[Moneyguy1]

Long ago, when in COllege, I took a course in "Money, Credit and Banking", taught by a former economic advisor to the White House.

The instructor, on the first night told us the following:

"Let's get one thing clear. Your friendly neighborhood banker is neither".

With consolidations, banks have become so large that it is in the finance business what we call "disconnect". They can no longer react to the needs of the average customer. You are a series of 1s and 0s in a machine.

You have to make yourself known, especially when you are unhappy. I like to complain directly to the CEO by registered mail. Believe me, you will get their attention. A few weeks ago, I had a problem with J P Morgan Chase ( a bank named after one of the greatest robber barons ever to live!!). I contacted the office of the CEO after being told by their service rep there was nothing that she could do. The problem was resolved with a single phone call that took less than five minutes. Moral: Don't waste your time with the "hired help". Go to the top. I rarely fail to get satisfaction, whether it be a banking problem or something I purchased.

I have two bank accounts. One I use for direct deposit and bills; the other I put money into each month for my wife and the household expenses. There is sufficient that if she budgets carefully, the remainder is hers and in the last year she has purchased an 8 pegapix camera and a few other toys.

Use the bank. Do not let the bank use you.