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Saving Money on Bank Fees, By Nikki Willhite A short time ago I bounced my first check.  It wasn't a good feeling.  We work so hard to save money and then to see it just wasted is a sickening feeling. Through my experience I learned about the bounce protection my bank offered.  It was actually free, but you had to ask for it. Here are some other ways to make sure that you don't waste money banking. - Check out all the different type accounts each bank offers. Many banks now offer free checking. Some require a minimum balance, others that you use direct deposit for your paycheck. Others have no restriction. - Consider an online bank. Most of them have free checking, bill pay, and ATM. - Put your money in a credit union. The fees are less, savings accounts pay more interest, and loans are easier to take out. - Avoid using ATM cards. If you can't make it to your bank, a lot of people get a little cash each week by writing their checks a little higher at the grocery store and getting cash back. - Be as careful as you can in your record keeping to avoid fees for bounced checks, or dipping below minimum balance requirements. Faithfully reconcile your bank statement each month. If you get off, it can be hard to get your figures straight. Take the time to be accurate, and it won't be so hard to keep it that way. - Order your checks online or through mail order. They are much cheaper that way, although in some cases the quality will not be as good. Be sure you get your phone number on the check. You may have to creatively pick a spot to put it in, as they may not have an input field for it. Walmart is a good place to buy them online.  Here is the URL: http://www.walmartchecks.com/ - Write less checks and use cash. Your statement will be easier to balance, and you will have less paperwork. If you are very disciplined, you can use a charge card with a cash back bonus. - Avoid check fraud by never leaving any blank spaces when you write a check. Shred or tear up old checks and deposit slips before you throw them out. Don't leave letters in your mailbox with checks in them. If your mail is delivered to your curb, pick it up as soon as possible. About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!  Article first published at www.allthingsfrugal.com

 

 

 

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