the Price of Overdraft Fees

My bank allows me to overwithdraw $200 from my checking account in case of emergencies or if you accidentally write a check and don't have the cash in the bank to cover it. However, banks usually do require that the overwithdrawn funds be deposited back into the account within 30 days and they do charge you an overdraft fee.

I think that $39 is relatively cheap to pay seeing as to how high some returned check fees are. Most all businesses have a returned check fee and the smallest amount I've seen them charge is $25 plus whatever you have to pay the bank for writing the bad check. Getting a checking account with overdraft protection can save you money and embarrassment, especially for people that hate to balance their checkbook.

Switch to a free checking account at your local bank and see if they will offer you the overdraft protection service. One bank I had to ask for it to be put on my account and it was up to $500 and the other bank just automatically put it on everyone's account. It is definitely worth it and if you never have to use it you aren't wasting any money because it's a free service.