Reduce Stress, Improve Results, and Gain Respect
Reduce Stress, Improve Results, and Gain Respect
I was reading a Blog Post from Tony Schwartz on the Harvard Business Review this week titled “No is the New Yes: Four Practices to Reprioritize Your Life” and it got me really thinking about a New Years Resolution I made this year.
RESOLUTION #4:
Learn to say no gracefully and earn respect while doing so.
Tony used this quote and I began to really reflect…
“A ‘No’ uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” ~ Gandhi
What “Yes” Gets You
In my experience, saying yes solves problems. Saying yes puts out fires. Saying yes can also Read the rest of this entry »
5 Tips to Facilitate a Great Meeting
5 Tips to Facilitate a Great Meeting
Meetings. Does anyone like meetings? I’m sure someone does, but we have to have them, right? The answer is yes. As part of the leadership for a company, I know that meetings are necessary for a business to run well. They should not be the primary or only source of communication, but if used well and DONE WELL they can be a valuable part of your company’s communication strategy.
Try these tips for putting together and running a fun AND meaningful meeting.
Open with a RELEVANT Exercise
We’ve all been there. You are asked to do some exercise that has nothing to do with the meeting topic or your company’s goals. In the name of “Leadership Building Skills” the facilitator decided to play “follow the leader” when your meeting topic was on the “The Cost of Communication Breakdown” The point is, the meeting isn’t on Leadership. So why have a leadership exercise if the meeting is on communication.
There are times when these activities are appropriate. When they are relevant is the ONLY time though. For example: If your meeting is about asking better questions, have the group play a game of 20 questions. If your meeting is about having or changing your perspective or point of view, then you can play a game where everyone stands on a desk and says “oh captain, my captain” (love Dead Poets Society by the way).
The point is make it count. Put some thought into what your meeting is really about and only add an ice breaking game that is relevant to the meeting topic. Then do it first to get people’s juices flowing and set the tone that this meeting is going to be fun.
So here’s where you ask, “So what exercise would you do to illustrate communication breakdown?”
Have everyone line up according to birthdate without talking. After the struggle, give them the ability to use their hands to communicate. Then relate it to how easy it is when we communicate and how difficult it is when we can’t. If you can, relate it to recent incidents within the company and give it a number to go with the exercise.
Avoid Death By Power Point
Power Point presentations are great… when used the right way. If you want to see the right way, check out Seth Godin’s TED Talks.
Think pictures. Lots of pictures and no words on the screen. That’s right VERY LITTLE words at all. People tend to remember the pictures on the screen and they associate them with your
words. That helps them recall the information later. The alternative is to have them written out for them in your power point. Do you remember any of the stuff from the last meeting you attended where you were given a power point hand out? If you do this, your power point usually ends up in a drawer until spring cleaning and then ends up in file 13.
Use great pictures and be descriptive in the way you talk. Use the presenter notes on power point or better yet, Keynote if you MUST read the information. Try not to show spreadsheets. Instead, print and pass spreadsheets out. Then put an illustration on the power point that SHOWS what your spreadsheet is trying to tell the reader.
Ask Questions
The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions.
~Claud Levi-Strauss
In the first grade I had a school librarian that would read a book like this.
“The brown bear had a what?” Where she would replace the real word with a “what?”
That does work, but you don’t want your audience to feel like you are treating them like a 1st grader either.
Nope. What I’m talking about is asking open ended question and closed ended questions in the right places to “guide” your presentations.
“Brenda, tell me what kind the control we have over our Customer Service Scores.”
“Mark, if you had to name something… what do you think could change the numbers you see?”
Questions are powerful. If you don’t use them your audience will be napping. If you do use them well your meeting becomes interactive and informative.
Recap Something to Take Away
Recaps are a great way to help people remember that the meeting was “worth their time”, but don’t make people feel silly.
One of the best Recaps I’ve been involved in was also very simple. Go around the room and have people fess up. “Tell me one thing you took away from today’s meeting that you will use for [topic]”
Here’s the kicker… Make it ok to say “nothing”. That’s right. Encourage people to tell you the truth. Even if it hurts. Especially if it hurts. If people didn’t get anything out of your meeting, you as the facilitator better know. This puts the pressure on the meeting organizer to build a meeting full of take-aways.
Send a Thank You eMail with a SurveyMonkey Link
Thanking people is free and is always welcome. We have forgotten as a “fast-paced and busy” race of humans that it is essential to business to build goodwill. More importantly to a meeting facilitator it reinforces the key message from your meeting. Be sincere and specific.
I appreciate your opinion on our broken title filing process. Your input is going to help us fix the issue for the future.
