Compared to the whirlwind of news that has unfolded over the past few weeks due to new financial legislation and some sizable bank failures, this past week seemed rather quiet. The week did still provide some interesting nuggets of news, all of which we chronicled in our news section. Here are the week’s biggest stories from the banking world:
Bank of America Execs Rebut NY Government

Money Market accounts and Savings accounts are often lumped together into one group. The two kinds of accounts do share some similarities, but they aren’t carbon copies of one another — each offers different features that you might consider pros or cons, depending on your financial situation and habits. So which one is best for you? Take a look at what each offers and decide for yourself:
Money Market: Extras Included

For the first time ever, Sallie Mae Bank has landed at the top of one of our rankings of the best CD rates.
The online bank owned by the big student lender has paid 1.55% with no minimum deposit on 12-month CDs ever since it began offering them this spring.
Although that was always a good rate, [...]

If you won the lottery, how would you spend your money? This is a common conversation starter among friends, family and first dates. What if winning the lottery meant years of disaster and heartbreak plaguing you and your family? Would you think a little harder about the question?
The “Curse of the Lottery” is a psychological study to some, a predictable outcome to others, and an unknown phenomenon to many. Here are five examples of winners that probably wish they hadn’t won in the first place:
1. Kenneth and Connie Parker

Beginning Monday, August 30, six branches of what was formerly First Federal Bank of North Florida will officially convert to TDBank locations.
The locations underwent cosmetic work this week to update the exterior and interior signage to reflect TDBank’s presence. Customers of First Federal Bank of North Florida will be able to continue banking as usual at all of TDBank’s locations across the U.S. eastern seaboard.
The six First Federal stores making the change to TDBank locations are (all in Florida):

First Tennessee Bank is currently offering $400 in various cash bonuses when you visit a First Tennessee Bank branch in person, valid through November 30, 2010, for customers near First Tennessee Bank branches in Tennessee.
You can get $100 cash bonuses with First Tennessee checking accounts, money market savings accounts, and home equity lines of credit or loans.
Plus, you’ll receive an extra $50 for using online bill payments with your checking account, and a $50 Restaurant.com gift certificate just for visiting your local First Tennessee Bank branch.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is offering $9.99 Weekend Specials on car rentals or Free Upgrades when you book your rental online at Enterprise.com.
Enterprise $9.99 Weekend Rentals
Get $9.99 Weekend Rentals when you book online at Enterprise.com.
You’ll receive weekend rates starting from $9.99 per day when you rent from Friday through Monday at participating neighborhood locations.

Everyone loves free things. Castle Bank of Illinois knows this. That’s why the bank is offering a free gift with a free checking account sign-up. When you open one of the bank’s four personal checking accounts you can enjoy a new Backyard BBQ three-piece BBQ toolset just in time for Labor Day.
Benefits of a Castle Bank Account
Free Checking

• Free first order of checks
• $50 minimum to open account
• No minimum balance, no monthly service fee, unlimited check writing

E-checking

Putting money away used to involve decisions about which bank offered higher interest rates and better perks. With average interest rates reaching their lowest levels in a decade, some consumers are considering whether it’s wise to even bother opening a bank account. Low interest rates can be frustrating: When rates dip to a certain level, you could actually end up paying the bank to hold your money through fees and account charges, in which case you might as well keep the money stored at home.

Looking to reestablish your credit history? Orchard Bank Visa Cards can help you get your credit back on track! Unlike most credit cards, these cards’ primary function is to help rebuild one’s shaky credit history. They do this by reporting MONTHLY to all three major credit bureaus and by taking the initiative to keep you informed of payment due dates with reminder text messages and online payment options.