What advice would you offer to beginning consumers of banking services?

This is going to seem odd but use the ones that come free with your checking and savings accounts and stay debt free. Having done both worlds: debt and debt-free, I can tell you debt-free is much better. It is very rewarding to walk in a pay cash for a car, take a nice vacation with cash, etc, etc.





The only exception is a house and if you're a real go getter you can even do that debt free.What advice would you offer to beginning consumers of banking services?
If you are eligible for a credit uiion, compare that to local banks.





There's very little difference in interest rates between banks. Go for convenience (branches and/or ATMs close by, able to check balances and transfer between accounts online).