Before signing up, I chatted with a Bank of America Account Specialist. My chat transcription is below:

Me: I’m thinking of signing up for B of A’s Keep the Change program. I don’t currently have a checking or savings account with B of A.
1. Does the Keep the Change program reward me for VISA purchases or debit purchases?

2. Do I pay any fees for using my card (if not withdrawing money)?

3. Do I understand correctly that if I open a regular checking account online that I do not pay checking fees? (Any fees for original checks?)

4. Do I understand correctly that if I open a regular savings account and maintain a $300 balance that I pay no fees for that account either?

Melanie: When you have Keep the Change both PIN and PINless transactions will count toward the program. And there is no fee for making purchases with your debit card, even if you get cash back.

Melanie: And during our exclusive online-only promotion we have the MyAccess Checking account and Regular Savings, both with absolutely zero  monthly fees when you enroll in Keep the Change! This offer does not require a minimum balance. It also comes included with free Online Banking with Bill Pay, unlimited check writing, teller transactions, a Visa ATM/Check Card, and earn up to $250 with the free Keep the Change program!

Me: What about the savings account options?

Melanie: With this offer the Regular Savings will have no monthly maintenance fee if you enroll in Keep the Change and you will not need a minimum balance or a transfer into the account.

Me: Sounds good. How do I initially add money to my new accounts?

Melanie: For your convenience, you can make your opening deposit with a transfer from a checking, savings or debit card account with us or another bank.

I signed up about a month ago and use my account mainly for Starbucks purchases. I have bought things at a couple other stores and asked them to put just a penny on this card, which they’ve done (and Bank of America has matched my $0.99), but I felt both times as if I needed to apologize to the sales clerk–not really worth it to me.

The Amazon Student page also features a variety of other merchandise likely to appeal to college students, such as laptops, bedding, and microwavable foods like Kraft Easy Mac.

To obtain Amazon Student membership, consumers have to be enrolled in at least one class at a U.S. college or university and have a valid .edu e-mail address.

Amazon says in the future it may extend the free offer for more than one year.

Unlike regular Amazon Prime memberships, Amazon Student memberships do not automatically renew.

Not a student? You may still be eligible for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial membership.

June 19 – August 15, Saturdays & Sundays: 9am – 4pm
Call 571-484-1149 for other times

Frog Eye Farm
19600 Frog Eye Road
Knoxville, MD

Blueberries Flier.pdf

Here’s how:

1. They read any eight books.
2. They record places visited in each book on a Summer Reading Journal. A parent/guardian signs the journal when it’s complete. A Spanish-language Reading Journal is also available.
3. They bring their completed Reading Journal to a Barnes & Noble store by September 7, 2010, and receive a coupon for a free book (from a list of paperback titles).

NOTE: Titles of available free books will be listed on the coupon.

NOTE: BestBuy of Frederick is not giving out anything to students this year.

NOTE: Home and School Connection is running a good sale for the next two weeks: 20% off entire store–including sale items. Just mention “Keep Skills Fresh Sale” for the discount.

Home and School Connection
7256 Guilford Drive, Frederick
(301) 293-0001

18728-A North Village Center, Hagerstown
(301) 766-0699

2 Days Only! 25% Off Almost Everything at Borders.com with code SLJ7836A. Valid 6/8/10 – 6/9/10

Shriner’s Health Screening, Cumberland, MD

I know it’s a hike, but I’m passing this on because it may be worth the drive for some.

Free screening clinic at the Living Stone Church of the Brethren on Saturday June 5, 2010, 10am-2pm. If you know of a child in need of care for
orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, speech and language disorders please call this number for more information. 301-724-5746. The clinic will be staffed by local physicians and a 3 to 4 member health care team including nurses. Shriner’s Hospitals for Children provides all care without financial obligation to patients or their families.

Click to enlarge/print coupon.

May 24-29 — Mother Seton School, Emmitsburg , http://www.mothersetonschool.org

May 29-June 5 — Gamber and Community Fire Company, Finksburg, http://www.gambervfd.org

May 28-June 5 — Boonsboro Ambulance & Rescue Services, Inc., http://www.boonsbororescue.com

May 31-June 5 — Union Bridge Fire Co., http://www.ubfc8.org

June 7-12 — New Windsor Fire and Hose Company #1, http://www.nwfd10.org

June 7-12 — Mount Airy Lions Club, http://www.mtairylions.com

June 7-12 — Woodsboro Vol. Fire Co., http://www.woodsborovfc.org

June 14-19 — Taneytown Volunteer Fire Company, http://taneytownvfd.homestead.com

June 11-19 — Carroll Manor Fire Co., Adamstown , http://carrollmanorfire.com

June 2 -July 3 — Smithsburg Community Volunteer Fire Co., http://www.smithsburgvfc.org/

July 5-10 — Walkersville , http://www.walkersvillefire.com

July 19-24 — Guardian Hose Co. Inc., Thurmont , http://www.guardianhose.org

July 5-10 — Middletown Vol. Fire Co., http://www.middletownvfd.org

July 12-17 – Winfield Community Vol. Fire Dept., Sykesville, http://www.winfieldvfd.org

July 19-24 — Burkittsville Ruritan Club, http://www.Burkittsville-md.gov

July 18-24 — Urbana Volunteer Fire and Rescue, http://www.urbanavfd.org

July 26-31 — Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Co., http://www.mavfc.org

July 26-31 — Jefferson Ruritan Club, http://www.jeffersonmd.net/Ruritan

Aug. 1-7 — Libertytown Vol. Fire Dept., http://www.lvfd.org

Aug. 16-21 — Rocky Ridge Vol. Fire Company. Inc., http://www.rockyridgevfc.com