Savings and Investment Column

• Study shows increase in average 401(k) balances

  American workers boosted their retirement savings account balances in the first quarter of 2012, a new study finds.

• New rules aim to boost transparency on 401(k) fees

  U.S. Labor Department rules will soon require account managers to more clearly reveal how much they charge.

• 401(k) contributions rise slightly in 2011

  Despite a volatile market, Americans saved more for retirement last year, and more employers pitched in too.

Best Bank Deals

• PNC Bank $100 reward

  Open a Virtual Wallet at PNC Bank and you could earn a $100 reward. The offer is good through Sept. 30, 2011. You can open a Virtual Wallet online or ask to receive a coupon that can be redeemed at a local branch. To receive the reward you must make qualifying direct deposits totaling at least $750 and 10 purchases with a PNC Visa Check Card within 60 days of opening the account. Other details of the offer include: You must open a Performance, Performance Select or Performance Spend checking Read More >>

  August 23, 2011

• 4 ways to jump start your savings

  Do you find it difficult to build a savings. You are not alone. Many people have trouble finding money in their budget to put away for a rainy day. Here are four things you may not have considered to find the cash to jump start your savings. Raise your deductible on home, auto and other insurance policies. Raising the deductible means you'll pay more out of pocket if you ever file a claim, but you'll lower your monthly premium. Use the money saved to start a savings account. Read More >>

• Quantum National Bank money market account

  If you have a large sum of money you need to park in a safe place for a while, Quantum National Bank has a Hi-Rate Money Market that earns 1 percent annual percentage yield. The money market rate is good for deposits of $100,000 and up. So if you have a large sum of money saved up for a house down payment, business purchase or some other financial transaction that will take place in the near future, this money market can allow you to earn a modest return on your money rather than have it sit in Read More >>

  August 22, 2011

Bank Reviews More Bank Reviews >>