We've been planning our finances on the road since like a lot of you our income is limited and are wondering if there has been a discussion of how to get cash while you are on the road and not near your own personal bank. I know ATMs but I'm trying to figure out how to do it without fees. If there has been a discussion and advice from those who are doing it, could someone point me to it.
And if not, could you all explain how you do things like have cash for buying fresh veggies at Farmer's markets and for doing the laundry and other things for which a card of one kind or another won't work.
Many thanks in advance, Sherry
DaveSam said
07:00 AM Aug 18, 2010
We do most of our shopping at Walmart and then get cash back when we use our debit card to pay. Most all grocery stores today will let you get cash back at checkout. I even saw a lady do this at a Post Office. She bought one stamp and then got cash .
2riker2go said
07:07 AM Aug 18, 2010
I actually saw a clip on the Early Show last week about free ways to get cash when traveling. They weren't talking about fulltiming though - just "normal" traveling. :) One way that they mentioned was to open an account with an online bank. Since these banks don't have any branches or ATMs of their own where their customers can get cash, most of them refund ATM fees (according to the person doing the news report).
Jake62 said
07:10 AM Aug 18, 2010
USAA Bank offers full-rebates on any ATM you use in the US. USAA used to be for just military, but I think they've expanded recently. Doesn't hurt to check.
Luvglass said
07:28 AM Aug 18, 2010
We use our checking account debit card and get cash back any time we want when we make a purchase at a grocery store or Walmart. There is no fee.
Don't be concerned, it's not an issue.
-- Edited by Luvglass on Wednesday 18th of August 2010 07:29:21 AM
-- Edited by Luvglass on Wednesday 18th of August 2010 07:29:45 AM
Ckerr said
07:59 AM Aug 18, 2010
As the others said, either a bank that rebates ATM fees (pain in the butt, because YOU have to DO something to get your money back) or use the cash back option at Walmart or the grocery. Pretty easy really.
heyjohnm said
10:15 AM Aug 18, 2010
We have been USAA members for over 40 years and they are excellent in all products and services. I knew they opened their membership but I hadn't realized how far that went. When Tim mentioned it , I checked with the USAA website for membership requirements:
"USAA's investment products, most checking and savings products, credit cards, life insurance, and shopping and discounts are available to other individuals. While auto and property insurance policies are not available due to membership eligibility (Military affiliation; familial relationship to USAA member ) requirements, we can still help"
Their fees are very reasonable and their personalized service is exceptional. If you're looking for a bank suitable to the fulltime lifestyle, I think they are a great choice.
Jake62 said
10:25 AM Aug 18, 2010
heyjohnm wrote:
We have been USAA members for over 40 years and they are excellent in all products and services. I knew they opened their membership but I hadn't realized how far that went. When Tim mentioned it , I checked with the USAA website for membership requirements:
"USAA's investment products, most checking and savings products, credit cards, life insurance, and shopping and discounts are available to other individuals. While auto and property insurance policies are not available due to membership eligibility (Military affiliation; familial relationship to USAA member ) requirements, we can still help"
Their fees are very reasonable and their personalized service is exceptional. If you're looking for a bank suitable to the fulltime lifestyle, I think they are a great choice.
To follow-up on John's endorsement regarding USAA, I was able to get my mother signed up on their banking and brokerage accounts.
Regarding Carol's point regarding ATM rebates being a "pain": At least with USAA, there is no issue getting the ATM rebates, it's automatically applied to your card. For instance, if you use your USAA ATM card for $20 at any ATM machine, and the bank fees are $3, you'll be charged a total of $23. Within about two weeks, you'll see the $3 rebate on your USAA checking or brokerage account, whichever account you have opened.
charles said
12:20 PM Aug 20, 2010
We find that $2 is reasonable for a $200-$380 cash withdrawal. ( We get the maximum to minimize the expense.)
Been doing this for yrs on the boat now in the RV, even in Canada.
CCC
We've been planning our finances on the road since like a lot of you our income is limited and are wondering if there has been a discussion of how to get cash while you are on the road and not near your own personal bank. I know ATMs but I'm trying to figure out how to do it without fees. If there has been a discussion and advice from those who are doing it, could someone point me to it.
And if not, could you all explain how you do things like have cash for buying fresh veggies at Farmer's markets and for doing the laundry and other things for which a card of one kind or another won't work.
Many thanks in advance,
Sherry
Don't be concerned, it's not an issue.
-- Edited by Luvglass on Wednesday 18th of August 2010 07:29:21 AM
-- Edited by Luvglass on Wednesday 18th of August 2010 07:29:45 AM
We have been USAA members for over 40 years and they are excellent in all products and services. I knew they opened their membership but I hadn't realized how far that went. When Tim mentioned it , I checked with the USAA website for membership requirements:
"USAA's investment products, most checking and savings products, credit cards, life insurance, and shopping and discounts are available to other individuals. While auto and property insurance policies are not available due to membership eligibility (Military affiliation; familial relationship to USAA member ) requirements, we can still help"
Their fees are very reasonable and their personalized service is exceptional. If you're looking for a bank suitable to the fulltime lifestyle, I think they are a great choice.
Regarding Carol's point regarding ATM rebates being a "pain": At least with USAA, there is no issue getting the ATM rebates, it's automatically applied to your card. For instance, if you use your USAA ATM card for $20 at any ATM machine, and the bank fees are $3, you'll be charged a total of $23. Within about two weeks, you'll see the $3 rebate on your USAA checking or brokerage account, whichever account you have opened.