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How to Avoid ATM and Bounced Check Fees

ATM fees and fees for bouncing checks have hit all time highs. Bounce a check and you could be paying $30 for the privilege. Forget to get cash before going out Saturday night, and it could cost you more than $2.50 to use another bank's ATM.

Both these fees are avoidable if you only plan ahead.

You can avoid bouncing checks by taking a few minutes to balance your checkbook every month as soon as your statement arrives.
Also remember to track the use of debit cards. They're often the cause of bounced checks.
As for ATM surcharges, these too can be avoided by planning ahead and using your own bank's ATM.
You should analyze all of your bank's fees while you're at it.
And one last thought while we're on the subject: by opting for an interest bearing checking account, paying roughly 0.3%, you're tying up a minimum balance of $2,500 or more that could be earning as much as 5% in a better account.

So be sure to take a look at everything.

If you want to get smarter about everything-money, here's what we want you to do: Sign up for our FREE email tip-letter, Your Money Matters with the Dolans. It's loaded with advice to make your life simpler and more rewarding–and it's FREE. Click here.

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If you provide more than half of an aging parent's support, you may be able to declare your parent a dependent even if he or she is not living in your home. In addition to getting the dependent deduction, you may also be able to take a tax deduction for your parent's medical expenses. To prove you pay the expenses, pay your parent's bills directly to the provider, rather than giving your parent(s) the money to pay the bill.

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