Say somebody steals your wallet while you're traveling. Wouldn't it be convenient to recover copies of crucial credit-card infor-mation and other documents from any computer, anywhere?
How about a record of your will, trust documents, medical or tax records -- even family photos, favorite songs and the video of your daughter's first dance recital -- in the event of a house fire or other disaster?
Starting this summer, Wells Fargo customers can lock away copies of such treasures in the vSafe, a virtual safe-deposit box. A virtual copy isn't a legal document, but it sure can help reconstitute one that's lost or destroyed.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
The vSafe will be rolled out nationwide by year-end. Prices range from $4.95 a month for a 1-gigabyte safe to $14.95 a month for 6GB of storage -- enough for 60,000 documents or 3,900 digital photographs.
Wells Fargo isn't the first to dream up online storage. But don't discount its old-line banking reputation, says Celent analyst Bob Meara. "You've got to believe that Wells will bend over backward to make things secure."
If you're happy with your current bank, says Meara, there's probably no need to switch. He expects online vaults to catch on at other banks soon.
-
Think Twice Before Getting a Credit Card Cash AdvanceA credit card cash advance can be a quick solution when you need emergency help with money. But you'll pay for the convenience with high interest and fees.
-
What is AI Worth to the Economy?The Letter Spending on AI is already boosting GDP, but will the massive outlays being poured into the technology deliver faster economic growth in the long run?
-
When Tech is Too MuchOur Kiplinger Retirement Report editor, David Crook, sounds off on the everyday annoyances of technology.
-
I Let AI Read Privacy Policies for Me. Here's What I LearnedA reporter uses AI to review privacy policies, in an effort to better protect herself from fraud and scams.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
What Is AI? Artificial Intelligence 101Artificial intelligence has sparked huge excitement among investors and businesses, but what exactly does the term mean?
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2025Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to fund your retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2025 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
