How to Find the Best Prepaid Debit Cards

Prepaid debit cards were introduced to provide a medium of quick and handy payment transaction to the consumers. They were relatively fast than the traditional cheques in the business operations. Prepaid debit cards very soon made their in the modern banking solutions mainstream than expected.

Statics projects that almost more than $200 billion dollars are loaded on it in each fiscal year. These cards also give additional advantages to the consumers like mobile check deposits, direct deposit and check writing. Most of these prepaid cards costs very little in using and adds no more than few dollars a month.

Ranking of Different Prepaid Debit Cards

Ranking the prepaid cards is a challenging work. The fees attracted by the bank on the prepaid card essentially depend upon its usage. Same kind of card could a particular almost nothing while another person who suffers from frequent cash loads and out-of-network ATM withdrawals would end paying much more amount. Consumers taking advantage of the direct deposit or those who loads certain amount of their card each month as well as who utilizes for limited number of transaction would end up in attracting significantly lower fees.

The Best Prepaid Debit Cards For The Consumers

After carefully analysing the fees charged by the different banks on their specific kinds of pre paid debit cards, this list has been compiled which gives the best options available for the consumers.

American Express

American Express leads the chart with its two cost effective prepaid cards which are tentatively named as the Bluebird and Serve. In reality the Bluebirds could be better described as a checking account rather than a genuine prepaid card. Both of these pre-paid comes with additional features which are appreciated by it consumers. These additional features are checking writing, money management tools and online bill pay. Both of these cards attract extremely low fees than other cards available in the market.

Kaiku

Kaiku is prepaid Visa card which offers low and quite simplified fees which costs just $3 per month covering all the services. The services provided by this are mobile check deposits, direct deposit, a intuitive & secure mobile application as well as a ‘Funds-Ometer’ which tracks how the money is being spent by the cards in an efficient manner.

Walmart MoneyCard

Walmart offer its prepaid debit card with both Visa and Mastercard. Like other it also comes with low fees, a dedicated mobile app as well as free cash reloads at the Walmart stores with the preferred version of the card.

Mango Money

This is a prepaid MasterCard which attracts low fees which is just $3 per month. It also gives a saving account option to its consumers and pays 6.00% APY in return which is beneficial in its own unique way.


Prepaid debit cards acts as an alternative for the consumers who have trouble in establishing or improving their credit record. However it would wise for the customers to become aware of the various additional benefits and different kind of fees charged by the banks before opting for a specific debit card.

Stock Market Rebound Lowers Gold Prices

Gold Prices Lower

The bounce in the stock markets all over the world at the starting of the trading week has pressurized the U.S trading early on Monday, as reflected in the moderately lower gold prices. A bearish outside market phenomenon, which is working against these precious metals, is also the reason for the higher index of the U.S dollar on this day. At $1,210.00 an ounce, February Comet Gold was last down $12.50. At $1,210.25 an ounce, Spot Gold was last down $12.20. At $16.84 an ounce, March Comet Silver was last down $0.227.

Crude Oil’s Status

Due to last week’s selling pressure, the World Stock market prices were comparatively higher on Monday for corrective bounces. The past few weeks have seen plunging price of crude oil. This has frightened the stock markets, while the consumer at gasoline pumps have benefited.

The January Nymex crude posted a corrective bounce after falling to a five-year low of $56.25 overnight. Libya, a major oil-exporter, is limiting selling interest in oil, due to some fresh violence within the country, at the starting of the trading week.

Incidents over the World Affecting the Market

Not hovering much below its recent four-year high, The U.S dollar index was firmer on Monday. For the past few months, the bearish underlying factor for the sector of raw commodity has been the stronger greenback.

The Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, after his much expected and anticipated election victory on Sunday commented that he will continue in his endeavor to boost the Japanese economy, which is presently moribund.The terrorist situation in Sydney, Australia where a gunman is retaining hostages at a café is also being kept watched by the markets, in suspicion of terrorist links.

