Senior Bofi

Wiring Money

2007-06-28T07:40:00.001-07:00

Once in awhile, it makes better sense to wire money than to mail a check. You can wire money from your Senior BofI account or have money wired into it to or from anywhere in the U.S.

The advantage of wiring money is that it’s send directly into a bank account making it both faster and safer than mailing a check.

It's easy to to. Get all the information about wiring funds on our Wire Instructions page.

Volunteer With Senior Corps

2007-06-28T07:33:00.001-07:00

Senior Corps was created in 1994 with legislation creating the Corporation for National and Community Service, bringing the full range of domestic community service programs under the umbrella of one central organization. There are three major programs:

The Foster Grandparent Program which connects volunteers age 60 and over with children and young people with exceptional needs.
The Senior Companion Program which brings together volunteers age 60 and over with adults in their community who have difficulty with the simple tasks of day-to-day living.
RSVP offers "one stop shopping" for all volunteers 55 and over who want to find challenging, rewarding, and significant service opportunities in their local communities.

You can find out more about Senior Corps and find volunteer opportunities in your communities at the Senior Corps website.

Bank By Phone

2007-06-27T07:08:00.001-07:00

Senior BofI knows you don’t always have access to the internet. That’s why we make it easy for you to conduct your banking business by telephone. All you have to do is call our toll-free number - (877) 351-BANK (2265) – and you can:

Check your balances
Transfer funds between accounts
Verify a check payment

This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any phone in the world. Get all the details at our Telephone Banking page.

Looking For Work?

2007-06-27T06:58:00.000-07:00

As more and more people pass their 50^th birthdays, all sorts of services are springing up to serve this group. That includes job boards on the ‘net aimed at the 50+ crowd.

AARP has a list of such job boards. Most require free registration in order to perform searches. Most also offer leads to part time work as well as full time work.

Some are specialized like Dinosaur Exchange, which aims at helping retirees find employment in Europe. And at least one, RetirementJobs.com also posts volunteer opportunities and board seats.

Protect Yourself Against Overdrafts

2007-06-21T08:25:00.001-07:00

Alexander Pope said it, “to err is human…” which is why it only makes sense to protect yourself from overdrawing your Senior BofI checking account with overdraft protection. We offer two forms of overdraft protection:

A line of credit which advances funds to cover an overdraft up to a pre-set limit, and we don’t charge fees for advancing those funds.
Linking to a savings or money market account which allows the automatic transfer of funds to cover any overdraft.

It’s easy to set up overdraft protection. Get all the details on our Overdraft Protection page.

Save Money by Saving Energy

2007-06-21T08:14:00.000-07:00

We all know in a general way that if we save energy we save money. The problem is figuring out just how to go about saving energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy has put together a website designed to help you do just that. Called the Home Energy Saver, the site let’s you put in your zip code, and then enter information about your home. The site will then calculate your current energy use and make specific suggestions about what you can do to reduce the energy you use. It also gives rough estimates of how much money you’ll save.

The Home Energy Saver site also has lots of other information, including faqs to help you determine how much energy specific appliances use, low and no-cost energy savings tips, and tips for renters.

Let Direct Deposit Save You Time, Safely

2007-06-19T07:28:00.001-07:00

There are two distinct advantages to receiving regular checks by direct deposit.

The first is safety. When your check is deposited automatically into your Senior BofI account, you know it’s there. There is no chance that it will be lost in the mail or stolen from your mailbox.

The second advantage is the convenience. Your money shows up in your account automatically. You don’t need to go to the bank or stand in line, or even find a stamp and envelope and mail it in.

It’s easy to set up Direct Deposit at Senior BofI. You can get the form you need and all the information at our Direct Deposit page. And remember, you can always contact us with questions or concerns.

Over 50? 50 Things to Know

2007-06-19T07:21:00.001-07:00

AARP has gathered several well known authors, including Kirk Douglas, Donald Trump, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Suze Orman, and others who put together a list of 50 Things You Need to Know by 50.

Ranging from plain silly to darn good ideas, this list of 50 things gives both insight and, in some cases a good laugh.

Consider, for example,

19. Law of Host Gifts by Masaharu Morimoto who tells us that “The $25 wine won't impress them any more than the $10 wine.” Or

23. What to Do if You Get a Letter From the IRS, by Henry Bloch, cofounder of H&R Block, which gives sage advice.

It’s a fun, practical and printable guide.

Senior Checking With Interest

2007-06-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can earn interest on the funds in your checking account? You can if your checking account is at Senior BofI. And, if you’re 50 years old or older, you can open your checking account with as little as $50.

Your Senior BofI checking account will earn interest from the day the funds are deposited; the interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. But that’s not all. Your Senior BofI checking account also includes:

Free Bill Payment
Free ATM and debit (check) cards, for qualifying account holders
Free Internet or telephone banking anytime
Free postage-paid envelopes for mailing check deposits

Get all the details and open your new checking account to day at our Senior Checking page.

Of Seniors, Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

2007-06-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

LaRonda, who blogs at The Ear of My Heart has a great article on Age Related Hearing Loss. She quotes the National Council on Aging saying “More than nine million Americans over the age of 65 have a hearing loss. About three out of five older Americans with hearing loss don’t use hearing aids.”

Then she explores why so many seniors are reluctant to use hearing aids. It turns out there are way more reasons than you might suspect. Some, of course, are specious, but many turn out to be legitimate.

You’ll come away with a better understanding of the problem and some great ways to approach it.

Learn About Reverse Mortgages

2007-06-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

A reverse mortgage allows seniors to use the equity in their homes to create cash for various reasons, including supplementing social security or other retirement income.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has an article called the Top Ten Things to Know if You're Interested in a Reverse Mortgage.

AARP also offers lots of information, including Exploring Reverse Mortgages: A Consumers' Guide.

Senior BofI offers reverse mortgages. You can get more information about them at our Reverse Mortgage page and, as always, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions.

Self-Employment

2007-06-12T07:56:00.000-07:00

Retirement isn’t always about golf, travel and kicking back. Seniors often find they want to continue to earn money and self-employment offers some unique opportunities.

For example, you might want to turn your expertise into some sort of consulting, or you might want to turn a hobby into a business. In these, and in many other situations you’re working for yourself.

Self-employment has a whole different set of laws to consider than working for someone else. AARP has an article called Self-Employment Laws that gives you a great overview of what’s involved.

Know Your Return

2007-06-07T08:08:00.001-07:00

Knowing how much interest you’ll actually earn is one of the advantages to Certificates of Deposit at Senior BofI. With a CD you deposit a specific amount of money for a specific length of time; the interest is fixed, rather than variable.

