8. Opt out of your bank's courtesy overdraft protection
What your bank might not tell you is that there are cheaper ways to cover overdrafts.

Consumers pay an average of $34 for each overdraft, according to studies by the Center for Responsible Lending. But you can cut that in half easily. If you're willing to change institutions, you might be able to eliminate it entirely.

Set up an automatic transfer from savings or a line of credit for just such occasions, recommends Halperin. This way, each overdraft will be paid, unlike "courtesy" protection where you'll pay a fee whether or not the bank honors the check or charge.

One thing to watch: Some banks will charge an account transfer fee, often $10 to $15, says Halperin, so you have to shop around.

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

9. Start an emergency fund
No matter how well you plan, you're always going to have those unforseen expenses. An unexpected auto repair, a new washing machine or a vet bill. Start socking away a little every month and you won't have to put it on the credit card.

This will be especially important in 2008, according to some industry watchers.

"As people's incomes tighten and costs go up, people need to be thinking about savings," says Halperin.

10. Get something for your money
If you're parking some money in your checking or savings account, look for an institution that will give you something in return, like interest.

"You're seeing more places that pay interest, a respectable rate of return, on a checking account," says Mark Oleson, professor of personal financial planning and director of the office for financial success at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Online banks have traditionally offered the best rates (5 percent, or close to it), and some brick-and-mortar institutions will match that or come close.

11. Automate your savings
Want to make it really easy? Set up an automatic transfer into your savings account on the same day your paycheck is deposited. People who automate their savings put away an average of $55 more per month than those who don't, according to a recent study by NACHA -- the Electronic Payments Association. Automatic savers sock away an average of $450 a month compared to $395 for the rest of us.