Comptroller Topinka says she can't pay Illinois lawmakers

[Cassidy]

8. Credit unions are worth considering

My credit union charges no monthly fees for checking or savings. None at all. I only have to keep a minimum of $25 in my savings account. That savings account earns 0.10 % interest. Yes, it is also a pittance, but 6x what BoA is giving you. Plus, you have the pleasure of not doing business with banksters.

Also, for those who have a little money they don't need right away, but want to keep relatively available, U.S. savings bonds might be worth considering. The current I bond rate is 1.8 %. There are some caveats: You can only purchase $5000 in bonds/yr. (I don't think there is a minimum any more - it used to be $25 for paper bonds.) You aren't paid interest if you take your money out before a year is up. If you take it out before 5 yrs, there is a 3 month penalty. I am convinced that it is as safe an investment as there is - Republicans are happy to take food from children, but they won't let "investors" down. For details, check into treasurydirect.gov

I agree completely that gambling mania is a sign of a country in decline. And having a permanent upper class is like having royalty - the opposite of a meritocracy and with nothing in common with the vision that created the United States.