Dear Dave,
How do you feel about using an online bank for your emergency fund?
Jared
Dear Jared,
I don’t think that’s a problem at all in most situations. Just make sure you do a little research. Know who you’re dealing with and that they’ve got some strength. A bank that is known as a “click and mortar”—one that has a physical location as well as online—would be my preference. Some of them have great debit card programs that includes debit card rewards and high-interest checking accounts, too.
When it comes to an emergency fund, I like the idea of keeping it in a separate money market account. That way you get money market rates, plus you can attach check writing privileges to the account. Then when an emergency comes along, you don’t have to worry about shuffling money around. You can just write a check out of the account. Problem solved!
—Dave
Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.