I found this site, GIFTS.COM, that I really like. Most of what they have on this site is a little higher priced, but using their tools to describe people and the TYPES of gifts they might like, you should be able to find something that is both cool and reasonably priced.

I used this site to come up with a lot of ideas for a family member that has ***everything***, and even though I didn’t order through the web site, I have to say that they were spot on in their description of her.

So give them a try, and if you can think of any other good sites, let us know.

You know, this might sound stupid, but have you ever looked at those bins or shelves near the entrance to the stores?

 You probably should…, especially with the winter holidays coming up soon.

I go to these bins, especially at TARGET and stores like it.  I have a big family, and we get gifts for EVERYBODY.  I don’t know everyone well enough to pop for something really expensive, and, to be honest, some of the stuff on these shelves is really cool.  Also, there are a few little kids out there who are more interesed in the wrapping paper than the presents.  Trust me, they don’t mind.

Add to this list, all of the school people, all of the work people, and all of the –people–, stuff gets expensive.

Let’s be honest:  You aren’t going to find that special something that you are willing to walk through a blizzard to find, but you will find some cool stuff, and if nothing more, a lot of decent stocking stuffers.

The main website has a new look and some new content.  Check it out and let me know.

MySpace is now set to private.  If you wish to get the info that I periodically post there, add me as a friend.

Of course, you’ve already noticed the difference here.

Thanks

-W

As promised, I’ve reviewed Wells Fargo in the same manner that I reviewed Bank of America.

Wells Fargo is a little different because it touts itself highly as being an online bank.

Wow!  For an online bank, they charge for Bill Pay, which is unheard of today.  I also really didn’t like the idea that they only discount your fee if you have direct deposit.  A bank that large would do well (get it? WELL), to waive a monthly fee like every other institution in the free world.

www.finance4youth.wordpress.com

Let me start out by saying I really, really wanted to hate Bank of America.  I have worked in finance (banking) for a very long time, and everybody knows they just suck!  I knew I was going to be giving BofA a bad grade when it came to youth accounts.  Here’s what I came up with.

When rating financial institutions for their benefit for youth, I looked specifically at the products they offer on their websites dedicated to students and youth.  I looked at seven criteria, and compared with other institutions.  Since I don’t bank with them, I did not rate them on customer service or satisfaction, two areas that are very important to me.

Comments:  I like especially that the account is free while you are a student.  This is of paramount importance to my readers.  Offering to waive monthly fees for Direct Deposit or Online Bill Pay, as well as offering a free online Bill Pay program really helped.  They seem to offer programs with features that make sense for today’s youth.  As much as I wanted to hate them, they Came out pretty good here.

Great job, Bof A!

Coming up, Wells Fargo.  Did they do as well?

http://lifehacker.com/software/students/download-of-the-day-software-for-starving-students-winmac-225341.php

to see the post on LifeHacker

http://softwarefor.org/downloads.html to get directly to the site. 

Once again, if you can afford to, please donate to these people if you get their product.  I remember being a student, and this would have been awesome if it existed then.

Until next time, I’ll keep looking!

www.myspace.com/finance4youth

www.finance4youth.com

you will see that they all have similar (if not exactly the same) information.  Finance For Youth: Keeping an eye out for you is a little different.  This blog will be mostly links to other blogs that will have information or products of use to teenagers or young adults.  There is a lot of information out there, some of it is pretty good, some of it is total crap, and some of it is GOLD for young people.  I’m striving for the GOLD, but don’t get to upset if I only hit pretty good.

If you have tips other than those I encourage you to email me and let me know

wil@finance4youth.com