So it's official, I have closed (at least I think it's closed) my bank account with the TD Bank, and am now doing all my banking with a credit union .  Well apparently, others have had similar ideas.

I recently stumbled upon Move Your Money .  A website encouraging people to "move their money" from these huge profiteering, opportunistic banks and into small community minded banks or credit unions. 

I believe in this movement because I know what it's like to feel very helpless about the big banks.  I've heard many people say "it won't make any difference.  These banks are all the same." 

For the past few months I have spent  quite a bit of time on the telephone arguing over egregious fees from credit cards and banks. Some of my friends have asked me - "why don't you just pay the fee, it's only $35. Is it really worth all the stress?"   My response to this is "because that is exactly what they want me to do".  For years I have let these so called little fees slide, but $35 here, and $25 there.. it adds up.  Not to mention the ATM fees, and high interest rates.  These large banks are counting on my getting tired, giving up and just paying up.  Banks are getting away with usury because we are letting them . 

For years, my friend Liza tried to get me to switch to the credit union.  I always balked because it wasn't convenient .  The credit union didn't have a branch on ever corner, so I didn't think it would work.  But the reality is, that is exactly how big banks have preyed upon us.  They dazzle us with large marquees and fancy ads.  Let me ask you this: In a time where we can do almost all our banking electronically  AND at a time when all of these "too big to fail banks" are in danger of folding, why is it that they seem to have the money to buy/rent prime real estate in New York City?  Do we need to have a Chase , Bank of America , Wachovia and Citibank branches on every corner?  Or could it be that these big banks want to give off the illusion that they are our only option?  

Well they are not and we don't have to be dependent on them either.  If you are frustrated with your bank - take a look at Move Your Money and do some research.  (or check out the video below) They even have a data-base of small bank alternatives that you can search by zip code .  (One caveat about small banks vs. credit unions - a small bank could get usurped by a large bank, where a credit union will remain intact . Just something to think about.)