Forty-four percent of banks and credit unions make more money on overdraft income than on net income, says a new survey of banks by Moebs Services Inc., a consulting company serving the banking industry.

That's shocking but not surprising to many of us faced with bank fees and charges that are growing both in size and frequency.

New technological tools, however, can help you foil some of those fees, particularly overdraft charges. When we recently reviewed online personal finance services, we found several that will send you e-mails or messages to your cel phone so you know when your balance is in the danger zone. If you've got a smart phone, you can transfer money from one account to another without visiting the bank or logging on to a computer.

That feature is only one of many that make these services useful. If you want to know your net worth or get an idea of how much you're spending on entertainment, these services can let you know quickly. Unlike the old standby Quicken, however, you've got to be willing to share some account information with an online server. Click here for advice on vetting the security of the service you're considering.–Tobie Stanger