
Every month, I look forward to Jim Bruene’s monthly financial services scorecard. Using sophisticated Internet traffic monitoring services, he assesses the number of applications and approvals for online savings / checking accounts, credit cards, and mortgages.
The stats for FEB08 are particularly disconcerting.
Inflation - Silent But Deadly!
Low interest rates have made online savings accounts highly undesirable investments. I am not surprised that applications have declined so dramatically. With APYs below 4.00%, it is absolutely impossible to beat inflation no matter which way you try to calculate it. Remember, while the US government pegs inflation at about 4% per year, keep in mind that the government manipulates the mathematic formulas to determine inflation rates. Economic watchdogs like ShadowStats calculate inflation to be closer to 8%!
In addition, the fact that crude oil is inching towards $120 does not quell inflation fears. Oh yeah, and if you’ve been to the supermarket lately, have you noticed that food is getting more expensive? That’s partly inflation in action!
How are YOU beating inflation? Leave a comment to let us know!
Related Resources:
WaMu 3.75% Savings Account
HSBC 3.50% Savings Account
ETRADE 3.30% Savings Account
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