I was a bit disconnected from the world on Friday since I was working from home, but I came in today to find two surprises. Microsoft stock closed at 31.21 on Friday. That's the highest it has been in 5 years. Whether this is merely a result of the buyback program or an actual increase in the strength of the stock remains to be seen. Secondly, Google topped 500. Remember when it IPO'd around 120 and everyone said that 75 was a more reasonable price? Oops.
I've had an ING bank account for almost two years now. For the uninitiated, it's an online bank full of awesomeness. I have a savings account there that is making about 4.5% (and that rate goes up every month or so.) They also have a bunch of mutual funds with no management or trading fees, a couple of which have made 40% for each of the past two years. Not too shabby eh?
I just got an email announcing that I can now open a checking account with them too. Currently I have a normal bank, and ING is linked to my regular bank. I can transfer money in and out as needed. Theoretically now you could use ING as your only bank (although I'm not quite sure how you would cash/deposit a check.) They offer free ATM access and they'll write/mail paper checks for you.
I have been nothing but impressed with them. I've made a lot more money than I would have if it sat in my bank's savings account which currently earns 0.2%. Yawn.
If you are interested in giving it a shot, contact me for a referral. They'll give you $25 and I get $10 out of the deal.