If I'm sitting on the terraformed surface of a Culture orbital, what does the horizon look like? [more inside]
posted by reverend cuttle on Oct 26, 2009 - 12 answers

In Look to Windward by Iain M. Banks there is a part where one of the Estodiens say to Quilan, 'I hope you have the wit to realise you past two little tests there, Major, not one'. It appears that I do not have the wit. Possible spoilers inside. [more inside]
posted by Nufkin on Sep 20, 2009 - 5 answers

TorontoFilter: We're moving next week from the US and have a few questions. Can you help us hit the ground running? [more inside]
posted by setanor on Aug 24, 2009 - 45 answers

I'm a depositor, and only a depositor, at a bank. What legitimate purpose is there for the bank to run a credit check on me? [more inside]
posted by NortonDC on Aug 12, 2009 - 27 answers

Credit Card debt for teh first time in my life, I'm lost as to what my options are. [more inside]
posted by bluehermit on Aug 4, 2009 - 20 answers

Canadian who wants to open a high-interest savings account at a US bank, in USD - which bank? [more inside]
posted by Penelope on May 23, 2009 - 8 answers

Economicsfilter: How do mortgages work in developing countries with high rates of inflation and high interest rates? For example, Pakistan has a 20% inflation rate and the average fixed term prime residential mortgage for people with good credit is priced at 17%. What are the effects of this on a market? [more inside]
posted by thewalrus on Apr 4, 2009 - 13 answers

Why do we not have a government owned national bank that competes with private banks? [more inside]
posted by medarby on Mar 20, 2009 - 24 answers

What happens if I default on unsecured debt? [more inside]
posted by hardbop on Feb 10, 2009 - 9 answers

Is most money just numbers on a computer screen? Or do banks actually have cash in their vaults to back up the "digital" money. [more inside]
posted by All.star on Feb 4, 2009 - 23 answers

How is daily life going to change over the next few years - because of the Slow Depression? [more inside]
posted by raikkohamilonso on Jan 29, 2009 - 47 answers

I am basing my Masters in International Business thesis on Prof. Barry Eichengreen's 1998 paper, 'Does Mercosur Need a Single Currency?' Although by no means an expert, I've been interested in the Austrian School for a long time and, as a result, am instinctively distrustful of central banks and fiat money. Can anyone direct me to any reputable, well-written and persuasive essays arguing the inherent weaknesses of currency unions in relation to this? [more inside]
posted by Zé Pequeno on Nov 3, 2008 - 2 answers

CanadaFinanceFilter: We have money in an ING account, because it offers a better rate than Royal Bank. Given the financial world's upheaval of late, would our money be safer in our Royal Bank account?
posted by Bearman on Oct 10, 2008 - 4 answers

How can I keep track of the health of European banks? [more inside]
posted by fuzz on Sep 29, 2008 - 4 answers

Wells Fargo just royally screwed me during one of the most difficult financial weeks of my life, putting me in a position where I won't even have food money or enough gas money to get to work -- until next TUESDAY! I'm spitting mad. My questions are twofold: 1) I want to know if there's anything I can do to turn this situation around now or do I have to just wait; 2) My money problems are temporary and I'll be in the red within a year. Is it possible to complain or make a statement about this episode with Wells Fargo that would ever be heard? Should I just bitterly move on and take my business elsewhere, feeling like a victim? 3) Do you have a bank that you recommend doing business with instead -- one that treats customers with actual respect? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 23, 2008 - 35 answers

Where to put what's coming to me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 22, 2008 - 11 answers

What are the logistics of CDs at a bank that gets taken over by the FDIC? [more inside]
posted by raz5 on Sep 18, 2008 - 3 answers

Being a 21st Century kind of guy I find myself now doing long-term work for a few companies overseas (India and the U.K.). I would like to be able to open a bank account in each country and just get the money I need via ATM. I'm thinking that since the dollar sucks it would probably be better financially for me long term. Is this a smart move? How hard is it for citizen of the US open a bank account in a foreign country? Do I have to report that income? And if so will I end up getting taxed twice?
posted by chartreuse on Sep 4, 2008 - 17 answers

What is the business model for saturation retail banking? [more inside]
posted by workerant on Aug 22, 2008 - 11 answers

A.G. Edwards / Wachovia Securities vs. UBS. Which is the way to go? [more inside]
posted by TwilightKid on Aug 11, 2008 - 11 answers

Why aren't lenders held partially responsible for identify theft? [more inside]
posted by Benevolent Space Robot on Jul 30, 2008 - 14 answers

Are there national Credit Unions? If you move, how does one access funds/do money management at a Credit Union when there's no branches of that Credit Union in your new state? [more inside]
posted by spinifex23 on Jul 16, 2008 - 15 answers

