You ll often get a better buy on many products and services. Establish bank accounts and credit. Join a credit union. Many churches already have them. If not, there is usually one in the community you can link up with.
Credit unions offer car, home, and personal loans, and often a credit card at a reasonable rate.
Don t do much saving with them, though, as their rate of return is low. You ll need a personal checking account for household business and to establish a credit base, which is necessary if you plan to purchase a home or a car. Shop around, though. Bank charges can vary a great deal, even in the same community. Get a low-cost Visa or Gold MasterCard, and be sure to pay off the balance each month.