At Senior BofI you can open CDs for as little as $1,000 or as much as $100,000 and for terms up to 60 months.

We also offer a variety of Certificates of Deposit, including individual, joint, trust and CDs for non-profits.

Get all the details on our Certificate of Deposit page and remember, you can contact us with any questions you might have.

Hope on the Horizon for Alzheimer’s

2007-06-07T07:55:00.001-07:00

The possibility of slowing or even reversing Alzheimer’s is getting more real according to an article called Closing In on Alzheimer’s at the AARP.com website. There are at least four dozen drugs aimed in this direction in the pipeline according to the article and the odds are one or more will actually work.

The potential breakthroughs are the result of years of research and a growing understanding of how Alzheimer’s actually affects the brain.

In addition to the article, the page contains many helpful links about the disease.

See All Our Services

2007-06-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

Although we at Senior BofI are probably best known for providing outstanding online banking and checking accounts that pay interest, we do much more.

We have a wide variety of bank accounts and we also offer services, such as bill pay and overdraft protection associated with many of those accounts.

The easiest way to see all our services is on our Products and Services page. From there you can get the details you want with a single click.

Of course, you can also contact us with any question in a variety of ways too.

Free Credit Reports Can Help You Avoid Identity Theft

2007-06-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is often in the news and ordering a free credit report can help you spot and stop potential problems according to an article by Sharon OBrien, Guide to About.com’s Senior Living.

Titled Use Free Credit Reports to Manage Your Money and Avoid Identity Theft, Sharon spells out exactly how to get your free credit reports and how to use them to spot identity theft and other problems.

PrivacyRights.org also has some excellent information on preventing identity theft.

We’ve Got Answers To Your Questions

2007-05-31T08:13:00.001-07:00

Our Contact Page gives you more than just ways to get in touch with us. There you’ll also find:

Our Hours of Operation
Search the Knowledge Base
How to Send Us an Email
How to Get a Question Answered
How to Mail Us
Our Telephone Numbers
A Link to our Accounts and Services
A Link to our Loan Department
A Link to our “About Us” Page

We’re happy to answer your questions before you open an account or after.

Flying? Over Packing Can Cost You

2007-05-31T08:02:00.001-07:00

If you’re planning on flying, be aware that airlines are getting even stricter about how much baggage you can take without paying extra. According to an article in the AARP Bulletin called The Price of Overpacking, most airlines allow you one carryon bag and two checked bags – anything more and you’ll probably be charged extra.

Those fees for extra luggage can mount up in a hurry – anywhere from $50 to $100 per bag, depending on its weight. Even if you’re willing to pay, there are limitations on the size of the bag you’ll be allowed to check.

The article gives you a clear overview of the limits and charges, but check with your airline to be sure about the details.

Curious About Our Interest Rates?

2007-05-29T07:56:00.001-07:00

Senior BofI offers interest on checking accounts as well as on savings accounts. It’s easy to find out exactly what interest rates you’ll receive. Just to our Interest Rate page.

There you’ll find an easy to read chart that gives you the current rates for checking accounts, regular savings accounts, personal certificates of deposit and money market savings accounts.

As always, if you have any questions about our interest rates or any of our other services, contact us.

How To Improve Your Gas Mileage

2007-05-29T07:44:00.001-07:00

Improving your gasoline mileage only makes sense, particularly since it’s fairly easy to do. The website, www.fuelecononmy.com is dedicated to helping all of us get better mileage. Among their tips are:

Each link leads to more detailed information, including estimates about how much each idea will save you.

Check Out Our Community Center

2007-05-24T09:22:00.001-07:00

Here at Senior BofI we know there’s more to life than banking. That’s why we’ve put together our web-based Community Center.

Here’s you’ll find links to blogs, resources of interest to seniors and even some shopping sites we think you’ll enjoy.

Take a look, and come back often. We make additions regularly.

Make Your Views Known

2007-05-24T09:03:00.000-07:00

No matter where you are on the political spectrum, you can make your views known by contacting your Senators and Representatives. It’s easy to find phone number for both local and national offices, as well as email addresses and snail mail addresses. These two websites make it easy:

United States Senate - http://www.senate.gov/index.htm
U.S. House of Representatives - http://www.house.gov/

Yes, there are toll-free numbers, but they change often. Your best bet is to Google for them. Try Senate toll-free number and House of Representative toll-free number and you’re likely to find one that works.

CDs Work For You

2007-05-22T08:41:00.001-07:00

Certificates of Deposit allow you to save money for a specific amount of time and know exactly how much interest you’ll earn assuming you don’t withdraw the money before the specified amount of time.

Senior BofI offers a wide variety of CDs, including, Individual CDs, Joint CDs, UTMA CDs, Trust CDs (Family & Inter Vivos) and CDs for the Non Profit Corporation (Charities).

You can open a CD with as little as $1,000 or as much as $10,000 with terms up to 60 months. Get all the details from our Certificates of Deposit page and open a CD today.

Senior U.S. National Park Pass Only $10!

2007-05-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

From Sharon OBrien, About.com’s Guide to Senior Living has a great article outlining the benefits of a pass called Get a Lifetime Senior Pass to U.S. National Parks. And if you’re 62 or older, the lifetime pass costs a mere $10.00.

Some of the benefits include:
Free entrance
50% off on services
(Grand)kids under 16 free

The USGS details the application process at ABOUT THE SENIOR PASS.

Compare Senior BofI Benefits

2007-05-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

We offer an amazing number of options at Senior Bank of Internet. Everything from checking accounts that pay you interest to direct deposit and online bill paying.

In fact we offer so many options, ways to contact us and benefits from having accounts with us it can get confusing.

That’s why we put together a Feature Comparison Chart.

Here you can quickly see exactly what we offer. Of course, if you have any questions at all, please contact us.

Online Resources For Seniors

2007-05-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

The web can be a valuable resource or a confusing mess. There’s lots of good information out there for seniors, and lots that is of questionable value.

One good resource is Senior Citizens' Resources which is part of USA.gov. There you will find a series of links ranging in topics from Consumer Protection for Seniors, through End-of-Life Issues and on to Travel and Recreation for Seniors.

Updated frequently, you can also subscribe to receive email notices when the page is updated or new information is added.

Yes, You Can Wire Funds

2007-05-15T08:36:00.000-07:00

It doesn’t happen often, but once and awhile you may need to either receive funds by wire or send money by wire. And you can do either within the

U.S.

from your Senior BofI accounts.

Wiring money is faster and safer than mailing a check – the money goes directly into the account of the person you’re sending it to, or comes directly into your account if you’re the recipient.

You can get complete details at our Wire Instructions page.

