Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
We want to thank all of our members for their participation and input over the years, and we want to especially thank those that have acted as Moderators for us during our amazing journey living and traveling in our RV and growing the RV-Dreams Family. We will be forever proud to have been founders of this Forum and to have been supported by such a wonderful community. Thank you all!!
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
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Sherry and David Fulltiming since 2010 2004 34' Winnebago Brave "Winnona" 2002 Honda Accord (Ruby) with 2 kayaks & 2 bikes Blog: http://directionofourdreams.blogspot.com
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 .
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).
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.
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.
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Carol
Carol Kerr Welch
Wife to Jeff, "Mom" to Chuy; Retama Village Resident
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.
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.
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.