Cash & Checks Decreasing

Cash and checks now account for only 45 percent of consumers' monthly payments -- down from 57 percent in 2001 and 49 percent in 2003, according to a study by the American Bankers Association. The study found that 33 percent of in-store purchases are made with debit cards. Gift card use is increasing rapidly. 4 percent of all in-store purchases in 2004 were accounted for by gift cards. 52 percent of consumers use automatic payment to pay at least one bill per month, and 39 percent use online bill payment.

Weight Loss - Strategies that Work

If you go to www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm you can calculate your body mass index and determine how much weight you should lose to achieve the "perfect look." According to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter many products offer a simple solution to losing weight, but there is no easy answer. The healthiest way to lose weight requires making changes in your diet and exercise routines and committing to them over the long term.

Nobel Prize

News From The Associated Press

I'm always impressed with the rapid pace of technological advancements in the banking industry. I always find it interesting to learn about the Nobel Prize winners as a reminder that advancement is occurring rapidly in all areas of life.

Bob