I never thought I’d say this, but I miss that sinking realization (followed by intense embarrassment) I used to feel when my credit card was declined. Why is that? Well it’s because I only ever use my DEBIT card for purchases these days and apparently debit cards cannot be declined, they can only incur nonsufficient funds charges (NSF for short).

I woke up today to five of these charges because of poor household communication and a bit of bad math. This happened even though I had SUFFICIENT funds in my linked savings account. That’s right, Ulster Savings Bank based out of New York. My funds were sufficient.

I said GOOD DAY.

Actually, it’s a very good bank, but the very idea of NSF charges makes my head hurt.

I’ve asked my bank how I can prevent this from happening. I’ve told them to decline my card. I’ve begged them to save me from myself, all to no avail. The only way to prevent NSF charges is to have a line of credit associated with an account but it has to be a business account, not a personal account.

I did a little Googling and learned that in 2003, banks earned 33 billion from NSF fees and that these fees can often total 50% of a bank’s revenues.

I don’t think my money is safe anywhere. It’s certainly not safe from me or my bank. What’s a living-from-check-to-check working mom supposed to do? I may need to borrow my 7-year-old’s money saving strategy, stuffing her money in her piggy  bank and/or an old wallet she found in my closet.

The money sticking out of the top of this pig represents all that’s left in my checking account until my next paycheck comes in. At least my bank can keep well-stocked on lollipops.

*SOB*