A fee-free checking account
You need a centralized place for your money, so you can manage and monitor it. Prepaid debit cards are an option, but they can come saddled with fees. Plus, disclosures for these cards can be spotty, making it hard to know exactly how much your card is costing you. Instead, look for a free checking account. Many institutions have scaled back their offerings, but some banks and credit unions still offer them.