OK, so what is the alternative to the banking system?

For banking services without the banks, try post office or credit union.

For an alternative to currency (money), barter / exchange, a meitheal - a sort of self-help group where I do something for you, and later you do something for me in return, or a Local Exchange Trading System

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meitheal

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LETS

It isn't so much an alternative to the banking system but an overhaul of how they operate and the vast numbers (like in the US). Regulation is necessary for such an industry.

For an alternative way of doing banking look to canada as they have only 6 large banks that basically are nation wide. This allows customers to utilize a branch of their bank almost anywhere across the nation (pacific to atlantic coasts). Yes there are fewer choices for banking but it does mean a large stable industry. Just like the US banks they nickel and dime you with service charges etc but they are regulated and so are on a tighter leash. They are still making profits even with losses related to the US banking crash.

Well since the banking system today purely revolves around paper money and coins it's nearly impossible to get away from. Unless of course you move to some other country whose banking system that appeals to you, or if they have on at all.

An interesting point on the matter of money though:

"A piece of wood split down the middle will only match perfectly with its other half. So wooden sticks became a key component of English currency. The government's debt office took a nice looking hazel stick and notched across it various symbols which denoted monetary amounts borrowed and lent. The stick was then split down the middle, with each side showing one end of the notches. One side - which had a wooden handle known as a 'stock' - was held by the king's treasury, while the other was given to the goldsmith, who also got a piece of paper describing the date and circumstances of redemption.

The system was simple and effective."

Kind of weird to think that wood could be used as value, but I guess our paper money doesn't have much true value anyway. If I was on an island with 2 billion dollars or an island with a fruit trees, obviously I'd take the fruit trees ... you dont get much nutrition from dollar bills.

Unfortunately to use money there is no alternative other then to set up and highly regulate a brand new bank

Instead of using a bank one could just keep all their money to themselves. No interest rates would be payed out, but then again no taxes would occur.

all of it is exterior the meant powers of congress as stated interior the form if this crap passes they might desire to all be hanged for treason my malpractice costs are quite greater than 2% of my earnings and whilst i tend to dodge "protective medicine", i'm usually criticized for it and specific order a minimum of two% of my earnings in tests that i'm notably helpful of the consequence previous to the order, yet want the evidence to justify the therapy. criminal stuff is a few distance extra beneficial than 2% of scientific expenses, no longer counting courtroom circumstances

You could give me all your money, i promise I'll look after it!!!