I haven’t been inside a Bank of America branch in at least a decade. I get cash every couple of weeks using their drive-thru, but I have no reason to actually go inside the bank. If I need to deposit a check, I use their mobile app. If I ever have to actually speak with my BofA banker, she’s located right in my Merrill Lynch financial advisor’s office in Northbrook, Illinois. (Merrill Lynch is owned by Bank of America and they have personal bankers located in the larger ML offices.)
We’re full time here in TV, but I haven’t visited my advisor’s office more than 2-3 times in 25 years, using the ML app from my computer, iPad or iPhone. I talk to my advisor on the phone every couple of weeks, but while I call his number in Northbrook I know that very often I’m actually speaking with him from his home here in Florida. It’s seamless when his admin assistant connects us, as though she was sitting right outside his office. He tells me his setup with three computer screens, computers and a direct connection to the NYSE and Merrill analysts and traders is better than he has in his Northbrook office.
The days of actually going into a bank are over and the banks have electronic security measures in place that are better than those in their physical facilities. We do have a safe deposit box at the closest Citizens First branch and keep the minimum in the required checking account.
Electronic tools are extended to even filing tax returns. I already have TurboTax loaded on my desktop computer and my 2022 return started. On February 1, I’ll be able to have all the necessary records from both Merrill Lynch and Bank of America automatically entered into my tax return. Then, if I owe taxes, the IRS will automatically debit our checking account. If we get a refund, it’s electronically deposited to the checking account or my account at Merrill Lynch. If I file the return online on the first couple of days of February, I’ll get the refund within a couple weeks.
There’s nothing better or more secure than handling our financial affairs comfortably from my den or recliner!
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Politicians are like diapers--they should be changed frequently, and for the same reason.
Last edited by Villages Kahuna; 01-17-2023 at 10:15 AM.
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