"Bank Bashing"....the new sport.
But, I love my bank
It keeps adding money to my account each month, although it ain't all that much. As for paying interest....I don't! I don't borrow money, so cannot complain about interest rates, except when they go down.
I learned all about interest when I had to pay 17% and later 13.5% for mortgages and about 21% for credit card, for which I had a fairly substantial monthly debt, at that time. Decided...never again! Worked really hard to rid myself of such curses, albeit with some luck.
Now, I buy everything on a credit card, purely to maximise my points value, and pay it off within the interest free period. I then use the accrued points for Coles gift cards, which then pays for my food, particularly during any difficult patches. For instance, this last Christmas was all paid for by my points, thanks to my bank!
Also, all my purchases are covered by an insurance policy through my credit card, which also covers travel insurance too.
I work the system to "my" advantage, not the banks. I pay my debts on time and accrue no interest. Nor do I pay fees for banking. I earn interest on my account and I don't borrow money. I use the points to pay for necessities, thus reducing my budget, albeit by a small margin. But, every little bit helps!
Unfortunately, it sometimes means that I can't get what I want when I would like it, which can be a little annoying, and very tempting, particularly at present, as I would love to buy the new Explore Scientific 152mm ED Apochromat Triplet, that is soon to be released. I believe it will come in at about half the price of a 6" AP. Oh well, have to go without for a couple of years.
It would be easy for me to borrow money, but, I do not want to use bank funds and pay interest. There are many things that I could borrow money for, such as fixing up my house, but it would mean that I would have to pay a lot of interest to the bank, which I feel that I cannot actually afford. Nor do I feel like adding to bank profits.
So, I live within my means and I go without and save for the things I want instead. Also, I do not live an extravagant life, unfortunately, but that is the way it is. I am currently saving for a road trip across the US next year (assuming I get enough work this year) and I hope to time it for NEAF 2013.
The 152 ED will just have to wait.
So, I love my bank
But, only because I use it wisely