I've been preaching the Move-Your-Money line but I hadn't actually done it. I have all kinds of excuses: A labyrinth of accounts all interconnected with my family and business, Loans that give me a good deal that I can't match elsewhere, the enormous time and effort it will take to change all my auto deposits and withdrawals, and there isn't a credit union to join with a branch within walking distance. Ugh. Moving my money was way too much of a hassle. But it ate at me that I wasn't aligning my actions with my values so during the winter holidays, I decided to actually make the move.
I chose People's Bank of Washington. It's a community bank with 24 branches in my region including one in my very own down town. A mere two mile walk away from home. Scott Chambers, the Assistant Branch Manager spoke with me and my husband and gave us a warm welcome as well as a lot of help getting started with the new bank.
What I didn't know when I started the process, was how much I was missing by not banking locally. Scott offered us personal service and I don't mean he just gave it lip service! When I called the bank to get a question answered, the woman who answered the phone introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Bridget Barrington, the bank manager, I opened the door for you today. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself then!" I couldn't believe it! And when I went in to deposit a check today, Bridget came up to me to introduce me to the teller. Wow. I get the feeling that I will be able to work with these people. When I told my mom about the experience (and recommended that she move her money to People's) she remembered that more than 40 years ago she and dad had gotten amazing personal service from a bank when they were traveling. The bank sent them money (it was before the days of ATM's) at different stops during a round-the-world tour and once, when mom and dad didn't pick up the money at the time the bank thought, the banker called their friends to make sure everything was okay!
Perhaps there is still room in the world for a personal banker for even, not wealthy me! I recommend to all of you who haven't yet taken the time or made the effort to move your accounts to a local bank, Do it Now! You'll be happier when you do.
What I didn't know when I started the process, was how much I was missing by not banking locally. Scott offered us personal service and I don't mean he just gave it lip service! When I called the bank to get a question answered, the woman who answered the phone introduced herself, "Hi, I'm Bridget Barrington, the bank manager, I opened the door for you today. I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself then!" I couldn't believe it! And when I went in to deposit a check today, Bridget came up to me to introduce me to the teller. Wow. I get the feeling that I will be able to work with these people. When I told my mom about the experience (and recommended that she move her money to People's) she remembered that more than 40 years ago she and dad had gotten amazing personal service from a bank when they were traveling. The bank sent them money (it was before the days of ATM's) at different stops during a round-the-world tour and once, when mom and dad didn't pick up the money at the time the bank thought, the banker called their friends to make sure everything was okay!
Perhaps there is still room in the world for a personal banker for even, not wealthy me! I recommend to all of you who haven't yet taken the time or made the effort to move your accounts to a local bank, Do it Now! You'll be happier when you do.
