Back in August I wrote about a service fee listing on my checking account statement for $37. A charge I normally just ignored and ‘accepted’. I’ve finally took the initiative to find about more about what made up this fee by calling my bank and simply asking for an explanation. The rep said I was on an old style checking account that charged $0.50 per debit transaction and a $7 fee anytime your balance drops below $500. Then the rep went on to tell me that I should upgrade my account to their Totally Free Checking which is only available if you’re using direct deposit(which my wife has). That account has no minimum balance and no transaction fee.

Well duh! He was able to convert my account over the phone and said as long as direct deposits keep up I will not see anymore fee’s. And advised me to call for current options if the direct deposits ever stop to pick the different account.

So in a short 10 minute span, I was able to make a positive change in my financial life by making a phone call.