Banking has changed dramatically over the past decade with the rise of new technologies and services. Technology has allowed us to bank anytime, anywhere without ever stepping foot inside a bank building. We can hold virtual hands with our friends halfway across the world using Facebook, send pictures of our lunch to Twitter, and even share our lives in real-time on sites like Periscope. The next generation of banking technologies is already upon us with financial applications that can help save you money, protect your identity, pay bills, etc. It’s incredibly convenient but not without risk. So how do you bank smarter? Here are some tips the experts like Dan Schatt say you need to know to get the most out of your money.
Make Regular Transfers to Savings
Many people think they don’t have enough money to save, but the trick is making saving a priority. The most effective way of doing this is by setting up an automatic payment from your checking account to savings every payday. This way, you are always thinking about your future self rather than living in the present moment. In addition, you’ll never miss what you never had because it will always be transferred to your savings account.
Keep Your Savings Account Out of Sight and Out of Mind
I know that sounds like bad advice but stay with me here. Most people make the mistake of making their savings account visible on their mobile banking app (if they even have one). That means every time you check your balance, it will be a constant reminder that you have a savings account. That may not be what you need if your goal is to save money. So instead, make it out of sight and mind by setting up an automatic transfer to another checking account that doesn’t get used much. Then, every week or two, when you check your balance on your other checking account, see if you can transfer a little more from it to your savings. This way, the balance in your checking account remains high, and you’re always reminding yourself that’s where most of your money is going first.
Use Apps to Save on Interest and Fees
There are some apps out there that allow you to securely deposit checks with a smartphone camera, pay bills, and transfer money between accounts. Many banks even offer their apps with different features. Not only is this mobile banking convenient, but it also saves you money! I know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, right, if it’s such a good deal, why hasn’t my bank offered any of these services yet?” Let me tell you the answer to that is simple. Banks are in the business of making money just like any other business, so they typically don’t let their customers use apps that will save them money because it eats away at their bottom line. However, if you find an app or service you want to use and your bank doesn’t have anything equivalent yet, go ahead and use it! No law says you have to bank with the same company that offers an app or service you want to use.