How The Senior Population is Growing

2007-05-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sharon OBrien, About.com’s Guide to Senior Living has an interesting article on exactly how the senior population is growing. It’s called Fun Facts About the Senior Population: Demographics.

Included are such figures as:

In July of 2004, the number of seniors (65 +)in the U.S. is 36.3 million
By 2050 that number will grow to 86.7 million
That works out to a 147 percent increase.
During the same time the total population of the U.S. will grow 49 percent.

If you want more in depth information, the U.S. Census Bureau offers information on senior demographics.

No ‘Net Access? Do Your Banking By Phone

2007-05-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

Here at Senior BofI we know that you don’t always have access to the internet. That’s why we’ve made it possible to do your banking by telephone.

Banking by phone is perfect if you’re away from home or in some other situation where you don’t have the ability to go online.

Check your loan or deposit balance, transfer funds, or verify the payment of a check any time by calling, toll free: (877) 351-BANK (2265)

Staying Safe Online

2007-05-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Internet has become, for many people, familiar territory. We zip from website to website with ease. We communicate with friends, family and business associates via email and instant messaging. We buy things online. We may even participate in social networks.

We’ve become so familiar with the ‘net we may forget there are real security issues. But there are ways to be safe online. The resources will help:

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) lists Eight Cyber Security Practices to Stay Safe Online.
PrivacyRights.org has a series of fact sheets on internet safety.
Sharon OBrien, About.com’s Guide to Senior Living has an article just for seniors called How to Increase Your Internet Safety.

Take some time to review how you use the internet and be sure you’re safe.

Money Market Savings Accounts

2007-05-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

The Money Market Savings Account offers a highly competitive rate, plus the liquidity, flexibility and accessibility of a checking account. You can open a Money Money Market Savings account with just $100.

Competitive interest rates
No monthly service charge, no minimum balance required
Limited check writing privileges (3 checks per month)
Free check printing -- BofI MMS pack
ATM Card available
Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly

Unlimited deposits may be made to a Money Market Savings Account. Unlimited withdrawals or intra-account transfers may be made from the collected balance in this account when made in person, by mail, by messenger, Internet or by automatic teller machine (ATM). Not more than 6 pre-authorized, automatic or telephone transfers may be made during a statement cycle, three of which can be checks. Withdrawals made over the stated withdrawal limitations will be assessed an excessive transaction fee per withdrawal. The rates of interest earned on the Money Market Savings Account is tied to general financial market conditions and therefore may vary from time to time.

The Following services and features are included:

Account activity is always available online with real time
account balance
ATM or Debit Check Card provided free. Card transactions are
reflected in your online activity as soon as the transaction is complete
View images of paid checks online on the day they are paid
Account information is available by telephone toll-free using
our automated telephone voice response system
Direct Deposit available

Get all the information and open your own money market savings account now.

Senior Theater

2007-05-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Love the theater? How about acting? Did you know that senior theatre is, well, almost a movement, according to Bonnie L. Vorenberg in an article called Senior Theater Groups Offer Self-Expression and Socializing at About.com’s Senior Living.

According to Vorenberg, there are over 500 senior theatre groups around the country, and the trend shows every sign of continuing to grow.

She cites ArtAge Publications, The Senior Theatre Resource Center as a good resource for seniors wanting to get involved. The site has a free newsletter, notices of workshops and much more.

Save Up To 80 Hours A Year

2007-05-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

One of our customers estimates she saves 80 hours each year by using automatic bill paying from her Senior BofI checking account. There’s no doubt that bill pay is convenient, efficient and easy.

And it’s easy to set up. Just visit our Bill Pay page for details.

Once you’ve started paying your bills automatically, you’ll save on checks, stamps, envelopes and the general hassle associated with getting those bills paid. And you'll know your bills will be paid on time, even if you're on vacation or out of town on business.

May 13th is Mother’s Day

2007-05-03T07:48:00.000-07:00

The origins of Mother’s Day are a bit obscure. It may have originally emerged from the ancient Greek’s Mother worship.

The United States copied the holiday from England when Julia Ward Howe, a social activist, wrote a Mother’s Day Proclamation to urge women to unite in peace following the Civil War.

These days the celebration is seen as a way to acknowledge and thank mothers everywhere, although there are some who want to return it to its original purpose.

According to the National Restaurant Association, Mother’s Day is the single most popular date to eat out.

How will you celebrate Mother’s Day?

Save With Senior BofI

2007-05-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Senior BofI offers a selection of savings accounts. You can open:

An individual savings account
A joint savings account
A trust savings account

Each account earns interest, but that’s not all. You also get:

Free ATM Cards
Free telephone banking anytime
Free postage-paid envelopes for depositing checks by mail

You can get all the details at our Savings Page and open your account today.

Google Tricks and Tips

2007-05-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Most of us use Google’s basic search function. Often we find what we’re looking for, which is pretty amazing considering the size of the web. Sometimes it seems as if there’s no way to find something.

But there’s more to Google. Check out Google Search Help Features. At the moment it has 28 additional ways you can use Google, each with its own link to detailed information. And that list keeps growing.

For example, Book Search let’s you search the text of many books. You can use Google to find out about currency conversion rates. Google will give you news headlines and you can determine exactly the sources you want to see. And if you’ve got your own website you can find out who links to you.

Direct Deposit Only Makes Sense

2007-04-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

If you receive checks regularly it only makes sense to have the deposited directly into one of your Senior BofI Accounts.

Direct deposit is safe. You don’t have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail. It’s convenient. You don’t have to make time to go to the bank.

You can have money deposited into your Senior BofI checking, savings, or money market account.

Once you set up direct deposit you can be sure your money will arrive in your account on time, with no hassle.

And it’s easy to set up direct deposit. Just go to our Direct Deposit Page.

Be A Great Grandparent

2007-04-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Those who are lucky enough to have grandkids are fortunate indeed. Being a great grand parent isn’t hard, but there are some tricks according to an article called 7 Ways To Become Your Grandchild’s Biggest Fan!

Many of article author Katrina Hayday Wester suggestions are common sense. Two are particularly relevant:

Keep Your Compliments In Check which is a warning not to overdo it.
Have Fun – obvious, but easily forgotten.

The article is definitely worth a read.

Overdraft Protection

2007-04-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

Even if you’re really good at balancing your checkbook, it’s possible, even likely, to make an error once and awhile – a mistake that can result in a bounced check.

You can protect yourself against such a problem with Senior BofI’s overdraft protection. We offer it in two forms: as a line of credit or by linking to another account.

With a line of credit, funds are advanced to your checking account on an as needed basis and there’s no additional fee charged for advancing funds.

