricks to avoid paying ATM fees, though, there are plenty of ways you can reduce the chance you’ll get stuck with those charges.

Plan ahead and have ecash on hand. Get a bank account with a large network of ATMs to use for free. Use your bank’s app to find free ATMs near to you when you need one or try to use less cash in the first place!

For more money-saving tips, insights on the economy and your finances, or business news and more, check out our blog. We’ve got you covered with insider hacks and business news and ideas.

Business

The fall of Arcadia: what does it mean for the future of the high street?

ByCFI.co Blogger

The high street is changing. There’s no question. Predictions suggest over 18,000 high street premises could be left empty by the end of the year, while mainstays like high street banks are estimated to close their doors a final time by summer 2032.

The announced administration of the Arcadia group should come as no surprise in the current climate. The pandemic has sent earthquake-scale tremors through our shops and retailers. But in spite of this, there has to be some shock in the industry – after all, Arcadia, and many of the other fallen businesses, are and were huge entities. So how do businesses with such apparent strength fall with such devastating impact?

The answer lies in technology. Technology has underpinned many of the world’s greatest advancements but in retail, take up of advancements has been slow enough to shake the foundations of some of our most loved stores and leave them weak and vulnerable.

The collapse of the Arcadia group is systematic to an organisation that has failed to grasp the opportunities of technology, especially of online. The pandemic may have spearheaded online shopping’s growth, but consumers have been shopping online – or using bricks and mortar stores as ‘showrooms’ to then buy online – for years. And while stores like Primark have done well with no online presence, they have a very different value-based proposition which means it’s worth the trip to the shop to rummage through the aisles – whereas the premium products that Arcadia Group sells can make people think twice about the effort when better deals are available online.

Arcadia would have always been heading into a red territory regardless of Covid-19 due to their lack of online penetration.

Then there’s the growing movement to shop small and shop local. This, of course, is a positive movement that supports fledgling and growing brands. But it’s also a movement that puts big businesses in an even weaker position. In order to thrive in 2021 and beyond, retailers will need to consider not just their investment in technology to facilitate convenience, but in their wider values and how they support communities and initiatives that benefit the world. Focuses on environmentalism (without ‘greenwashing’) and sustainability will play an even greater role in the year to come.