| Using a bank can really save you money, but | | | | |
| there are also ways in which you lose a lot | | | | When using an ATM, make sure that you take |
| of money. If you are not proactive in | | | | precautions. Do not write down your PIN |
| recognising potential dangers and mistakes, | | | | number anywhere near your card, and make sure |
| then you could be caught out. Here are some | | | | that you shield your number when you type it |
| of the most common personal banking mistakes | | | | in. Being aware of people around you when |
| and how to avoid them. | | | | using an ATM can stop most potential crime. |
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| Not reviewing your statements | | | | Banking online in public |
| | | | |
| Many people get their statement each month, | | | | Although you might need to check your account |
| open it and then throw it away. If you don't | | | | urgently, checking your online account and |
| look at your statements properly then you | | | | carrying out transactions on a wireless |
| will not see mistakes on your account that | | | | network is not totally secure. There is a |
| could be costing you a lot of money. If there | | | | chance that someone could access your |
| is a payment that you did not make then you | | | | details, or that the transaction will be |
| could be charged a fee, and there is also a | | | | lost. Use your online banking at home if at |
| chance that you card has been copied. | | | | all possible. |
| Checking your statements against all your | | | | |
| purchases each month is imperative. | | | | Not establishing a relationship |
| | | | |
| Paying too much | | | | If you want to get the best deals from your |
| | | | bank, then you need to establish a |
| Many people are too lazy to shop around or to | | | | relationship with them. If you have a local |
| question the fees that they pay each month on | | | | branch, then arrange a meeting with the bank |
| their accounts. If you look at the fees you | | | | manager so that you know who they are. |
| pay you might find that you are paying far | | | | Although you might never need their help, if |
| too much. If this is the case then it is time | | | | there are any problems or you need extra |
| to shop around for a better deal, because you | | | | funds then knowing your bank manager can |
| could save yourself a lot of money each year | | | | really help. |
| just by not paying expensive banking fees. | | | | |
| | | | Only borrowing from your bank |
| Leaving paper around | | | | |
| | | | If you have been loyal to one bank for a |
| When you look at your bank statement or open | | | | while, then perhaps it is time to rethink |
| bank related information, make sure that you | | | | that loyalty. Although you might think your |
| don't leave it lying around. If you | | | | bank offers the best deal, whenever you want |
| carelessly discard information relating to | | | | to purchase a new financial product you |
| your account then you are an easy target for | | | | should shop around. There are many other |
| identity thieves and fraudsters. Make sure | | | | places, particularly online, that can offer |
| that you keep all bank related information in | | | | you great deals on borrowing money from |
| a safe place, and shred any documents that | | | | credit cards or loans. If you are careful |
| you are going to throw away. | | | | with your banking information and shop around |
| | | | for the best deals, then you can avoid most |
| Using ATMs without care | | | | of these common personal banking mistakes. |