With a link from another account, money is transferred into your checking account from your savings or money market account should the need arise.

Get all the information you need and set up overdraft protection today from our Overdraft Protection Page.

Seniors, Spring and Gardens

2007-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

With spring comes gardening for many. All indications are that gardening is good for us. Of course, there’s the exercise angle… a bit of planting or weeding is good for us physically.

But there seems to be something else going on as well, perhaps a soul connection with soil and growing things.

There are an abundant number of sources of gardening information on the web, including:

Of course, you can always type in the name of a particular plant or gardening type into Google and get information to.

Convenience + Interest

2007-04-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

Senior BofI checking accounts are not only convenient, they will earn you interest on the money you have on deposit. The interest is compounded daily from your first day and paid monthly.

There is no monthly fee and no minimum balance required. If that weren’t enough, our checking accounts also offer:

Free Bill Payment
Free ATM and debit (check) cards, for qualifying account holders
Free Internet or telephone banking anytime
Free postage-paid envelopes for mailing check deposits

You can get all the details and open your Senior BofI checking account from our Senior Checking page.

Meditation Is Ideal For Seniors

2007-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Referring to a 1983 Harvard study of Transcendental Meditation, NRTA, an educational arm of AARP, explains meditation may be of real benefit for seniors in an article called Staying Sharp: Meditation - Not Just for Yogis.

The article describes some of the potential benefits and explains that meditation doesn’t have to be associated with any particular spiritual path. Indeed, it can be practiced by anyone, and simple directions are included.

In a sidebar, there are links taking you to additional resources.

CDs – The Money Kind

2007-04-17T08:20:00.000-07:00

CDs, meaning certificates of deposit, are a great way to save money. They pay a set rate of interest on funds left on deposit for a specific length of time. So you know exactly how much you’re earning.

Interest on Senior BofI CDs is compounded daily and paid monthly. The interest can be paid to your CD account, your checking account or sent to you in check form.

We offer CDs in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 with terms up to 60 months.

Of course, if you withdraw early, you will pay some penalties… you can get the details and open your CD account at our Certificates of Deposit page. You’ll also find a link there to our interest rates.

Fiber Helps Reduce Blood Pressure

2007-04-17T08:10:00.000-07:00

Upping your fiber intake to 20% of your total diet can reduce your blood pressure enough to make it worthwhile according to an article called Blood Pressure Aid at RealAge.com.

The article not only contains a tasty selection of high-fiber recipes, but explains how fiber helps. It also contains a link that helps you understand exactly what soluble and insoluble fiber actually is and how it helps.

You'll find additional helpful links there as well.

MyRVBank Gets New Name

2007-04-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

According to Banking on The Road, a companion blog to Senior BofI, My RV Bank is changing it’s name to RVBank.com.

In addition to great banking product, the site is also affiliating with Camping World and Freedom Roads.

If part of your Senior Experience includes travel by RV, you’ll find this blog and it’s announcement both interesting and valuable.

Spam On The Increase

2007-04-12T08:39:00.000-07:00

According to many reports, email spam on the increase. This comes as no surprise to anyone who uses email much. What, if anything, can you do to at least reduce the load?

Use unsubscribe carefully. Legitimate emailers provide an unsubscribe link of some sort and will honor your request. On the other hand, scammers not only ignore a request to unsubscribe, but often count such a request as an indication the email address is live. When you suspect a scam or don’t recognize the source of the email it’s probably best to just delete it.
Delete, delete, delete. The only reason spam is on the increase is because it works. Enough people, in spite of all advice, respond to make it profitable. You don’t have to be one of those.
You can forward spam to the Federal Trade Commission. In theory, at least, they are in the best position to crack down on spammers. The email to use is: spam@uce.gov and you can get more information at their Spam page.

Remember, you actually control your email box and can choose NOT to open any email sent to you.

Deposit Your Paycheck Directly

2007-04-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

If you receive a regular paycheck or other payment, it only makes sense to have it deposited directly into one of your Senior BofI accounts. It’s safe, in fact safer than depositing it yourself. It’s also highly convenient – you don’t have to rush off to the bank to deposit your money.

It’s easy to set up direct deposit. Just go to our Direct Deposit page.

Note: If you’re receiving Social Security payments, the procedure is slightly different… just click on the Social Security link.

Senior Job Search

2007-04-10T08:09:00.000-07:00

More and more seniors are looking for work. Maybe they’ve lost a job and are trying to find a replacement. Or maybe they’ve decided it’s time to switch careers. Perhaps they are entering the job market for the first time or after a long absence. Whatever the reason, looking for work is hard work.

AARP has an amazing number of resources for seniors who are looking for work, including job search links. Their career section is almost a website within a website. Here you will find, among other things, information on:

· Workplace Flexibility

There are also articles on everything from entrepreneurship to finding work/life balance.

Credit Cards for Personal and/or Business

2007-04-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Choosing the right credit card can make a significant difference. For example, it only makes sense to have at least one for your personal life, and, if you have your own business it should have its own credit card.

Senior BofI, through it’s parent, Bank of Internet, offers a wide variety of both personal and business credit cards.

We have personal credit cards that offer cash back, offer other rewards and even secured credit cards.

On the business side, we offer credit cards specifically for travel and cards that reward you for your purchases.

Check out all the options at our Credit Card page.

Healthy Brain Initiative – Part of CDC Program

2007-04-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

Part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Aging Program is the Healthy Brain Initiative. It’s part of the new partnership between the CDC and the Alzheimer’s Association.

Aimed at both coordinating research and informing the public, the Healthy Brain Initiative provides a variety of reports available for both viewing and downloading, including:

Research
Program Development
Communications

The information here is well worth reading.

We’ve Got Answers!

2007-04-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

At Senior BofI we know you’re likely to have questions. Maybe it’s a question about your existing accounts. Or maybe you’re considering opening an account with us but have a questions or two you need answered first.

Of course, we’re an internet bank, and you may very well have questions about the safety, security and ease of using this relatively new form of handling your money.

We’re always happy to answer your questions. You can call or email us – just check our Contact page.

If you’re more the do-it-yourself type, check out our Knowledge Base. It’s a search engine for our site.

Healthy Aging – A CDC Program

2007-04-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, by 2030 there will be some 70 million older Americans, which works out to one elder in every five persons. Recognizing the potential impact on health services and the economy in general, the organization has put together a program called Healthy Aging in Older People.

Included in their goals is an effort to fill in gaps in knowledge, both for the public and for the professionals and agencies that serve the public.

Their website offers articles on a wide variety of subjects, starting with The State of Aging and Health in America 2007 Report. This downloadable report provides an excellent grounding, providing a deeper understanding of the problems associated with the growing elderly population.

