From Marketplace.org comes a four minute audio interview with an expert on “crazy” transaction fees:

Have you ever looked at a bill or a receipt and thought, “15 cents for what? What’s a landing fee? A $2.95 convenience fee? Why?”

Most important message to consumers: be sure to check your receipt and bill and ask questions on items that you don’t understand!

About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.