Best-of-Breed Financial Products
Credit Card Offerings
American Express (under construction). This well-known card issuer is the only option for Costco members, and has a few unique features that other players lack. In particular, authorized users on an account are each given their own unique card number. This makes tracking spending a much easier process.
Home Equity Line of Credit
DeepGreenBank An innovative, zero-fee, extremely flexible product that effectively acts as a cushion against hard times, an extremely affordable method of loan consolidation, a superb way to tap the equity in your house for remodeling, investments, and tax benefits, and much more. UPDATE: after recently increasing their rate and reducing their account flexibilty, DeepGreen is no longer endorsed as a best of breed product. Please check dcu.org as a superior alternative. I plan to update this soon.
Bank Accounts
Bank of Internet Checking Accounts This bank offers a very attractive checking if you're over 40 or bank with someone who is. While it works well for many, its limited funds transfer options render it no longer advisable for active online account users. Best of Breed award now goes to USAA.com .
Alternative Low-Risk Investments
Savings Bonds: Superb Low-Risk Investment Made Better by the Net Humble government-issued adjusted savings bonds are a great substitute for cash, money markets, or other short-term investments. And the internet makes them all the more attractive.
I'm always interested in adding more. If you think you might have a good
suggestion for an additional candidate, or have any other comments, please share
them with me at
daveh@sent.com
Last updated on 08/18/2006