Automate Your Bill Paying

2007-03-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

You can save tons of time (one senior estimates she saves 80 hours a year) by automating your bill paying through your Senior BofI Checking account. It’s easy to set up – you add the billing information, select the date, enter the amount to be paid and you’re all set. Plus, it’s super easy to edit and change any details you need to change later on.

Just think of it. You’ll save:

Time
Postage
The cost of envelopes
Trips to the bank

And you’ll know your bills will be paid on time even if you’re far from home.

Get the details of automatic bill paying on our Bill Paying page and sign up today.

IRS Warns Against Tax Scams

2007-03-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tax fraud scams are showing up in various parts of the country, according to an article called IRS issues tax scam warnings – Part 1. This article, and they promise a second, describes potential problems with what they call “The Dirty Dozen.”

The first mentioned is Telephone Excise Tax Refund Abuses. According to the article, most people can expect only between a $30-$60 deductions without complete receipts.

Next on the list is Abusive Roth IRAs. Apparently some scammers are urging people to contribute more than the allowable amount by shifting undervalued property into their Roth IRAs.

There are also warnings against falling for Phisihing scams – don’t open any email that claims it’s from any financial institution, including yours. In fact, delete any email that isn’t from someone or some company you know.

And know that the IRS does NOT use email to contact taxpayers.

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you have the slightest suspicion, call the IRS or your local AARP office or your bank or your tax preparer. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Consider A Certificate Of Deposit

2007-03-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Certificates of Deposit allow you to save money and predict your earnings because the interest rate is fixed over the length of the certificate.

Senior BofI offers CDs in amounts from $1,000 to $10,000 for a term of up to 60 months.

Interest is compounded daily and paid monthly. You can have the interest deposited into your CD account, another savings account or other account at Senior BofI or at another bank. You can also have a check mailed directly to you.

Like all Senior BofI accounts, you’ll be able to view your CD account online, and take advantage of our telephone banking service.

View the details and open your CD account today at our Certificate of Deposit page.

Clutter Got You Down?

2007-03-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you’re like many, you’ve got some clutter cluttering up your life. Maybe it’s because you’ve downsized and took way more than you thought to the new place. Or maybe you’ve let some clutter accumulate just because. You may even be the kind of person who has real trouble managing clutter.

There are some indications that clutter actually induces stress. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say that it’s probably easier to be in an uncluttered space.

Fortunately, there are lots of resources to help you deal with clutter. One of the best is DeClutter It, a blog at b5media. Even AARP has a whole page of articles with suggestions and approaches to getting rid of clutter.

Senior BofI Community Center

2007-03-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

In addition to providing flexible internet banking, Senior BofI works hard to provide you with resources for all seniors.

Check out our community pages. Here you will find:

Blogs of interest to seniors
helpful links to information and services
trustworthy online shopping
information about staying safe while shopping online.

Our Community Center is updated frequently. Bookmark it and come back often.

Avoiding Problems at Airport Security

2007-03-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

There’s no doubt about it, airport security makes flying a hassle. That hassle can be worse for the elderly with mobility problems and for people who have medical devices with metal implanted in their bodies.

Senior Advisor has an article called Reduce Airport Security Hassles that has some great pointers about how to make it through airport security with minimum fuss.

Making it through airport security easily does require some advance planning and even, on short trips, considering alternatives to flying.

Earn Interest on Your Senior BofI Checking Account

2007-03-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

Savings accounts aren’t the only kind of account you can earn interest on. At Senior BofI even your checking account earns you interest.

The interest starts on the day you deposit money into your checking account, is compounded daily and paid monthly. There are no monthly service fees and no minimum balance is required.

As if that weren’t enough, a Senior BofI checking account also includes:

Free Bill Payment
Free ATM and debit (check) cards, for qualifying account holders
Free Internet or telephone banking anytime
Free postage-paid envelopes for mailing check deposits

Get full information and open your Senior BofI checking account at our Senior Checking page.

Exercise Reduces Disability Risk for Seniors

2007-03-20T08:29:00.000-07:00

The more physically active seniors are, the lower their risk of injury, disability and even death, according to a report by Reuters Health published on MedlinePlus.

The study, which tracked over 1,000 seniors aged 50 – 100 revealed that for every hour of physical activity, the risk of disability was reduced by 7% and actually reduced the risk of death over the next several years by 11%.

Staying physically active through walking or other exercise program only makes sense. Fortunately it’s easy to do. AARP.org offers free programs and information on their website about walking, sports, working out and even staying motivated.

Paige Waehner, About.com’s Guide to Exercise has a page that has information on both why you should exercise, and how to get it done.

Compare Senior BofI Accounts

2007-03-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

Senior BofI offers all sorts of accounts – so many, in fact, you may be confused about which is right for you.

That’s why we’ve put together a web page that lets you compare all our accounts. It’s an easy-to-read chart that spells out exactly the benefits of each kind of account we offer.

As always, we’re delighted to answer any questions you may have. Contact us, in a variety of ways. We’re here to help.

Only a Month ‘Til Taxes Are Due

2007-03-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

Federal Income taxes are due, well, this year, April 17^th, not the usual April 15^th. But time is getting closer.

There’s a lot of help online if you need it, including:

AARP has an email form so you can ask a question.
AARP also has a page of FAQs (frequently asked questions) that may solve your problem.
Of course, the IRS has a site too; it’s massive, but fairly easy to navigate and worth a look.
You can file your taxes electronically at the IRS site too – for free.

However you get it done, now is the time to start preparing.

Money Market Savings Offer Advantages

2007-03-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

A Money Market savings account with Senior BofI offers you considerable advantages over regular savings, including:

A higher rate of interest.
The ability to write up to 3 checks each month on the account.
A free ATM card on the account.
Interest compounded daily and paid monthly.

You can get complete information at our Money Market Savings page, and you can open your Money Market Savings right there.

You Can Split Your Tax Refund

2007-03-13T08:28:00.000-07:00

Starting this year, you can direct the IRS to deposit your tax refund to up to three different accounts, according to an article at AARP.org. You could, for example, ask that a quarter of your refund go into your checking account and the balance into a savings account.

The idea is that if you put some of it in savings, you’re less likely to spend the whole refund. It’s kind of a way to trick yourself into saving more.

Of course, you’ll need to accept your refund by direct deposit, which you can do on IRS Form 1040.

To split your refund into different accounts you need to fill out IRS Form 8888.

Direct Deposit at Senior BofI

2007-03-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

Getting regular checks direct deposited rather than via paper checks mailed to you is one way to help prevent identity theft. It’s also a way to be sure checks won’t be stolen from your mail box.

