His Hers Money

Our near term goal is to get some accounts set up to automatically save money as well as earn us a decent return on our investment. The key to saving money is to make it automatic. If you wait until you get your paycheck, pay all your bills and then see what’s left over you will very rarely ever move the money into a savings vehicle. If the money comes out automatically you will be forced to work with the remaining funds.

Recent New Investments:

His:
ING Savings Account $250 initial, $50 bi-monthly
TD Ameritrade: $50 a month w/ $100 bonus after 12 months (offer #701)
Prosper: In the process of confirming account
Lending Club: In the process of confirming account

Hers: (already has an ING account)
TD Ameritrade: $50 a month w/ $100 bonus after 12 months (offer #701)
Prosper: In the process of funding account ($100 to start)
Lending Club: In the process of funding account ($100 to start)

One key characteristic to note about these accounts is that with Prosper and Lending Club you do not have access to your money. They are investments where your full capital is locked up for 3 years. You receive a portion of it back every month as the loan is repaid. The ING account can be withdrawn from but it does take a couple business days to move the money.

It is important to have some sort of savings account that you have access to right away in case of emergency. I have mine with my credit union and I can go online and move the money to my checking account instantly.

What else are we missing? I know there are other offers out there that are worth taking advantage of. Please let us know!