The FOMC Meeting

A meeting of Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) that is to be held this week for discussing the monetary policy of the U.S is being anticipated by the traders and investors. Many believe that the monetary policy hawks will be favored as the Fed meeting is expected to change the statement wording slightly.

A timeline to raise interest rates might also be further elaborated by the FOMCin the meeting, as the interest rates hasn’t been increased by the Fed in six years. U.S. economic data that is to be released on Monday includes the Empire State manufacturing survey, NAHB housing market index, industrial production and capacity utilization and Treasury international capital data.

In the Near Future 

Technically, in order to lower chart consolidation after recent gains, the gold futures of February have seen sideways. The overall near-term technical advantage is still in possession of the bears. A closing above solid technical resistance during the December high of $1,239.00 is the next year-term upside price breakout objective of the gold bulls.

A closing of prices below solid technical support of $1,184.80 is the next downside near-term price breakout objective for the Bears. The first resistance is observed at $1,221.00 and then again at the overnight high of $1,225.00, while the first support is generally observed at the overnight low of $1,207.00 and then finally at $1,200.00.

Things a College Student Know About the Personal Finance

College time is the best time jump start your financial future which would be beneficial for you long run. Personal finance and investment management habit should be inculcated from the very begin and being an ample undergrad is the best time to get things in your control. Online websites and portals provide information facilities your decision by giving you in-depth reviews and guidance about the popular investing opportunities. Being a college student gives you the biggest advantage over other investors i.e. you have ‘time’

Take Heed of Situation and Act 

Second term is generally the time when the various bills incurred in the first term of your college year starts to catching up with you. This is the time to take right judgement and to review things which are most important and which could be done without for some time. Proper planning and intuitive thinking would help you in paying bills in time and saving also.

After analysing the personal finances if you find that certain products or services appear too much in your budget like beer, cigarettes, clubbing, etc; then take heed of the situation and try to cut back on these as much as possible.

Think Rationally, Don’t Invest In Things You Don’t Need

Young adults are known to be crazy for the tech products. They are factor which derives the sales of the giant tech companies. Students should understand that there is no need to buy every new offering by the Apple or Samsung or some other company. If you try to think rationally then you will find these products are not completely new innovation rather they offer enhanced version of the previous products, even the product you are using currently could last for three to four years which means your college could be over with one product as well.

If you are an avid buyer then you should then try to apply different methods while buying. ‘Buying cheap as possible’ and ‘buying best quality possible so it lasts’ both of these methods could be applied in different circumstances. As a student and consumer you must try to get full ’value’ of your money by buying products which gives you complete satisfaction which ruining your personal finances.

Socialize as Much as Possible

College is not just a place for getting knowledge from the teachers and professors rather it is a place which provides huge opportunities for socializing in a healthier manner. College is a place where we make friend keeps them for life long. Take part in different social events, contribute as much as you can but don’t let it have a negative effect on your budget.

Certain Tips Which Will Help Students in Long Run

•  Use only one credit card and build a good credit history record. 
•  Never borrow money unless it is extremely important. 
•  You can easily buy books at half of it price form online portals and many other things as well. 
•  Share room and goodies with your friend it will help in lowering your expenses to a great extent. 
•  Do not invest unless you are sure about it.

Gold Prices Ends Fluctuations As The Market Consolidates

Gold prices finally find a steady ground after the Friday US trading. The continued safe-haven demand and a lower U.S. Dollar index are limiting the selling pressure in gold which is a good sign. February Comex gold was last up by $1 at $122.20 an ounce while Spot gold was last down by $1.40 at $1226.50. March Silver last traded up by $0.048 at $17.155 an ounce. Both gold and silver near term technical had shown a considerable improvement this week.

Falling Price of Crude Oil

Market is still focused on the falling price of crude oil. January Nymex crude had hit another five year low $58.80 a barrel. International Energy Agency has released a report which predicted that the world demand for the crude would reduce in 2015. The consumers are cheering the falling of the gasoline prices at the pump while the traders and investors are greeting the decline with anxiety. World Stock markets are also not faring well either and they are under selling while the U.S. stock indexes are also seems to be lower in the pre-market trading on early Friday. The sell off trend in the world equities has benefitted safe assets mainly gold and U.S. Treasuries this week.