But protection isn’t the only reason to go to direct deposit. The truth is, receiving your money by direct deposit is truly convenient.

You know your money will arrive, safely, and on time – no matter what. You don’t have to go to the bank, and at Senior BofI you can quickly confirm your money has been deposited online.

It’s easy to set up a direct deposit account – just go to our Direct Deposit page.

Direct Deposit to Foil Identity Theft

2007-03-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Banks are pushing those who receive regular checks from the government to have that money deposited directly as a way to help avoid identity theft according to an article in the March 2007 AARP Bulletin.

The article explains that the Treasure Department found about 57,000 signatures were forged on government checks last year; there were almost no problems with direct deposit during the same period.

In spite of evidence to the contrary, apparently about 40% of the folks who receive regular government checks are under the impression that paper checks are safer. Yet direct deposit almost entirely eliminates stolen checks and the subsequent risk of identity theft, and missed payments.

You can get more information at GoDirect.org.

Phone Us!

2007-03-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

Senior BofI is an internet bank, but you don’t have to have an internet connection to use us. We have a toll-free number, (877) 351-2265, that you can use to:

Get the balances on all your accounts.
Transfer funds
Verify payments

This automatic telephone service is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Check our Telephone Banking page for more information.

Daylight Savings Time Changes

2007-03-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

For years and years, most of us in the United States have been used to moving our clocks forward an on the last Sunday in April, then turning them back on the last Sunday in October. All that has changed. In 2005, Congress passed a law extending daylight savings starting this year in an attempt to save energy.

This year, and probably for at least several more years, daylight savings begins on the second Sunday of March (March 11) and ends on the first Sunday in November (November 4).

In addition to changing your clocks, double check your computer on the 11^th. Depending on the age of your operating system, you may need to adjust its clock.

If you use a computer based calendar like Outlook or other program, it probably makes sense to double check your appointment times with a phone call during the new daylight savings times.

Double check your cell phone too, and spend a few extra minutes with your cell phone bill for this period.

The same thing is true for online banking and any time sensitive financial transactions you might make. Most will be okay, but a few could be an hour off.

If you’re making international calls, WebExhibits has a chart that will help sort you out.

And if you’ve mastered your video recorder, particularly an older model, you may have to adjust its time as well.

Would a Reverse Mortgage Make Sense For You?

2007-03-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

Would a reverse mortgage make sense for you? It depends. Essentially, a reverse mortgage is a way to use the equity in your home for living expenses today and tomorrow, without making payments on the money you barrow. That’s because the money isn’t due until you die, move, or sell the home.

Done properly, it can be an outstanding way to help fund your retirement.

AARP offers an excellent overview of reverse mortgages, including eligibility and a calculator to help you determine how much money you might receive.

Senior BofI offers reverse mortgages. You can get more information and contact us about them at our Reverse Mortgage page.

Beat Colds With A Positive Attitude

2007-03-01T09:18:00.000-08:00

According to Real Age, Colds Hate Positive People. The article refers to research that there is a link between emotional and physical health that can be demonstrated. It turns out that people who have a positive or happy outlook on life really do catch fewer colds than those who tend to have negative or unhappy thoughts.

The study goes further and indicates that even when happy people get colds, their symptoms are less and last a shorter time than those who are not positive.

Of course, it also makes sense to take reasonable care along with changing your thinking. Washing your hands, rest and good food also support your immune system and can help you avoid colds.

Overdraft Protection

2007-02-27T08:59:00.000-08:00

No matter how well you manage your money, you may make a mistake that, without overdraft protection, would result in a bounced check. Such protection can:

Save overdraft fees.
Help protect your credit rating.
Save you from embarrassment.

Senior BofI offers overdraft protection two ways:

As a loan or line of credit. And we don’t charge any advance fees.
By linking to a savings or money market account.

It’s easy to set up. Get full information at our Overdraft page.

How Well Do You Manage Your Money?

2007-02-27T08:48:00.000-08:00

It can be difficult to tell how well you manage your money compared to other folks. After all, the state of our finances is not something we discuss with just anyone.

AARP has a self-assessment quiz you can take that will help you know how well you’re doing.

It’s an easy quiz with mostly true/false choices. When you’re done you’ll get a score that ranks you somewhere between “you could teach a class” and “what are you waiting for?”

But the real reason to give it a try is, as you answer the questions, you’ll quickly see the areas you need improvement in. That’s backed up with a link that will give you information on a wide variety of personal financial issues.

Credit Cards To Suit Your Lifestyle

2007-02-22T10:05:00.000-08:00

Senior BofI offers a wide variety of credit cards, including:

Personal cards, some with cash back
Credit cards for your business

Of course, our rates are competitive!

Check out our Credit Card page for details.

And, as always, if you have any questions, contact us. We’re available by phone, email, and contact form.

Seniors and Back Pain

2007-02-22T09:47:00.000-08:00

Estimates of how many seniors suffer from lower back pain are all over the map. Some experts say it’s as high as 80%, others use a much lower number. Whatever the statistics, the truth is seniors do have back pain, and probably at a higher rate than the younger population.

AARP has an excellent article called Your Aching Back. It gives an overview of the problem and sums up treatment options nicely. Following the article are helpful links about getting more fit, probably the best prevention for back pain you’ll find.

Robin McKenzie, developer of the McKinzie method of self-treatment for back pain has written a book called 7 Steps to a Pain-Free Life, available at bookstores both online and off. He prescribes a series of simple exercises designed both to relieve back pain and help with prevention.

Of course, if you have back pain, you’ll want to check with your medical professional before you do anything, but you are not helpless. There are steps you can take to relieve and prevent lower back pain.

Got a Question?

2007-02-15T08:57:00.000-08:00

Got a question about Senior BofI? Search our Knowledge Base. Just enter your question – you’ll see an example on the search page – click enter and the chances are you’ll have your question answered immediately.

Of course, searching our Knowledge Base is just one way you can get your questions answered. You can ask a question via email, via an online form, by snail mail or over the phone.

Visit our Contact Page to learn how to contact us with questions or for any other concern or interest.

We're serious about customer service!

Back Up Your Computer!

2007-02-15T08:39:00.000-08:00

You’ve heard it before. You need to back up the files on your computer. But, if you’re like most, it’s something you keep postponing because it’s a pain in the behind to do.

Thanks to a highly recommended free service called Mozy, backing up has just gotten easier, and for many people, it’s free.

If you’re on a Windows system and have a broadband connection, you simply signup, download a piece of software and proceed. You’ll be guided through the whole process. The first time you use Mozy it takes some time to scan your computer and let you choose what you want to back up. After that, it’s all pretty automatic, with regular backups happening in background.

