Test Your Banking I.Q.

  1. When choosing a bank, I compared more than one bank before making my decision.

    I compared 3 or more banks to get the best account for my circumstances.
    I looked at 2 banks and made my decision.
    I did not comparison shop for a bank.

  2. I only use my bank’s ATM machine to avoid extra fees.

    Yes, I know where my bank ATMs are located and only withdraw from them.
    On occasion I have to use another bank’s ATM but not often.
    I use whatever ATM machine I’m near when I need to withdraw money.

  3. I am familiar with the various fees associated with my bank.

    Yes, I know the fees.
    I do not know them all but I’m familiar with the basic ones like minimum balance charges, ATM fees and overdraft fees.
    I was not aware that banks charge different fees on my account.

  4. My savings account has an interest rate that ranks very high in comparison with other accounts.

    Yes, I researched various banks and picked the one with the highest interest rate.
    I don’t know what the interest rate is on my savings account.
    I don’t have a savings account.

  5. I balance my checkbook to avoid "bouncing" checks.

    I have a system where I balance my account on a regular basis.
    I don't balance my checkbook regularly but I do know approximately how much money I have in my account.
    I use the balance listed on my ATM receipt to keep track of my balance.

  6. I carefully chose my checking account.

    I discussed the various checking accounts available with the bank associate and chose the one that best fit my circumstance.
    I signed up for the checking account the bank associate choose for me.
    I didn’t know there were different types of checking accounts to choose from.

  7. I protect the PIN number on my bank account.

    I never give my pin number to anyone under any circumstances.
    I have given my PIN number to one trusted friend when I needed them to take money out for me in an emergency.
    More than 1 person knows my PIN number.

  8. I avoid paying maintenance fees on my bank accounts.

    I chose the account that would make it easy for me to keep from paying a maintenance fee.
    Sometimes I end up paying a maintenance fee when I go below the minimum balance.
    What’s a maintenance fee?

16 - 12 Your banking I.Q. suggests you are a smart banking consumer. If you answered B or C to any statements make sure to make the necessary improvements. Review the Stash Your Cash section for helpful tips.

11 - 6  You have established some good banking habits but there are still areas needing improvement. Review any B or C answers for an idea of where you need to change your banking habits. Attending the Get The Most Out Of Your Money workshop may assist you in raising your banking I.Q..

5 - 0 There are many areas for improvement in your banking habits. In order to improve your situation you need to take immediate action. Either register for the Get The Most Out Of Your Money workshop or schedule an advising appointment with Financial Fitness