There are a number of financial institutions throughout the tri-state area that offer free checking and saving services.
While neither GoodTemps nor Goodwill endorses any particular company, a free checking account is easy to acquire, and something that can save you hundreds of dollars a year versus using check cashing companies to access the money on your paycheck. Similarly, online savings companies pay interest rates that can actually make your money grow, compared with brick and mortar firms, the savings rates of which are normally only a fraction of a percent. Be sure to research and carefully consider each institution before opening an account.