Use a Survey Monkey survey to find out how people really felt about the meeting. Encourage honest and candid feedback and offer a prize for the first to complete it. You can do this while reminding people that it is still anonymous.
4
Accounts – Joint Checkbook App
Joint Checkbook Register Woes?
Hate sharing your checkbook because your spouse never writes their transactions in your register? Or does your spouse hound you about writing things in and you just can’t seem to make it easy enough to remember?
Amber hates Read the rest of this entry »
Is My Old Apartment On My Credit?
Question:
Lucy writes in: “I have questions about a credit check. I had to give my SSN for a credit check on an apartment. Will the person seeing the check be able to see old leases from 2007 from a different state?
Answer:
Lucy, if they were negative they will show up. Your addresses that you lived will also show up.
I recommend you get a free copy of your credit report twice a year. Most states allow twice, but federal law allows one per year.
Go to Experian.com Equifax.com or Transunion.com and request your report.
The free one will jot have your score. You will have to pay for that, but I do recommend it.
If you paid the leases as agreed the management company usually do not report to the credit bureaus. It’s when you leave the place a mess, leave without proper notice, or just simply get evicted that you find claims against your credit report.
For more about what affects your credit see my post on Your Credit Score.
3 Reasons to Always Turn A Store Credit Card Down
3 Reasons to Always Turn A Store Credit Card Down
You’ve heard it. “Would you like to save and additional 15% on your purchase today by applying for a store credit card?”
Who wouldn’t want to get 15% off of their purchase with today’s rising prices? ME. That’s who.
Many reasons exist to steer clear of Store Credit Cards. My favorite 3 reasons to be a “Negative Nelly” are:
Reason 1: The Math Is Bad
The math is not in your favor with a Store Credit Card. So how bad could 15% off actually be?
Take this scenario for example:
You spend $100 at the Store. You say yes to the 15% discount, they hit your credit for applying, and they pop you with a 24.99% interest rate. You’re smart though. You are going to pay off the card before the interest is added and save yourself $15 bucks today!
Something happened though. You meant to pay off the card as soon as you got the bill because you had the money in your checking account. However, instead of getting JUST your Old Navy bill, you got a bill from the A/C repair man for your broken air conditioner you weren’t expecting AND Old Navy on the same day. Old Navy says you’re minimum payment is $15 and the A/C repair man charged you $100 bucks.
You pay the A/C guy with the money you had set aside to pay Old Navy (and then some) and you pay $15 dollars to Old Navy.
See a pattern developing here? You won’t pay off the card. You’ll find something else you can justify as an emergency and pay that instead. In fact, if you’re like many Americans, you’ll actually buy more from Old Navy and put the purchase on the card. After all, it’s only $15-$20 bucks a month, right?
Look at these numbers to see the actual amount of your purchase.
$100.00 – Purchase
$ 15.00 – Discount
——————————
$85.00 – Balance on the card.
$23.85 – Interest with no payments on 12 months
———-
$108.85 Total Owed
If you were allowed to make no payments and the interest rate is 24.99% you will actually owe $108.85 at the end of 12 months. That’s almost $24 bucks in interest for an $85.00 account to get a $15.00 discount on day one. I know you could make 1,2,3, or even 4 easy payments and pay it off before 12 months, but you won’t.
The problem is you will make payments… and use the card… and make payments… and use the card…etc. You’ll find yourself in a vicious cycle that is too hard to break and too easy to repeat at other stores.
Every financial decision you make has an impact on your life, regardless of the amount in question.
Say “NO!” when the clerk asks and move on. If they persist, ask them if they have one and ask how long since they had it paid off. If that doesn’t shut them up, just leave.
Reason 2: Too Many Open Accounts Can Hurt Your Credit Score
Wondering how your credit score is calculated? You are not alone. Most of the questions I answer as a loan officer are about how credit is calculated. You’d be surprised at how many myths are out there and being presented as truths by “professionals” in the financial industry.
If you really want an education on now credit scores are calculated, get Your Credit Score by Liz Pulliam Weston and read up.
One major ingredient to your score is the number of open accounts you have. You may be asking “Why does it matter if a lot of people want to give me credit? Doesn’t that say I’m worthy of lending to?”
Well, it did at the time they extended it to you. But too many open accounts could mean that there is the potential that you could become over-extended very quickly which does make you more risky as a borrower. For example, you might go use up all of your available credit in one dahatTiehat would put you and your creditors (or potential creditors) in a bind.
One more store account isn’t worth the discount you’ll get even if you get the discount, pay the card off, and close it. Liz Weston addresses that too in her book, Your Credit Score.
