[red92s]

Most of the reason my checking account balance was getting that "down to the wire" to begin with is that I have an accurate budget and actively try to have nothing left . . . even if large portions go to various savings accounts. I'd shuttle 40% of my check that I knew wouldn't be needed to a combination of savings vehicles within hours of the deposit, then get down to a $50 balance the day before the next deposit. I guess if nothing else, that means I'm budgeting pretty accurately and have a good idea of where my money is going.

I always wanted to have rent money in my account in advance, but there is such a large "hump" there to overcome. Once you get it done one month, it's almost self-sustaining after that. I was so used to making large savings deposits that stopping for a month to build a checking buffer would have felt "naughty". A flurry of selling stuff while preparing to move, and a 18% drop in monthly because of the move, built up the buffer without me having to quit saving at all!