Bank Fees Are a Credit Union's Best Friend

(Corrects Citibank's fee in the fourth paragraph.)

Something is wrong when keeping cash in the kitchen cookie jar seems a reasonable substitute for your bank. It may feel rebellious -- your own little Occupy Wall Street act of defiance -- and even a bit savvy, given those checking-account fees, ATM fees, and monthly debit-account fees. That little depository institution atop your kitchen counter has big drawbacks, however, including a lack of federal deposit insurance, zero interest, and ease of access that could prove dangerous to your financial health.