I’ve been away from my apartment for almost a week, so I had a few goodies waiting for me upon my arrival home yesterday.

I received a letter from Emigrant Direct with my activation code for their new website to be launched next Monday. Also, they included a notice that they will be raising their rates to 5.15% APY on July 28. This has been reported by other bloggers, as has BankRate.com’s decision to lower the bank’s rating.

I wouldn’t put too much thought into the rating change. Unless Emigrant Savings Bank, the brick-and-mortar “owner” of Emigrant Direct, were to fall into serious financial problems, there won’t be an issue with keeping your money there. Savings accounts are insured by the FDIC up to $100,000 per account holder.

I also received my customer ID and ATM card for my new HSBC Direct savings account. I am still awaiting two additional mailings: one containing my website password and one containing my ATM card PIN. I might have already locked myself out of online access, requiring a call to customer service.

Two checks for various online activities arrived while I was away. Combined with a third I’ve had sitting in my car’s glove compartment — it’s not really worth it to drive to the bank to deposit a $5 check unless I have more to bring with me — I should be able to make a nice deposit into my checking account.

As I do every week, I received multiple coupons for Bed Bath and Beyond. I’ve never had any problems using any of their coupons past their supposed expiration dates, by the way.

I received my quarterly statement for my 401(k), but I haven’t reviewed it. I check my account online and track it with Quicken, so there are generally no surprises in these statements.

A number of people have sent me email regarding a variety of topics, and I’ll try to respond to everyone in the next few days. I’m on “vacation,” and I have a number of small things planned to keep myself and my girlfriend busy over the next few days, so posting will still be light.

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About the Author

Flexo, the owner and creator of Consumerism Commentary, has been blogging and writing for the internet since 1995 and has been building online communities since 1991. Find out more about him and follow him on Twitter.

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