No matter how much you try to swat them away, pesky fees keep nibbling at your travel bookings, wireless plans, bank accounts, investments and pretty much every other part of your financial life. Although the fees may not seem like much on their own, they can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, putting a big dent in your wallet.

Here, we've listed common fees in five categories, plus ways to eliminate or reduce them. Some of the fees are legitimate--professionals such as investment advisers and real estate brokers deserve compensation, after all. But if you're overpaying for a service, you can make moves to tug down the rate. And with some preparation and knowledge, you can wipe out the most irritating charges.

Travel: Airline Seat-Selection Fees

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Typical amount: About $5 to $40 per seat--but the most-coveted seats may cost you even more

How to beat them: If you let the airline assign you a seat, you won't pay a fee. Beyond that, the best way to sidestep a seat-selection fee depends on the reason it's being charged. If you have a basic-economy ticket, you'll pay a fee to choose any seat--or you may not have the option to pick a seat at all. Booking a ticket in a higher-level fare class may be worthwhile if, say, you want to sit near travel companions or if extra legroom is nonnegotiable. With a standard ticket, you'll choose from the widest selection of free seats if you book months in advance. But the earlier you book, the more likely your itinerary will undergo a scheduling or aircraft change, so it's wise to