How do I get personal information from banks and utility companies? For immigration purposes I need to gain access to utility bills from old addresses and bank loans I co-signed. How do I get utility companies and banks to give this information to me in a prompt and timely fashion? [more inside]
posted by Kattullus on May 20, 2008 - 2 answers

What's the best bank or credit union in the Chicago area? [more inside]
posted by korpios on Apr 24, 2008 - 11 answers

How Can the Economy not Fail? Given the debt each of us owes (what, something like $150,000 each?), rising oil costs, cpi going up, infrastructure moved out, failed dollar, failing banks, etc. etc... [more inside]
posted by raikkohamilonso on Mar 22, 2008 - 32 answers

You'd think banks would want you to throw money at them, but alas. Why do online banks pull credit reports just to open a savings account, and do any banks just want your deposits regardless of your history? [more inside]
posted by moonbird on Mar 16, 2008 - 9 answers

Deposited cash at my bank's ATM. Bank says I didn't. I filed a dispute. Is there any hope that it will be resolved in my favor, or is it my word against theirs? [more inside]
posted by luser on Mar 4, 2008 - 18 answers

How long does it take checks to clear noawadays? How are checks processed? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 3, 2008 - 15 answers

Has anyone noticed banks here in the U.S. pulling shenanigans today? This may be nothing but I want to ask anyway. [more inside]
posted by mr. creosote on Feb 1, 2008 - 27 answers

i deposited my roommate's rent check into my account via atm at a branch of my bank, but not my branch, although it's one in the same city. why did they mail the check and my deposit slip back to me? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 17, 2008 - 10 answers

Is there a term for when you see something you like, later on consider going back to get it, and when you finally decide to buy it, it is no longer available? "Non-buyer's remorse"? Anyhow, I digress: [more inside]
posted by theperfectcrime on Jan 12, 2008 - 10 answers

Any experience with or deeper information about the Foreign Currency Conversion Fee Antitrust Litigation (whew) settlement? [more inside]
posted by RandlePatrickMcMurphy on Dec 13, 2007 - 7 answers

I deposited two checks, the bank only has deposited one into my account, the other check has cleared nonetheless, I can't find the receipt, am I totally screwed? [more inside]
posted by whoaali on Oct 13, 2007 - 25 answers

Why is my bank bribing me for using direct deposit? [more inside]
posted by TheOnlyCoolTim on Sep 27, 2007 - 22 answers

Can I use the same check numbers twice? [more inside]
posted by dances_with_sneetches on Sep 14, 2007 - 10 answers

How can I find out who the agent for service of process is for very large banks?
posted by Kimpossible on Aug 16, 2007 - 3 answers

why is wal-mart getting into banking bad? [more inside]
posted by krautland on Jun 20, 2007 - 29 answers

I am looking for a bank account for a small (professional services) business in Arizona.. [more inside]
posted by cowmix on May 26, 2007 - 4 answers

So, I need a new bank. And I'm picky and I don't need or want a brick-and-mortar. [more inside]
posted by Medieval Maven on May 21, 2007 - 24 answers

Help me figure out the best way to finance graduate school abroad. [more inside]
posted by dead_ on May 10, 2007 - 4 answers

Is it legal and/or kosher for me to have my bank's name on my checks, but not its contact info or address? [more inside]
posted by foxy_hedgehog on Apr 25, 2007 - 8 answers

Least evil Canadian bank? [more inside]
posted by the dief on Apr 19, 2007 - 35 answers

I'm leaving in a week and I still can't figure out a good solution to managing my US finances from the UK. [more inside]
posted by like_neon on Aug 30, 2006 - 20 answers

Rather easy question with a long explanation behind it. What is the website where I can look up what different banks are offering as interest rates? I'm in NYC and considering switching banks because of a potential problem I see developing...More inside.... [more inside]
posted by TwilightKid on Aug 24, 2006 - 7 answers

How does the way I'm paid affect my ability to secure a loan or mortgage in the future? [more inside]
posted by disillusioned on Jul 11, 2006 - 12 answers

I want to open a savings account here in the UK for my god-daughter who lives in Australia. What hidden taxes and other nasty surprises can I expect when I transfer it to her when she's 18... if its even possible.
posted by monkeyJuice on Jul 1, 2006 - 4 answers

Looking for recommendations on banks which offer both checking account & credit cards. [more inside]
posted by skwm on Mar 22, 2006 - 21 answers

I went $26 over on my bank account and the bank has charged me $110 in fees. If I pay them the $26 + say $20 extra then flee the country would there be any serious repercussions? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Feb 23, 2006 - 30 answers

Which banks are the most secure? [more inside]
posted by scazza on Dec 19, 2005 - 14 answers

Best way to "sell" half a house to someone willing to assume a mortgage - keep lawyers & bank out of it to save money, or play it safe? [more inside]
posted by fish tick on Oct 6, 2005 - 17 answers