4. Monitor your accounts regularly
Banks and credit unions are offering a lot of easy (and free) ways to keep up with your account transactions and balances, from online banking to phone-in services. Whether you have a lot or a little, it pays to keep tabs on your money.

There are three things to check: First, is the service free? Some phone-in services allow you only a certain number of free calls per month, or charge you if you speak to a person rather than using an automated system.

Second, does the bank accept this system as valid proof of what's going on in your account if there's ever a dispute? In some instances, institutions will offer convenience services like checking your balance from the ATM or by phone, or making ATM deposits, but if there is a discrepancy, only teller-based transactions are accepted as verifiable proof of what you really had in your account on a specific day.

Third, if you use online statements, how long will they be available for free? In many cases, you lose free access after six months, says Linda Sherry, spokeswoman for D.C.-based Consumer Action. That can make it more complicated if you need records for more infrequent activities, like doing taxes or financial planning.

If your institution has a cut-off date, then either print out statements or save them electronically, Sherry says.

Make the most (and pay the least)

1. Re-evaluate your needs and shop around 2. Investigate all your alternatives 3. Be suspicious of free checking offers 4. Monitor your accounts regularly 5. Don't get comfortable with fees 6. Keep up with the rules 7. Be smart with debit cards 8. Opt out of courtesy overdraft protection 9. Start an emergency fund 10. Get something for your money 11. Automate your savings 12. Don't get hung up on the numbers 13. Climb the ladder 14. Take advantage of cool tools

5. Don't get comfortable with fees
Fees are not the cost of enjoying your favorite convenient banking services. If you're getting hit often, it's time to modify your usage, investigate ways to get the same privileges without fees or change institutions.

6. Keep up with the rules
Institutions often change policies or merge. That means the rules you were playing by last week might no longer apply. But you can keep up without driving yourself nuts or reading yards of tiny gray print.

Here's how: Keep up with your accounts regularly. When you see a fee, call and find out why you're being charged. If it's the first one, they might be willing to waive it. And now you've got a heads up for next time.

If you're going to make a transaction for the first time, or just the first time in a while, call in and find out what the rules are, along with any possible fees you could incur.

7. Be smart with debit cards
The cards are supposed to be a convenient way for you to access your money, but they can cost you, too. The cards are the No. 1 contributor to overdraft fees, says Halperin. Consumers pay about $17.5 billion in overdraft fees annually.

One reason: In many cases, the cards allow you to keep spending whether there is money in the account or not. Every little transaction is followed by a big overdraft fee.

So either trade your debit for a simple ATM card, or just resolve to use it only at the ATM.