Hi Sam!

And a hearty welcome to the BMW Method Board!

While I don't have time to go into detail regarding your myriad investment issues and questions right now, I can say that whatever monies you have set aside for your "emergency fund " ( most folks recommend 6 months living expenses ), plus whatever money you are keeping for as "dry powder" for future oportunistic investing....can be kept at Emigrant Direct...currently earning 4%...and they have consistently moved rates up as the Fed has....unlike many brick and mortor banks. ING direct is anither good e-bank....just doesn't pay quite as high. Both of these alternatives have very few restrictions and relatively quick access to your money ( a few days ).

Hope that helps!

Best regards,

Murph
( disclosure: I have accounts at both )