re: How much of a "cushion" do you leave in your checking account after paying bills

quote:

---

I keep as little as possible so if my card gets stolen they can't spend all of my money. I move it to my savings or inactive checking and transfer as needed. Once that gets too big, I move it to my brokerage for investing. My wife's friend in BR got her wallet stolen at La madeline and they rang up $6k in gift cards. I will not let that happen to me.

---

You do realize your money is protected from unauthorized usage? Report the card missing/stolen within 2 days and you're only liable for $50.

I left mine on a convenience store counter several years ago and the cashier decided to go to NOLA for the night. Spent about $1k in NOLA and filling up their homeboys cars before I realized it was gone and cancelled it in the morning. I paid nothing out of pocket, and the money was back in my account within a couple of days.