If you’re using a Mac, you’ll have to wait, but you can sign up to get notified when Mozy is Mac compatible.

CDs Make Good Savings Vehicles

2007-02-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Certificates of Deposit, also known as CDs, can be an excellent way to save money and get a predictable interest rate for a specific length of time.

At Senior BofI CDs can be opened in amounts ranging from $1,000 to $100,000 for terms up to 60 months. The interest is compounded daily and paid monthly.

If you want you can have your interest payments automatically transferred to your Senior BofI checking account, another account elsewhere or mailed to you in a check.

As with all Senior BofI accounts, you can access your CDs online, viewing your balances and statements from your own home. You can also access balances via telephone.

Complete information about all the CDs we offer is available on our Certificate of Deposit Page – you can also open your CD account there.

Seniors Adopt Online Bill Pay

2007-02-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Seniors in the 50-64 age group use online bill payment as much as those in the 25-49 age group according to a study reported on the AARP website. After age 65, the number drops off.

Some are surprised to find baby boomers as comfortable with online payment as the younger generations, but it makes sense. Online bill payment is convenient and secure if reasonable cautions are used.

AARP tells you how to be safe on line in an article called Get Net Safe - Stay Safe Online.

Let Senior BofI Pay Your Bills

2007-02-08T09:31:00.000-08:00

Did you know Senior BofI offers free bill paying? Yes, you can pay your bills automatically from you Senior BofI Checking Account. Here are just some of the advantages:

You can pay an unlimited number of bills, automatically, at no cost.
Automatic Bill Pay is easy to set up, manage and change.
You’re assured your bills will be paid on time even if you’re traveling or busy with life.
Automatic Bill Pay can save you up to 80 hours a year.
You don’t have to find a stamp, or envelope, or get to the mail box.

Get the details and sign up to day at our Bill Pay Page.

You Don’t Have To Do Your Taxes Alone

2007-02-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

February is a great time to start thinking about your 2006 income tax. Sure, the filing date isn’t until April, April 17^th this year. But if you want to take advantage of tax preparers, the earlier the better. Come April they will be swamped and exhausted.

The IRS lists resources for getting free assistance with your tax preparation. Some have income restrictions, others don’t.

Best known is AARP’s Tax-Aid; plug in your zip code and the chances are you’ll find the help you need. And if you are good at understanding numbers and tax code, you can volunteer to help others there too.

Seniors! Earn Interest on Your Checking

2007-02-06T08:08:00.000-08:00

If you’re 50 or older you can earn interest on your checking at Senior BofI. But earning interest isn’t the only advantage. Included with your checking account is:

Free Bill Payment
Free ATM and debit (check) cards
Free Internet or telephone banking anytime
Free postage-paid envelopes for mailing check deposits

Get all the information and open your checking account at Senior BofI today at our Senior checking page.

National Consumer Protection Week

2007-02-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

It’s National Consumer Protection Week – Feb. 4 – Feb. 10. Sponsored by the U.S. Government, the goal is help people become informed so they can protect themselves from fraud. The slogan this year is “Read Up and Reach Out – Be An Informed Consumer.”

The website has basic information and a ton of links to information you can use to protect yourself. It also has information about how you can use the site to promote understanding in your own groups and communities.

Included are links to participating organizations and a free "Heloise" Consumer Information Packet

Direct Deposit Is Easy and Safe

2007-02-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

If you receive a regular check from Social Security or an employer, you may want to take advantage of Senior BofI’s direct deposit. You can have your money automatically deposited in your Senior BofI checking, savings or Money Market account.

The advantages are obvious. You don’t have to worry about getting to the bank to deposit your money and you don’t have to worry that your money will be stolen.

It’s easy to set up a direct deposit – just go to our Direct Deposit page for the right form and details. And if you have any questions at all, please contact us.

Fresh Foods May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s

2007-02-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are still largely unknown and until it’s better understood, there’s little certainty about how to prevent this devastating condition. There are, however, some indications that a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetable may help prevent the illness according to an article called Feed Your Head on the AARP website.

The article quotes Dr. David Snowdon, Ph.D., a professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky. He likens fruits and vegetables to a mutual fund of health because of the “thousands of compounds that offer protection against a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's disease." The article continues to recommend:

Cruciferous vegetables

Green leafy vegetables

Blueberries

Healthy fats

Moderate use of alcohol

Fruit and vegetable juices

While there’s no guarantee that a diet rich in these will prevent Alzheimer’s, it is a healthy diet and that certainly can’t hurt.

Loans from Senior BofI

2007-01-30T08:47:00.000-08:00

Senior BofI offers a wide variety of loan options, including:

Home loans
Loans for apartments
Commercial real estate
Home equity
Reverse mortgages
Overdraft protection
Credit cards

You can get the information you need about our loan programs at our Loan Center. Feel free to contact us with any questions you might have.

Help Your Grandkids With College Costs

2007-01-30T08:39:00.000-08:00

According to many sources, the cost of college is increasing some 5 – 8% every year! That is significantly more than our current inflation rate. Grandparents can be of significant help through a variety of savings and investment products that offer tax advantages. According to an article on the AARP website called Saving for College, these options are available:

Coverdell Savings Account (Education IRA)

529 college savings plans

UGMA/UTMA

The article gives a good overview of each option and is an excellent place for you to start figuring out how to help your grandkids go to college.

Senior BofI Is Easy To Contact

2007-01-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

No matter where you bank, you want to be able to get your questions and concerns answered in an easy and timely manner. Because Senior BofI is an internet bank, we offer more contact options than many of the more typical banks.

You can contact us:

By email from your email program
By filling out a form on our web pages
By phone
By mail
Get answers through our searchable knowledge base

Our goal is to offer you the best possible service. Get full contact information on our Contact page.

Seniors and Sleep

2007-01-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

Older adults often report they have trouble going to sleep at night and that they have trouble staying asleep. But, contrary to a common myth, seniors need as much sleep as younger people, according to an article called Sleep and Aging: The Facts about Seniors and Sleep at About.com’s Senior Living site.

That means we should be getting between seven and nine hours of sleep each night. It isn’t always easy! Although there may be specific medical conditions like sleep apnea or restless leg syndrome that prevent seniors from sleeping soundly, more often it’s a matter of establishing or re-establishing regular routines and getting enough exercise.

Sharon O'Brien, About.com’s Guide to Senior Living also has an article called Sleep Well: How to Get a Good Night's Sleep that has lots of good tips for sleeping well.

Track Interest Rates at Senior BofI

2007-01-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

No matter what kind of an account you have at Senior BofI, you probably want to know exactly how much interest you’re earning. It’s simple, just click on our Interest Rate page.

