As a graduate student, I’ve learned to live on my meager stipend. As a result, I have become a miserly young man even Scrooge McDuck would be proud of. But since I don’t have a money bin to swim around in, my tight-wadded-ness is more a point of necessity then preference. I can easily spend a whole week researching before making a purchase just to ensure I am getting the best deal.
Even though we have little dough (I’m a poet and didn’t even know it) graduate students require financial services. Over the years I’ve discovered some of the best, which give you the most bang for your hard earned green.
“Orange Savings Account” from ING Direct
ING Direct’s “Orange Savings Account” offers some of the highest interest rates available. I’ve earned enough interest to finance a couple cases of beerAnd since my ING account links directly to my checking account, transferring money is a cinch. Plus, you have the opportunity to earn some extra cash by referring friends. I don’t have a lot of money in my Orange Savings Account but I’ve earned enough interest to finance a couple cases of beer.
Health Insurance from eHealthInsurance
eHealthInsurance is a one-stop-shop for all your student (and other) health insurance needs. I was able to find a affordable Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield policy covering me and my wife. Now I can see a real doctor instead of the student health center quacks
Car and Home/Renter’s Insurance from Esurance
Esurance is a relatively new direct insurance provider. You have probably seen their ads on TV (with the magenta haired chick). I must admit, I have never bought a policy through the Esurance website but I have gotten quotes for car and home owners policies that beat my current rates with Progressive. I am just too lazy to switch. They also offer renters insurance policies.
Zero Commission Stock Trading from Zecco
Zecco (short for ZEro Cost COmmissions) is a online stock trading company created by the founders of Skype that gives “low-cost brokerage” a new meaning. Early retirement, here I come There are no minimum account balances, no startup costs, and online trades are free (up to 10 a day and 40 a month). Zecco does not offer dollar based trading like Sharebuilder but for small time investors like me, the $0 trades keeps commissions from eating up all of my earnings. Early retirement, here I come.
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