The AICPA has recommended an alternative background check for non-signing staff involving consumer reporting agencies.

FORBES: IRS May Fingerprint Tax Return Preparers

When looking for a moonlighting alternative, check out the funds' similarity in holdings and strategy to see if they are at least close.

FORBES: 2004 Mutual Fund Survey

As much as Wall Street does its best to take advantage of the public, banking, whether with a national bank, community bank, or credit union, is still better than the alternative: storefront check cashing and payday loans.

FORBES: Banks Raise Interest Rates, Savers Give Up Hope