BANKATLANTIC SHARES TOP TIPS FOR A FINANCIALLY SECURE 2009
Media Contacts:
Hattie Hess, BankAtlantic
Phone: 954-940-6383/Email: hhess@bankatlantic.com
Sandra Fine, rbb Public Relations
Phone: 305-567-0535 /Email: Sandra.Fine@rbbpr.com
BANKATLANTIC SHARES TOP TIPS FOR A FINANCIALLY SECURE 2009
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – December 16, 2008 – This year, many New Year’s Resolutions will likely include ways to save money and make smart spending decisions in 2009. BankAtlantic, Florida’s Most Convenient Bank, offers advice to help Floridians work toward a more financially secure 2009, even in a less than strong economy. These small adjustments to daily habits can add up to hundreds of dollars of savings each month.
· Create a budget: At the very minimum, write down on a piece of paper how much money you spend on what each month. This will give you some guidelines to work with.
· Open a savings account: Make sure you are accruing interest through a savings or money market account. Most financial institutions offer free savings accounts that allow you to earn interest on your money with no minimum investment, such as BankAtlantic’s Free Savings Account.
· Auto Save: Set up an automatic monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account to ensure you are budgeting for savings each month. Even a few dollars will add up over time, plus earn interest.
· Auto Bill Pay: Choose a bank that offers Online Banking and works with your electric, cable and other service providers to automatically pay your bills each month. This automated service avoids unnecessary late fees and the cost of stamps.
· Educate: Make savings and smart spending a family activity. Teach your children about budgeting and savings at an early age by enrolling them in a youth savings account such as BankAtlantic’s Kid Power Savings.
· Exchange Your Change: Many businesses offer coin counting machines that can turn your loose change around the home into spendable cash. Saving $0.50 a day in loose change adds up to $180 per year. BankAtlantic’s offers Change Exchange machines in all locations.
· Cut the Excess: Examine all utility bills to ensure you absolutely need all the services you are currently receiving. Call your service providers every six months to inquire about promotional offers that may be more cost effective.
· Brown Bag It: Bringing lunch to work rather than eating out can save up to $720 per year. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative.
· Go Generic: Consider switching from brand name products to generic. Studies show most consumers don’t notice a significant difference in taste or performance, but do notice a big savings.
About BankAtlantic:
BankAtlantic, "Florida's Most Convenient Bank", with over $6 billion in assets and more than 100 stores is one of the largest financial institutions headquartered in Florida. BankAtlantic is open 7 days a week and offers holiday hours, extended weekday hours, Free Online Banking & Bill Pay, a 7-Day Customer Service Center, Change Exchange coin counters and free retail and business checking with a free gift. BankAtlantic has been serving communities throughout Florida since 1952 and currently operates more than 250 conveniently located ATMs. The bank has supported thousands of charitable, civic and professional organizations since the inception of the BankAtlantic Foundation in 1994.
For further information visit www.BankAtlantic.com
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