Oct 26 • General discussion
The Bank Is Not Your Friend (But You Need One Anyway)
The Bank Is Not Your Friend (But You Need One Anyway)
By Jamie Lambert
Here’s a fun fact they don’t teach you in high school:
Banks are in the business of making money off your money.
Not handing out free cash like Oprah.
When I first opened a bank account, I thought I was being all adult and responsible. I got a shiny debit card and felt unstoppable.
Until I overdrafted $3.17 on a coffee and got slapped with a $35 fee.
FOR. THREE. DOLLARS.
That coffee cost me my soul and a chunk of my paycheck.
🤝 The Illusion of Friendship
Banks seem helpful:
- “Open a free checking account!”
- “We’re here for your financial future!”
- “Get a credit card and start building your dreams!”
But behind the scenes?
They’re watching every swipe, every slip-up, and every cent you don’t have.
They profit from your overdrafts.
They profit from your interest.
They profit when you don’t read the fine print.
So no, they’re not your friend. But…
🧠 You Still Need a Bank
In the adult world, you can’t function without a bank:
- You need it to get paid (direct deposit is a game-changer)
- You need it to pay bills online
- You need it to build a paper trail (especially for credit, housing, and jobs)
So if you’re going to play the game, you better learn the rules.
💡 Bank Smart, Not Blind:
Here are 6 survival tips you’ll wish someone told you sooner:
- Never opt into overdraft “protection.”It’s not protecting you—it’s protecting them. It just means they’ll let you overdraft… and charge you for it.
- Get a checking and savings account—separate them.Put your spending money in checking and your goals in savings. Don’t touch your savings unless it’s actually an emergency.
- Use auto-alerts.Set up text alerts for low balances. That $4 coffee could cost you $40 if you’re not paying attention.
- Understand your fees.ATM fees. Maintenance fees. Transfer limits. Read the fine print.
- Don’t bounce checks.Yes, checks still exist. And bouncing one is like showing up to adulthood with “I’m not ready” stamped on your forehead.
- Credit unions are often better.Less fees. More humanity. They’re like the chill cousin of big banks.
🚫 Red Flags to Watch For:
- Banks that charge you monthly fees just to hold your money
- Accounts with “minimum balance” rules that punish you for being broke
- Sales pitches for credit cards before you even have a savings account
💬 Real Talk:
Have you ever been hit with a bank fee that made you cry, cuss, or call your mom?
Let’s hear your stories below. We’re building a judgment-free zone here 👇
🔥 Call to Action:
Chapter 3 of I Just Turned 18—WTF!!! is your survival guide to understanding banks before they bite.
Don’t get played. Learn how the system works—so you can work around it.
🛒 [Grab the book here]
📱 Follow @IJustTurned18WTF for the money lessons schools should have taught.
💌 Got a banking horror story? Email it in—we might feature it (with your permission, of course).
🧠 AFFIRMATION OF THE WEEK:
“I’m learning to manage my money, not let it manage me.”
You’re not dumb with money—you’re just new. And new is a great place to start.
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The Bank Is Not Your Friend (But You Need One Anyway)
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