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And now for something a little different: I’m working with a new internet bank called <a href="https://www.ablebanking.com/">ableBanking</a>. (Wait, don’t go anywhere — there’s a point to all this!)

Like all internet banks, they offer competitive rates on savings accounts, but unlike most banks, their mission is to help the communities they are in. If you open an account with them, they will donate $25 to the charity of your choice. Then every year on the anniversary of your joining date, they will make another donation to the charity of your choice in the amount of 0.25% of your average balance. All you have to do is open a savings account with a $250 balance and designate a charity. You will still get very competitive rates for your savings, and the donation is in addition to your interest income.

Pretty cool, huh?

They are gearing up to launch in our area and just announced a promotion to give some of our favorite Massachussetts-based non-profits a boost to start 2012.

Through <a href="http://ablegiving.com/">AbleGiving</a> you can nominate any Massachusetts non-profit — no matter how big or small — for the opportunity to win a $1,000 donation. The only requirement is that they be registered as a 501 c3. The five Massachusetts non-profits that receive the most nominations will receive $1,000 each from ableBanking.

How cool and generous is that?

If you know of any Massachusetts non-profits that could use $1,000 go ahead and nominate them <a href="http://ablegiving.com/">here</a>. It only takes a minute to nominate your non-profit; the only catch is that <strong>you must do it by January 31st.</strong>

If you don’t have a favorite Massachusetts non-profit, may I suggest that you vote for <a href="http://www.riversidecc.org/childfam.html">Riverside Community Care</a>? They provide an array of services to children and families throughout eastern Massachusetts. One of my sons is receiving speech therapy and developmental services through them four times a week. I am amazed at the progress my son has made in the six months he has received services through Riverside. They provide services to all children, regardless of financial need and as a client family, I can vouch for the quality of their care.

<em>Disclosure: I am being compensated by ableBanking to help spread the word about ableGiving. But let's face it, it's a really great program -- I would have done it anyway. <a href="Disclosure: I am being compensated by ableBanking to help spread the facts about this kick-off program. ">Nominate a charity</a> (or vote for Riverside!) --please?</em>