Banking

Have you heard who wants to be a bank? American Express and Lincoln Financial both want to be granted bank status.

Do you wonder why? I do. Maybe they would be in line for part of the $700 billion rescue package.

Why wouldn't they make this move? It's worth the effort since the potential gain is so big.

Where I grew up there was a local bank called Lincoln National Bank. It was the big hitter in town and was long ago purchased by a true national bank.

I think nearly all small local banks are gone. Soon we will be left with 6 or 7 choices for banking. Our local bank was acquired by National City earlier this year and is line to become PNC Bank.

What will change at my branch office? Will familiar faces remain? Will PNC honor our "grandfathered" checking account which has no minimum balance and pays a teeny tiny interest? I'll let you know.

'til later