There you will find the current rate for each of your accounts, from interest earning checking to savings, certificates of deposit and money market accounts.

If you’d like to see how the various types of accounts we offer compare, that’s easy too. Just click on our Feature Comparison page.

Remember, you can contact us any time in many different ways – we’re here to help.

Seniors and Back Pain

2007-01-23T07:50:00.000-08:00

Lower back pain affects some 6 million people annually according to an article called Back Pain Overview by Anne Asher, About.com’s guide to Back and Neck Pain. Although statistics about how many of these cases are seniors are difficult to find, there is general consensus that as we age we are more vulnerable to low back pain.

The same article outlines the types of back and neck pain (they truly are related in many cases), giving perhaps more information than you want, but if you’ve got back pain you probably want to at least scan the article.

The final page is also a stand-alone article called Treatment and Prevention of Back Pain. It’s an excellent overview of what you can do to both prevent the problem and to treat it when it occurs.

Of course, you’ll also want to consult your medical professional, but having some information ahead of time can ease your pain and help you help your doctor treat you.

Pay Your Bills Online

2007-01-18T12:10:00.000-08:00

One of the advantages of a checking account with Senior BofI is you can pay your bills online. Why is this an advantage? There are lots of reasons, including:

You can pay your bills without leaving home.
If you’re traveling, you can pay your bills from wherever you are.
You don’t have to worry about stamps or addressing envelopes.
You can set it up so your bills are paid automatically.

It’s easy to set up and super easy to make changes, all from the comfort of your own computer. Get the details on our Bill Payment page.

Staying Healthy In Winter

2007-01-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

Winter brings some potential health problems for seniors, according to an article called Health Tips For Seniors This Winter. The truth is, the older we get, the more vulnerable we become.

Included in the article are ideas for:

Avoiding the cold
Eating well in winter
Preparing to be outside
Resisting winter blues

Much of it is common sense, but the article is worth reading.

Open A Savings Account With Your Grandkids

2007-01-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

If you decide to help your grandchildren learn how to save their money, there will probably come a time when opening a savings account with them or for them only makes sense. Given how quickly children become familiar with the internet, opening an internet savings account for them can give them a way to watch their savings grow. Plus, you’ll be able to teach them about passwords and other internet security issues.

Senior BofI offers a variety of savings accounts that can work for both you and your grandkids, including:

You can get details and open savings accounts from our savings account page.

Help Your Grandkids Learn About Money

2007-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

According to an article in Forbes, “Teaching kids how to manage money is one of the biggest challenges facing any parent.” As a grandparent, you can help. And one of the biggest helps is teaching kids how to save.

Of course, you’ll want to double check with their parents, but getting your grandkids some sort of a piggy bank, even if it’s only a special can or jar, can be the beginning of teaching the value of saving, according to an article called Grandkids and money at CNN Money. As your grandkids begin to get the idea of saving money, you could offer to match their savings, the article suggests, giving them even more incentive.

The Mint.org suggests setting up four savings banks – one for saving, one for spending, one for investing/growing and one for giving.

However you help teach your grandkids about money, have fun.

Yes, We Offer Credit Cards

2007-01-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, Senior BofI offers a variety of credit cards through our parent, Bank of Internet, including:

Personal credit cards with no annual fees and cash back opportunities
Secured credit cards
Business credit cards with a variety of features, depending on what you need and want.

Of course, you’ll get a debit or ATM card with your Senior BofI checking account.

For details about our credit card offers, visit our credit card page, and feel free to contact us with any questions.

How Many Credit Cards Do You Need?

2007-01-10T09:44:00.000-08:00

The January AARP Bulletin reports that on average, each person who uses credit and/or debt cards carries 8.6 cards! Although there are certainly valid reason for multiple cards, like a debit card for personal use and one that is used for business expenses only, the more cards you carry, the more confused you’re likely to become.

But it gets worse. The credit card industry is rapidly changing the rules about how it charges fees, and penalties. In many cases, grace periods are shortening; interest rates are rising, etc. And if that’s not bad enough, a late pay on one card can result in rate raises on some or even all of the cards you have.

It only makes sense to simplify as much as you can. And remember, just because you have a credit or debt card, doesn’t mean you have to carry it with you at all times. It may make sense to put some away.

An Internet Bank Makes So Much Sense

2007-01-08T10:27:00.000-08:00

A bank that exists mostly in cyberspace like Senior BofI just makes sense. The most obvious advantage, is an internet bank doesn’t need a network of offices – your computer becomes your very own, personal branch.

The reason this is so important is two fold:

The bank saves an amazing amount of money in buildings, building maintenance and staff – which can be passed along to you with things like interest bearing checking accounts.
You decide exactly when and where to bank… at home, on the road any time any day.

When you couple internet banking with our outstanding customer service you’ve got a winner. Explore your account options right now.

Are You Still Renting Your Phone?

2007-01-08T10:20:00.000-08:00

AARP, NPR and several other sources have reported a surprising number of seniors are still paying their phone company a monthly rental for their phone. If you’re one, it may not be the best use of your money.

Back in the day, of course, we didn’t have an option, but today we do. Although most phone companies will rent or lease you phone equipment, it’s rarely the money-wise choice.

Check your phone bill, and if you’re not sure, call your phone company and ask. If you are still paying them an equipment leasing fee, find out what it’s costing you and what it will cost you to change. Explore your options. Office supply and electronic stores offer an amazing variety of phones you can own for a surprisingly small amount of money. Plus you’ll have many more choices if you own your own equipment.

Checking With Interest

2007-01-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

A checking account with Senior BofI earns interest from the first day of your deposit. It’s compounded daily and the interest is paid monthly. As if that weren’t enough, checking with Senior BofI also gives you:

Free Bill Payment
Free ATM and debit (check) cards, for qualifying account holders
Free Internet or telephone banking anytime
Free postage-paid envelopes for mailing check deposits

And, if you find yourself charged for ATM fees at other banks, we’ll reimburse you up to $8 a month.

Get the details and open your Senior BofI Checking Account now.

Positive Thinking Works

2007-01-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Thinking positive thoughts can help you motivate yourself according to an article at AARP.org called Positive Thinking Can Bring Good Health. The idea is if you think you can do it, you probably can. On the other hand, if you think you can’t, you won’t.

The article is aimed at helping people motivate themselves to exercise regularly – a popular New Year’s resolution and one that many find difficult to keep.

The site also offers advice on specific exercise programs, including walking, working out, and sports.

It’s well known that increasing physical activity increases health and emotional well being, so its worth finding ways to keep at it.