The Checking Account Rule

As a young man, I remember reconciling my bank statement at the family table one Sunday afternnon---thinking myself quite sophisticated in the ways of the world. I turned to my Dad and asked him why I never remembered him balancing his checkbook.

He said, "Well, every couple of years I just close the account and start a new one. "

This blew me away. My dad lived so far below his means, he never had to worry about money. Indeed, I never remember an argument about money. There were times of worry about dying and illness. But never worry about money.