Some banks see this as a problem. These individual or families are potential customers, which mean more accounts, which means more money made by institution. Suppose there are 10,000- 15,000 individuals in a city without checking accounts. At a potential eight dollars per account, per month, can add up to a hefty sum year after year. And depending on profitability or bank this can be big business.

While banks see unbanked as a problem, check cashing and payday loan companies see it as a windfall. These operations take advantage of an already bad situation making it worst, charging outrageous fees. Bringing in bucks. Many of these companies are located in low income areas and prey heavily on minorities.

One way a person can save on fees from a check cashing business or to help in his every day business transactions is purchase a prepaid debit card. These cards can be used like a credit card. One would load money on card when needed. The difference is when using your debit or prepaid card you are using your own money. With a credit card you are using someone else money, accruing interest and a bill. These cards have Visa and Mastercard logo and can be used anywhere these cards are accepted nationwide or internationally.

A person without a checking or saving account, can have his employer deposit money to card, eliminating need for a check cashing, saving money. Not only will it save employee, it can save employer money in check cost.

Visiting my local Barnes & Noble I discovered a book called "This Glorious Quest" by Colin Pearce. Leafing thru it I found a little story that I quite liked.

Quote: Robin Hood lay dying.

Maid Marion gathered Merry Men to hear his last words and dying wishes.

'Good Friar Tuck', he said. 'Please open yon window that I may gaze one last time upon my beloved Sherwood.

'Sweet Marion, place downy pillow under my shoulder that I may rest thereon.

'Little John, my old friend, hand me my trusted long bow fashioned from springy yew tree.

'Honest Will Scarlet, pass me an arrow crafted of birch, fletched with feathers of King's grey goose.'

As each one quietly and reverently did as asked, Robin Hood gasped hi instructions, 'Now I bid thee, swear an oath on my life'.

'On thy life, old friend', they choked, struggling to hold back their tears.