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[beahorgana]

I've never felt more like a child. Here I am, crying over $90 overdraft charges from my bank (the online banking system is impossible to figure out, it looks like I actually will have to start balancing my checkbook the hard way) and calling my dad for money. I thought I was supposed to be growing up in college but I feel like I'm fucking moving

Comments

[blueninja1026]

For what it's worth, I still overdraft and I'm twice your age! And it's embarrassing to have to straighten it out a mistake that leaves you in a bigger hole that you started with.

Mistakes happen. Sometimes it's a math error, sometimes it's Russian roulette to see which check clears first before the deposit (oh, wait...that's me!).

Banks irritate me with the overdraft fees. I personally think the fee should be a percentage of how BIG the overdraft was. I hate getting a $30 overdraft charge for a $9.50 check. Explain to me how this solves anything!?

I hope all the bad juju is out of the way now and the rest of the day is good. :-) Hang in there!

[blueninja1026]

OH! I just thought of something....does your bank/credit union do carbon checks? They save my butt. It doesn't help too much with ATM withdrawals, but you don't have to remember to enter checks right away because there's a carbon right there in the checkbook.

[beahorgana]

I mostly use the plastic, I think I've written two checks in my history of banking. And NOW I have realized that check cards are evil and paper is way better. So I will def look at getting carbon checks, they sound awesome. And thanks for the wish for my good juju, I think it worked. :D

[blueninja1026]

See I'm the opposite. :-) The only time I use the debit card is for gas at the pump, and maybe a purchase under $10, like a grande decaf tea or a few groceries.

It's always a shock to see the overdrafts, but it sounds like you took the proverbial deep breath and put things into perspective. :-)

If you look for a credit union (and unspokenprayers is right, CU's are very customer friendly) try to find one on the Alliance One network. I think that's the biggest ATM/credit union network, so you can use any "Alliance One" ATM with no fee. I think Alliance One also works with the Star network, so there's good flexibility if you travel.

[walkintherain]

Aw, that sucks!

Are you particularly happy with your current bank? I highly recommend UW Credit Union, with free overdraft protection. (Or any credit union, which are generally more customer-friendly....)

[beahorgana]

I don't think I'm particularly unhappy w/ my bank, but I got my first bank account right before I came to school so I really don't know what my options are. I will look into a credit union, thanks! :D