Other Markets Also Reels Under Pressure

The Bank Of Russia has once again intervened in the currency market to strengthen its ruble which had hit another record low against the U.S. dollar. The ruble is astonishingly down by 44% against the U.S. dollar this year. European Union also shows below the market expectation figures which are a cause of worry. EU industrial production rose by just 0.1% in October and was up by meagre 0.7% on year-on-year basis.
Among the Asian market China showed a stronger than expected bank loan activity in the month of November. On other hand Japanese Yen is suffering from selling pressure and volatile trading this week. Japan is soon to go through important elections from this Sunday.

Traders and investors are eagerly looking ahead for the next week when Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee (FOMC) will meet to discuss about U.S. monetary policy.

Gold Seems To Settle After Huge Fluctuations

February gold futures are showing sideways consolidation after large gains in Tuesday trading which is not unusual. The gold bulls are almost reaching out for price breakout objective to register a growth against the solid technical resistance and they had successfully ended the week at high of $1239.00. Bears’ next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at $1,200.00. First resistance is seen at the overnight high of $1,228.90 and then at Thursday’s high of $1,233.40. First support is seen at the overnight low of $1,218.00 and then at $1,210.00.
This Wednesday the March silver futures hit its six week high. The Silver bulls’ next upside breakout objective is closing the prices above the solid technical resistance at the high of $17.825 an ounce while silvers ended their week low at $16.165. The First resistance was seen at the week high of $17.355 and next at $17.50. The next support could be seen at Thursday’s low of $16.945 and at 16.81.

Black Money Outflow From India Increases Nine-Fold

The Inside Story

There has been a nine-fold increase in the black money outflow from India to foreign countries. Whereas in 2003 it was $10 billion, in 2012 it elevated up to $94.7 billion. In the 10-year period of 2003-2012, India, replacing Malaysia, has been ranked the fourth largest black money exporter after China, Russia and Mexico. The outflow of the Indian black money has been on a constant upward trajectory, so much so that Mexico was replaced by India as the third largest illicit money exporter in 2012.

Increase of Black Money Outflow over the Years

A latest report released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a research and advocacy group based in Washington, called ‘Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries’ states that India sent only $10.17 billion of illicit money to foreign countries in 2003. It increased in 2004 to $19.41 billion, and in 2005 to over $20 billion. The increment trend followed in 2006, with a substantial rise in outflow of black money from India to foreign nations. In 2006 the outflow was $28 billion. 2007 and 2008 was no different, with black money outflow increment to $34.6 billion and $47.1 billion respectively. 2009, however, was a big surprise. The Indian black money outflow saw a sudden dip, when the GFI quoted that the outflow had decreased to $29 billion.

However, just in the next year the outflow of illicit money saw a sharp rise. The Indian black money outflow for 2010 was $70 billion, more than double. It further increased in 2011 to $86 billion, according to the GFI. The report was authored by the chief economist of GFI, Dev Kar, and Joseph Spanjers, junior economist.

Black Money Outflow is Greater than Remittances

It is also very shameful and depressing to note that the amount of black money being outflowed from India to the foreign countries is much larger compared to the hard-earned and labored money being remitted to India by the expatriate Indians (NRIs). In 2014, the expected remittances of India are $71 billion, According to a latest report published by the World Bank. It is also interesting to note the turn-around that has taken place over the years. In 2003, the remittances that India received were $16.39 billion against a $10.17 billion outflow of black money.In India, the black money issue has always been a matter of serious political debate. It was more of a political debate during the last general elections. The new government had then committed to tackle this ever-increasing menace. However, no official figures, regarding the overall size and amount of black money stashed by Indians within India or abroad, have been released by the government or any other authority.

