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

Natural Disasters

I am constantly reminded of what President Lincoln told us all more than 140 years ago: "Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be
done today." Those words continue to guide us all as we face incidents that challenge our age, and the 21st century.

Bob

madison.com | archives: We Have Bond With Hurricane Victims

http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=wsj:2005:08:30:487954:FRONT

Today I'm feeling awfully blessed as others, less fortunate are being affected by tornados and hurricanes. Count your blessings and perhaps, if you can, reach out and help others in need.

Bob

Moral Intelligence : Home

Moral Intelligence : Home

I found this web article meaningful. Hopefully, you will, too.

Thinking About Banking

I see that the U. S. Treasury is bringing back the 30-year bond. The U.S. stopped issuing 30-year bonds in 2001 and restart during the first quarter of 2006. It will appeal to those looking for longer term, safe investments. Oh, by the way, recent survey results show that 48% of consumers trust banking the most among six industries to protect their personal financial information. Fourteen percent said they trust the stock brokerage/mutual fund industry the most, followed by real estate (12 percent), insurance (9 percent) and online merchants (1 percent). Thirteen percent of consumers said they do not trust any of the listed industries. Oh well, can't satisfy everyone!

Scholastic.com

Scholastic.com

Having 4 daughters of my own and grandchildren, I hear a lot about neat websites for parents. This is one of them! You may find it useful, too.

Getting Fish -- and Buyers -- to Bite

Getting Fish -- and Buyers -- to Bite

Just in time for summer.

Bob Gorsuch