Recently I looked at my bank statements and I noticed account fees that were not there before. I'm in between regular employment right now so--- evra' nickel counts. I called up the customer reps. at Chase da Money Bank and asked; what's sup wit dat?

I was told that since I have ended my relationship with the organization under which I originally opened the account, my account was no longer exempt from certain fees. While I don't wish to go too deep into my financial situation, let me just say, the possibility of me maintaining $3,000 on a month-to-month basis, in this account, is as remote as looking for New York City Mayor Guiliani to bring peeps of different colors and cultures together. Because of this I receive transaction charges of fifty cents on every use of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM), any use of my debit card, and any check that I write. While generally I write only one or two checks a month, I may use an ATM well over twelve times a month for deposits and withdrawals. In the past months these fees have amounted to $140.00 being removed from my account.

Writer's who are not making money directly from their writings on a regular basis, grow accustomed to money being tighter then a snail in its shell. Some writers I know who get by on part time work or other types of temporary employment, are masters at adjusting themselves to these varied job situations. They negotiate that difficult place between livelihood and making space to write, read publicly, perform and/or publish, and somehow manage to survive.

Presto Change-O Bazaam! I was going to find another bank! There must be a bank that does not make me feel that if I am not earning more than $20,000 a year on a regular basis, I was a sucka for them. I decided to look for a bank that may offer me some of the amenities, like requiring less than a $3,000 balance, or possibly a reduction of fees related to maintaining an account. Chase da' Money Bank has branches located in many areas of the city. In Manhattan, past 96th street, there is a noticeable decline in regularly staffed branches and ATMs. But they are not the only bank in town! Dammit! Right?

As one of my friends once said, "Don't just wake up and smell the coffee. You best throw that whole cup of coffee on your face. Wake up girl!" Bip Boop Bam! For a few days I became Ms. Trans-Action Jackson! (Action Jackson was a buffed independent leader type comic book character.) I used my ATM card like a saber thrust out before me cutting through the thick forest of banks, clearing a path toward light in the distance! Excuse me---I went somewhere else for a moment there. I did actually cut my way through the administrative waiting, and holding on the line. How many times did I hear myself ask; "Are there any fees applied to that?" With each bank I was more informed, better ready to speedily ask my questions before the customer rep. was even able to try and put me on hold, again!

Many struggling writer's (not struggling to write y'all, struggling to live. Maybe that is the same thing) know all 'bout transacting. Transaction is that slippery space they occupy each day, that keeps them going in between manuscript-rejections-never-or-rarely-published-no grant-getting-no-residency-time-takin'-I-gotta-finish-my- first-draft-writing-place.

Some of the banks I found which offered some checking or savings accounts, without requiring a consistent monthly balance, or excessive charges for use of ATM, debit card, or check writing, are Republic National Bank Of New York, Amalgamated Bank of New York, Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Apple Bank, and Carver Federal Bank. (Keep those fingers a' clicking to get more info. Œbout these banks at the end of this column.)

I don't know what banking is like where you are. Y'all could send me some information on that. Share the knowledge. Probably like here, changing banks may at first be troublesome, but in the end I think it will be worth it. I do realize I will be losing a certain status associated with my current bank when I split. Things like (as dumb as this sounds) having an account with Chase, one of the largest American banks, (which was actually owned by Chemical Bank) and branch/ATM availability. As far as the big bank perks vs. small bank savings, ya'll know what I've been sayin' here. If you don't know what your banking options are in your homestead, CHECK IT OUT! (Get it? C-H-E-C-K) I will be changing banks shortly. I don't want to influence you, so I will not be mentioning my choice. I'll just say, I took what I think was the best deal. Go ahead! Find out which bank can save you some cash. Ms. Trans-Action Jackson knows; what is just chump change for account fees to some, could be getting-me-over-the-hump-change to others.

Here is some information regarding the banks a mentioned. For those of you outside the US, or in other parts of America, some of these banks do have international branches. There will probably be changes in account minimums and services in banks located near you.

Republic National Bank Of New York 718/488-4050- offers a no minimum balance required checking account that is charged $3.00 per month fee, no charge for use of 10 checks per month, no transaction charge for use of ATM card at any of their branches (or outside of the US), they are working on offering their ATM card for use as a debit card. While they have a minimum balance requirement for savings accounts they offer two types with monthly fees that are moderate.

Amalgamated Bank of New York 212/255-6200 requires that you have had a previous account at another bank for at least three months before opening an account here. AB of NY offers a checking account with no minimum monthly balance requirements and there is a fee for receiving checks for your account. They offer different types of savings accounts with varying balance requirements. They provide an ATM card that can also be used as a debit card. The ATM card can be used for bank transactions outside of the US without fees.

Other Banks that offer less expensive checking and savings accounts with varying balance and fee requirements are Banco Popular de Puerto Rico 212/767-8527, Apple Bank 1-800-722-6888, and Carver Federal Bank 212/876-4747.