I hate the new annoucements in the mail from banks and credit cards, don't you?

Yes, all those things are upsetting. Yeah, they act like they're doing you a favor when they rip you off. Many people can't keep 100 dollars or more in an account. So less than that, they're better off not to bother with an account I guess.

I would say why not say right off that it is a secured savings account and why assume that once you reach retirement, that you are going to go on a spending spree and spend all your money? I can understand giving those cards to people starting out like just out of high school and at their first jobs, but to someone to a retiree who has already gotten a decent pension is not that nice. And thanks for the best response.

You're welcome. My friend just went ape after opening his bank statement. Now, every transaction will be $2.00 surcharge including automatic deposits. He's on Social Security, had a pension, and another income. So three deposits, $6 right there, then each bill he pays $2 for electric, stove gas, etc. Easily count up to $20 or $30 dollars during an average month. His kids live 7 hours away and he can't travel any more. So he sends them a check during Christmas season, so $2 for each kid and grandkid, etc. So he said, "No, no, no, this can not stand, it just can not stand. I will be calling them and telling them that I will go somewhere else, that's insane to do to an elderly person, Christmas could cost me $50 and since I'm home bound, all the checks I make for things that I send for, they're going to deplete my account in just surcharges." It just keeps getting worse and worse, doesn't it? It's one thing to say that about ATM charges, but everything? Nuts, just crazy.

That's terrible! Can you shop around for another bank or are they all doing that in your area?

Here, there are no fee ones, esp. for people over a certain age. Could be 50, 55, 60, 65, depends on the bank. Some if you have automatic deposit from a job, no fee accounts. Sounds like it might be your area.

I did some shopping around, and it's a relatively low fee! I guess I need to spend more time looking for income streams! Or just do my saving in a jar!

I read an article this past week at my Eye Drs' Office that said if you've never been late and they raise your fees, tell them you'll go elsewhere and they will usually lower the interest rate and if they don't, then go elsewhere because there is no reason to tolerate raises if you've not been late.

Be careful, those inserts are usually increases in something. Yes, I hate how small everything is now. You should be able to ask for larger print should you ever need to. Thanks for responding and take care.

Good luck on your big exam Molly. Doesn't have to be email, can be regular mail that they keep increasing rates or changing things. Be careful, banks are getting rough out there. Take care, Molly.

Yeah, check out how much profit your bank is making and what the shareholders make. That really drives me nuts.