Sag Harbor

Wal-mart announced plans to expand the banking services it offers in its stores. Plans include a pre-paid debit card targeted toward low-income families and installation of money centers that will offer check-cashing, bill paying, and money order services. Jane Thompson, president of Wal-mart financial services, said that these were just foundational products that could be built upon. Experts see Wal-mart entering the mortgage and home-equity loan market in the near future, which would make them into a force in the financial world.