Choosing and balancing a checking account

Banks offer "points" or "rewards"...

• to get free stuff for their bank

• as an incentive to bank there

• you feel as if you are getting something out of nothing

• used as recruitment for people to switch to their bank

An ATM check card

• is NOT for ATMs

• is used only to withdraw money that is in your account

• there is no such thing

• can be used the same as a credit card

someone who gives you a loan

credit history includes:

• saving accounts

• credit accounts

• savings and credit accounts

• money

to build good credit you should:

• never pay bills

• gambol your life savings

• quit your job

• get a social security number if you do not have one

what is a FICO score

• credit letter

• credit score

• credit report

• credit cards

When writing a check:

• Spell out the dollars and cents on the long line that ends in "Dollars"

• do not write checks

• write a fake name

• spell out your social security number on every check

are available as online images for you to refer to, or as reduced images sent with each monthly statement

• no checks

• bounced checks

• cleared checks

• credit cards

Charge far more in interest than a typical credit card interest charge

• car loans

• mortgage loans

• loans from a friend

• payday loans

You forgot to pay last month's credit card bill. Your creditor will probably:

• add finance charges and late fees

• not do anything

• come to your house and demand money

• hack your account and take the money you need to pay