Napolean Hill’s motivational book, Think and Grow Rich, is based on the concept that we can draw wealth to ourselves by focusing our thoughts in a specific way. Many people still claim that the ideas presented in the book work even though the book was first published in 1937. Some of the credit card companies of today, though, must believe that we don’t think at all based on one of their schemes to get us to save money.
At least one credit card offers users the opportunity to save money by rounding the cost of a purchase up to the nearest dollar and putting this “change” into a savings account for the customer each time he makes a purchase with this special card. The commercials show customers buying myriad products with their credit cards, with each purchase resulting in more money being put into the savings account. Spending $19.12 at the grocery store means $0.88 in the savings account. $34.51 at the gas station means another $0.49 cents saved. The idea is simple: The more you buy with your credit card, the more money you save.
It’s a brilliant concept, but I must have been home sick the day that lesson was being taught in high-school economics class. I was taught that saving money, earning more money, and making wise investments was the key to wealth. In fact, I believe that my teacher mistakenly urged us not to use credit cards–other than a minimal amount of the time in order to establish a good credit rating.
Now, it all makes sense: The best way to accumulate wealth is using your credit card as often as you can, never mind the interst fees.
–Paul
Paul’s book–Literally, the Best Language Book Ever;
If I’m not mistaken you’re talking about BoA. This is actually about their own Debit Card and not some Credit Card. The “keep the change”, as they call it, is moved from the Checkings to the Savings Account. During the first three month they even matched that amount and 5% thereafter. I earned about $65 with this deal for basically doing nothing. You don’t have to mind the fees as long as you pay the amount due in time.
Love your blog by the way. Since English is not my first language I learned quite a few subtleties so far.
Reply from Paul: Thanks for the clarification, and we’re (Sherry and I) are glad that you the blog has been some help to you.
Are you sure they didn’t mean using the debit card?
As in, when you but something with your debit card (i.e., checking account) the rounded up money gets transferred to savings?
Great site, by the way!
Reply from Paul: It probably is a debit card–thanks for clarifying. We’re glad that you like the blog.