02/2020 KIPLINGER’S PERSONAL FINANCE 63NO MATTER HOW
much you try to swat them away,
pesky fees keep nibbling at your
travel bookings, wireless plans, bank
accounts, investments and pretty
much every other part of your finan-
cial life. Although the fees may not
seem like much on their own, they
can add up to hundreds or even thou-
sands of dollars a year, putting a big
dent in your wallet.
Here, we’ve listed common feesin five categories, plus ways to elimi-
nate or reduce them. Some of the
fees are legitimate—professionals
such as investment advisers and real
estate brokers deserve compensation,
after all. But if you’re overpaying for
a service, you can make moves to tug
down the rate. And with some prepa-
ration and knowledge, you can wipe
out the most irritating charges.