I wanted to go to NYC this weekend to participate in Occupy Wall Street. It's a long drive from West "by God" Virginia, but I was trying to make it work. I couldn't. I was very disappointed. Truly. But the good news there is that I get the feeling that there will be more weekends to come.
A dear friend of mine is going to NYC this weekend and taking his family, too. But I just can't do it. I wanted to do something to help keep the pressure on these jerks, in my own small way.
That's where Bank Transfer Day comes in.
Earlier this year, my beloved father died. He was a fire breathing liberal. He was the man from whom I stole the quote that I use in my sig line. He was a man and a half. But more on him some other time.
He didn't have a lot of money when he died. And I have siblings. But since his death earlier this year, I've had $21,000 parked at BB&T, a large regional bank. BB&T is famous for nickel and diming its customers. They are the masters of the hidden $25 penalty. Phoney-baloney penalties and charges. It's a growth sector for them.
Well, today was moving day for me. I went to a local credit union and transferred it all to an account there. Damn did it feel good. On another thread, I mentioned that I was waiting for Bank Transfer Day. Kossack Cosmic Debris's response to my question as to whether it would "count" if I did it prior to November 5th (Bank Transfer Day) moved me to action.
I just got back from the C.U. The young lady who took care of the matter made the off hand comment that they had taken in about 100 new accounts so far this month, a very large amount for our small town. I explained Bank Transfer Day to her. She hadn't heard of it, but a smile came to her face. She said that she had previously worked for BB&T and that they were among the worst for hidden fees and penalties. She called another worker into her office and asked her whether she'd heard of Bank Transfer Day. She hadn't. It got explained again. Both said they'd "Google it".
Maybe. Just maybe a change is coming. But even if it doesn't, standing on the righteous side of the fence feels pretty damn good.