When it comes to managing your finances, striking the right balance between your chequing account and your savings can feel a bit like that classic game of Jenga. You want to keep everything standing tall without toppling over into chaos. So, how much money should you keep in your chequing account? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but I promise it’s more straightforward than trying to explain the plot of Inception.

First, let’s consider what a chequing account is really for. It’s your go-to for everyday expenses—the money you need to pay bills, buy groceries, and fuel your Netflix binge-watching sessions. As a rule of thumb, many financial experts suggest keeping enough cash in your chequing account to cover three to six months of your regular expenses. This way, if life throws a curveball (like a surprise car repair or an unplanned trip to the vet), you won’t have to scramble or dip into your savings.

Now, don’t let that number scare you off! If you’re just starting out or your expenses are on the lower side, it’s perfectly fine to keep a smaller amount—say, one month’s worth of expenses. Imagine it like keeping just a few Poké Balls in your pocket; you don’t need to catch them all, just enough to handle daily encounters.

But here’s the twist: while you want to have enough liquid cash to tackle your regular bills, you also don’t want to let your chequing account grow into a money pit. Most chequing accounts don’t offer interest, so any excess cash just sits there, twiddling its thumbs while your high-yield savings account (HYSA) or guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) are out there making your money work for you. Think of your HYSA as an elite training camp for your money, where the interest rates are like the trainers pushing your cash to bulk up.

A good strategy is to find that sweet spot where you can keep just enough in your chequing account for daily life while maximizing contributions to your savings. If you notice your chequing account has a little too much room for comfort, consider transferring the excess into a HYSA, where your money can grow faster than a superhero’s origin story.

And let’s not forget about the importance of tracking your spending. Keeping an eye on your cash flow can help you adjust the amount you keep in your chequing account. Apps and budgeting tools are like your personal finance sidekicks, helping you stay on top of your game. By knowing your monthly expenses, you can fine-tune your chequing balance to ensure you have just enough without overloading it.

In the end, the right amount of cash in your chequing account is all about knowing your lifestyle and expenses. Whether you’re saving for a big adventure or just want to ensure you have enough for your next pizza night, the key is to keep things balanced. Just remember, too much cash in your chequing account can be like having a treasure chest full of gold that you never get to enjoy. So, keep just enough for your daily needs and let the rest work its magic elsewhere. After all, even Batman needs a break from Gotham sometimes.