How do I invest my money intelligently? Which banks really have my best interests in mind?

Recently JP Morgan Chase has taken over Washington Mutual, and I've grown increasingly aware of the many policies they intent to change as they get rid of everything I once liked about Washington Mutual. They're adding in more fees, they are redoing credit cards to carry the Chase name and higher interest rate, and they are becoming a more globalized company. When I asked the teller at my bank to cash out my Rewards Cash Rebate that has accumulated on my credit card, she didn't even know what it was, but she knew all about the new "rewards points" system they are soon switching to. I had to send a message through their website help center to request my rebate instead, and the message I got back was that it may take one to two months (the next billing cycle) for them to send me a check. At the end of this month, all customer's Rewards Cash is going to disappear and be converted into points. Should I be concerned that JP Morgan Chase is trying to pull a fast one on me? Telling customers they have 30 days before Rewards Cash become worthless points doesn't seem very honest to me. (I think I would rather buy TrendWest vacation shares than continue to use a Chase card.)



I'm really thinking about closing all my accounts at Washington Mutual. I really don't want to invest money into a super bank that just wants to take my money away. How can I find an honest bank that is still convenient (later business hours and easy to find in the Pacific Northwest USA)? What is a good place to invest my savings, even if I'm only investing $50-$100 per month? Where can I get a zero interest visa or mastercard with good customer service, and potential rewards? My credit score is excellent and untarnished. I'm 28 years old and single, and looking to set up a good financial future for myself.



Let me know what you think. I want to make good choices for myself, but most people only seem to know about the banks that are the most heavily advertised and commercialized. Should I consider investing my money into something with more tangible value, because the US currency is on the verge of total collapse? What do you recommend?How do I invest my money intelligently? Which banks really have my best interests in mind?
There is NO bank that takes into consideration what is in "your best interest".

They are in business to make money.





Only you can decide what is in "your best interest" when determining which bank to choose based on which offers the most features you want at the lowest cost.How do I invest my money intelligently? Which banks really have my best interests in mind?
Most all banks follow the same rules, and fees.... not sure there is a best one out there... their are in the business to make money, they don't care too much about us or our best interests... it's our job to look out for us.



dave ramsey says growth stock mutual funds are the best for long term investing... never tried them myself.



as far as a 0% credit card and rewards, most of that is marketing "tricks" that it sounds like as most americans, you fell for. it's a gimmick, a trap... to get you to use credit cards so banks can make $$.



If you want to make good choices, avoid credit cards completely.... and debt to for that matter.... save like crazy. the baby steps are always good to follow.



I'm in my 40s.... if I knew this stuff 20 years ago, my financial picture would be much different.... (it is improving, but the mistakes i've made could of been avoided)