Other Developing Economies’ Status

The top five illicit capital exporters over the last ten years, according to the GFI are: China, Russia, Mexico, India and Malaysia.In 2012, the total outflow of illicit money from the developing counties was $991.2 billion. It was markedly greater than the combined total of the net development assistance and the direct foreign investment these developing economies received that year.

Why Buying a Franchise is a Good Option

Individuals who are looking to open their own small business, but do not have the business background or desire to develop a new brand, should consider purchasing a franchise from a company with an already existing brand and image. Franchises can be purchased in a variety of different fields and can include purchasing an existing franchise or a brand new location. When looking to purchase a new franchise, it would be a good idea to consider a Cold Stone Creamery franchise as your investment.

One reason that Cold Stone is a good franchise option is that the company already has a very successful brand developed. Cold Stone has quickly become one of the largest and most popular ice cream retail stores and restaurants in the country. Those who are looking to purchase a franchise from Cold Stone will instantly be able to take advantage of the brand that has already been developed. Furthermore, Cold Stone will help to market and advertise your individual store, which will help to boost sales immediately.

Another reason why purchasing a Cold Stone franchise is that they are pretty affordable compared to other franchises. Cold Stone's corporate office is notorious for helping interested business owners find a way to start their own store. This includes finding a flexible fee and payment structure. Cold Stone will also provide a franchise owner with the ability to take advantage of Cold Stone's accounting, inventory control, human resources, and other departments which can help to reduce overhead costs and also ensure the franchise is managed efficiently. Cold Stone will also help successful owners to find ways to purchase additional franchises, which will ultimately lead to the owner's building an even stronger level of profitability.

Apple Market Cap Crosses $700 Billion Mark

The tech giant Apple has made new inroads by reaching the symbolic milestone of $700 billion of market capitalization for the first time. It is also major milestone for the CEO Tim Cook who saw the Apple through doubling its market cap in just three years. Tim Cook held the reigns of Apple in the August 2011 when its founder Steve Jobs officially stepped down from his post just two months before his sad demise due to cancer.

Apple Stocks Shows Advance Rise With This News

Apples stocks are getting stronger with each successful measure used by the company. In September after the launch of widely successful iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus the Apples share shown a record jump of 21%. The iPhone range has long been the principal company’s earning juggernaut. But Apple is now ready to bring new products and services for the first time in many years.

The technology market is buzzed with the arrival of the much-hyped Apple Watch and the new Apple Pay which mobile payment solutions. Apple Pay service became available in October while Apple Watch which is eagerly awaited by the consumers is set to debut for sale in 2015. Market analysts are divided regarding the potential of the popularity of the new wearable device but Apple shares are still going higher regardless of it.

Better Products and Service Behind Rising Valuation

The latest versions of iPhone released by the Apple a few months back have been driving up the company’s value. It even posted a record opening weekend through selling more than 10 million units. Market Analysts are predicting that the Apple would continue to sell its iPhone at an aggressive pace in the upcoming holiday season. Market analyst forecasts that Apple would be able to sell around 71.5 million iPhones in its fourth quarter.

Microsoft Still Hold The Record For Highest Market Cap

Apple has become the first S&P 500 company to reach the $700 billion market capitalization mark. However it still has a long way to go to become the most valuable company of all time. At present this feat is in the name of Microsoft which at its market cap peak was of $613 billion in 1999, on an inflation-adjusted basis it converts into a whopping $874 billion in 2014.

Apple Market Cap Bigger than GDP’s of 19 Countries 

Currently the Apple’s market cap is much higher than the gross domestic product (GDP) of as many as 19 countries in the world. According to the data released by the World Bank on GDP, it appears that Apple Inc is just behind the Saudia Arabia which has a GDP of $745 Billion and it is ahead of Switzerland which just has GDP of 650 million.

Apple Record Seem Cheap Through Historic Measure

When Microsoft was at its peak it was trading at 72 times earning according to the Nasdaq and Factset data. But Apple’s price-to-earnings ratio is just 18 even though Apple’s revenue is increasing by a healthy 15 % and its earnings by 20%.