IT'S YOUR MONEY AND IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER TO WATCH IT!
    
Many banks are shell shocked by the financial crisis and are relying more heavily on their daily income of banking fees. 

If it's not one thing it's another - now you have to watch your statements like a hawk, looking for the add on fees. It's not enough to just balance your checks but now you have more add on fees than ever. I have noticed $3 for monthly canceled checks, $5 for replacement ATM cards and even $2 to use a teller instead of a machine.

Most of all, pay close attention to your Debit card. I saved every receipt and logged them into my check ledger and still would not balance some months. Now I use cash or a credit card for everyday purchases. All that extra book keeping was a pain in the --- but overdraft fees are really high so I gave up on my Debit card. The benefits of using a Debit card compared to the time it takes to stay on top of it and never wind up with any add on fees just isn't worth it!

On the up side, if your bank is small enough and you go there in person, getting to know the tellers and managers, you may be able to have complaints responded to and perhaps fees waived. And don't get canceled checks back with your paper statement, download free copies and you will avoid the teller and canceled check fees.

Every penny counts these days so save money by never paying those sneaky bank fees.

Thanks and if you have ways to avoid fees or other money saving tips let us know and we will publish your comments.
marcia@minocquamortgage.com or www.minocquamortgage.com