SoFi — Better Banking that's Fun! / March 7, 2022 by Adrian Galli

In 2015, I was looking to leave the “traditional” big [evil] banks that take from you more than they give. A bank should store your money, be a financial resource, help your financial situation, not steal money from your account. Overdraft fees should be illegal. Minimum balances are extortion. And while they are taking days to get your money from one place to another, they are making money in interest all of which you never see.

SoFi has become my new age, technology bank of choice. With a superb app, great website, 1.00% APY on checking accounts, point system, fun financial incentive to help you practice mindful and successful finances, 2% cash back credit card, low(ish) interest rate loans, students loan refinancing, vaults, now fees, and so much more, I took 90% of my money from the big ugly bank I’ve dealt with so long and made the switch.

It has been fun, successful, and empowering to have a bank that is interested in my success because if I’m successful, so will they be as a bank. While I would use the word ‘innovative,’ I actually don’t think they are. That might read like a contradiction or a criticism but they are just proceeding the way a bank should operate rather than the way most banks and their greed have lead them to operate.

For example, one gets points for financial success. When there is a rise in one’s credit score, 10 points are awarded. The same for making investments, saving money, connecting other financial accounts, or simple login streaks to keep a close eye on finances. These points can be redeems for future investments or cash them out for $0.01 per point.

I would wholly recommend checking out SoFi for your banking needs. Currently, there is a nice little referral link from me below but if you deposit $1000 into a new Money account (checking/savings hybrid with a minimum of .25% APY—33x the national average) you receive $100.

I have been so impressed with them as a company and bank that I also own stock (SOFI). I put my money where my mouth and wallet are.

I highly recommend SoFi—and those are word Adrian Galli has never put together in the same sentence.

Rewards
Points for account activity
2% Cash back on credit card purchases
1.00% APY on Money accounts with direct deposit

Join SoFi

The Platinum Card by American Express / March 3, 2022 by Adrian Galli

Since 2007, I’ve carried my American Express with me everywhere. I’m a true poster boy for the old Amex slogan “Don’t leave home without it.” My Amex portfolio has evolve over the years but the one card that has always been tried and true was my American Express Green card. Most of my life had been expensed through that card at some point up to recently years when I added The Platinum Card to my wallet.

While some days I still miss my old financial partner, the American Express Green Card, this card, with a much more expensive annual fee, has become my daily card for everything. Learn the card’s benefits and it will pay for itself many times over. My first year, I offset the annual fee by nearly $1500.00.

Nothing compares to American Expresses customer service, the support and perks one gets, and the peace of mind knowing that finances and purchases are covered by purchase protection, trip delay insurance, cell phone insurance, return protection, a slew of credits, and great points, especially for travel.

Starting my finance series, The Platinum Card by American Express if my first and foremost recommendation. There are other options from American Express, and other companies, but I truly don’t leave home without it.

Rewards
5x Airfare
5x Hotels
1x Everything Else

The Platinum Card by American Express