Tip #7:
Fight back against bank fees!

Every time you turn around lately, the banking industry has come up with a new fee. We're talking fees for cash transfers, bounced checks, balances below a certain level, ATM transactions, dormant accounts, money orders, stopped checks and more. Some banks even charge you for visiting the teller!

Fight back against "fee creep." See if your bank will allow you to combine your checking, savings and money market balances to meet a required minimum balance.  Stay away from ATMs in high-traffic areas such as hotels, airports or casinos, which charge higher fees.

Decide what kinds of banking services you need and shop around. If you are considering a new bank, ask for a list of all possible fees. Then see if you can negotiate to lower some of those fees. You may be surprised at how flexible a new bank can be.

For more on sneaky bank tactics, take a look at 5 Secrets Your Bank Doesn't Want You to Know