BANKS AND MONEY
Everybody wants your income to outgo... to them.
But where are you gonna keep it?
There are plenty of options. Here's my list:

1. Look for who has the most ATMs near you.

Unless you need a loan, you will most likely never set foot in the bank office after setting up your account, so ATMs become vitally important.

The big chains in LA are BANK OF AMERICA, WELLS FARGO, WASHINGTON MUTUAL, and CITIBANK. There are others, but you want a big network to support all of your transactions.

2. Set up a checking account and get a debit card.

Every bank has their ups and downs. Some offer free checking, others make you pay for it, others nearly demand Direct Deposit. All have some form of online BillPay. Nearly every place you go in LA, using a debit card gets you through faster, so go for it.

3. Sign up for overdraft protection.

It'll take a couple of weeks to set up, but life is pretty random and you never know if you're gonna get bit at a bad time. Which is usually around the first of the month, when your overly exhorbitant rent payment is due. This is one way to preserve your credit rating. Just pay the card off quick if it happens.

4. Save some money. SERIOUSLY.

I know you're broke. So am I. But please, Please, PLEASE do yourself a favor and put some money away in a Savings Account. Try to save at least 5% of your pay. I know. I know it hurts. I know you're sick of ramen noodles. Just do it. Trust me. Something will happen and you're going to need the money. You will. And then you'll have it.

Well, that's it for my L.A. Survival Guide for now. If I learn any more life lessons (in other words, if something chaotic happens and I survive) I'll post some more. I sincerely hope this was a help to anyone looking to make the move to Southern California. Take care.