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View Full Version : I simply don't understand...



Rami
10-16-2009, 01:56 PM
...how people can be so stupid. Banks collect $17 billion in overdraft protection per year.

Some simple basic accounting here, folks. The banks are making tons of money because many people are ignorant. A debit card should be used just as if you're writing a check...only with less paperwork. You balance your checkbook when you get home after a purchase. If you don't have the money, don't spend it! :doh:

This is why you should always keep a $50-125 buffer in your checking account if you can help it, so in the event this occurs, you won't have to pay $15-40 dollars a pop for your own stupidity. :doh:

I don't blame the banks at all for taking advantage of people's stupidity, why shouldn't they?

People just need to learn some basic math and accounting techniques. Learning how to make change without a calculator would be a good place to start...I learned to do math without outside help....long division...multiplication tables...ah...the good old days.

RAF_Slingblade
10-16-2009, 02:26 PM
It's not always that simple.

I can relate 2 experiences that illustrate extenuating circumstance.

One Saturday a few years ago I made a $4000 deposit. Check was drawn on a local bank....on Monday they hit me for 8 overdrafts, one of them was a .99 music download.

Letter of the law, they were within their rights but in my mind they should have been able to clear that deposit while I was standing there and at the very least not hit me $30 for a .99 charge. I changed banks the next day.

2nd....in today's economic environment (I have not had full time work since January) we are sometimes forced to float checks to pay for things like gas, groceries and heating oil. I cannot always make the deposit in time and have probably paid $500 in overdraft fees this year.

I'm single with custody of 3 kids, it's something I have to do.

Hans Jaeger
10-16-2009, 09:18 PM
Can't you buy overdraft protection on a bank account?

In Canada it typically costs a couple of bucks a month, I think. If you regularly can't avoid an overdraft, it would pay for itself in a flash.