This type of activity is reflected negatively on your credit bureau and should be avoided.
The more cards you have the more of a risk you are!
Reason 3: When Its Easy To Spend, You Spend More Often
Just a simple fact. When we don’t have to think about the things we eat, we eat more. When we don’t think about not exercising, we don’t exercise, and when we don’t have to think about how much to spend until the bill comes, it’s too late.
Use cash or your debit card for purchases from department stores and other places. It will help you to budget more efficiently and stay in control of your money. If you don’t control money, it will control you. Tell your money what to do by using a budget and live a happier life.
Your Credit Score: How to Fix, Improve, and Protect the 3-Digit Number that Shapes Your Financial Future, 3rd Edition
How do I get something off of my credit history?
When does something bad come off my credit history?
Why did the apartment building I applied to turn me down?
Can an employer turn me down because of credit?
Why is the loan officer saying I need a co-signer?
What does FICO Score mean?
If you have ever asked one of these questions, you NEED this book. If you are planning to buy a house, get a car, get an apartment, apply for a job, or buy car insurance…. you NEED this book.
Liz Weston wrote Your Credit Score several years ago to help people understand, improve, and protect their credit scores. Your Credit Score
, now in its 3rd Revision, is the best information available for how your credit score is calculated and what you can do to improve it. As a Banker, I am constantly recommending this book to people that are having trouble obtaining credit or people that are interested in protecting their credit history form Identity Thieves.
Liz’s depth of knowledge around the inner workings of your credit history is amazing. Not only does she provide step-by-step instructions on how to improve and protect your credit score, but she also debunks 10 Credit Score Myths (this is my favorite part because I have people recite these to me daily with the wrong answers).
- true/false | You have to pay interest to have a good credit score
- true/false | You can hurt your credit score by checking your credit
- true/false | Credit Counseling is worse that bankruptcy
- true/false | Your closed accounts should read “Closed by Consumer” or they will hurt your score
- true/false | You can hurt your score by shopping around for the best rates
If you think you know the answers to ALL of these and the other 5 important myths she debunks then you don’t need this book. If you are like 99.9% of people out there you will get 8 out of 10 of these wrong.
The 3 digit number that affects your mortgage rates, borrowing ability, insurance rates, whether you get a job, or get an apartment is TOO important to not study up on.
You definitely need this book in your library, because reading it once can save you thousands of dollars!
Give it your best shot on the quiz above and post your answers in the comments.
There is also a Kindle Version for your iPad or Kindle.
Will I Still Build Credit?
Will I Still Build Credit?
Ryan’s Answer:
There IS a difference between a Co-Borrower and a Co-Signer. In many states they can be the same, but usually not.
As a Co-Borrower you are both responsible for making monthly payments and it is reflected as such on your credit bureau (where you are building your credit profile).
A Co-Signer or sometimes called a Guarantor is responsible, but usually not reported on unless the loan goes into default.
These terms can depend on the lender you use as well.
The best thing to do is work with a Banker that can help you accomplish your true goal(s). In this case it sounds like you are not only buying a car, but also want to build credit and get a good rate on your car insurance. Be sure to tell your Banker that. They should submit your application in a way that truly reflects your personal financial goals outlined above.
With both of you as borrowers on the loan you will both be developing a credit profile. Be careful though. You are both tied together by this particular loan and that can have some back-firing moments.
I have seen cases where:
1.) Signer 1 files bankruptcy. Signer 2 does not. The bankruptcy (mistakenly) ends up on Signer 2′s Credit History. It can be fixed, but it can be a hassle too.
2.) Signer 1 is the true owner. Signer 2 is there to help with getting approved (in this case your dad). Signer 2 wants to apply for a refinance of his home loan because rates are low. He no longer qualifies because his debt to income has become too high with the added car payment.
I don’t think you should worry. Just ask your Banker like I said before. Their expertise will make the difference in getting to all three of your financial goals.
What’s The Best Account to Open to Save Money for Traveling
What’s The Best Account to Open to Save Money for Traveling
Cindy’s Question:
I want to start saving money. But I don’t know what sort of account would be best. I want to start travelling when I’m 22. I currently have a full time job, so I’m earning a living
Ryan’s Answer:
You need to answer these first:
1.) Roughly, how much will you need at 22 when you begin traveling
2.) Does where you work offer direct deposit?
I suggest you open a checking (free if you can find it) for your operating expenses and a savings account. Savings accounts do not earn a lot of interest, but right now there isn’t much that does. The reason I asked about direct deposit is because you can have a portion of your savings directly deposited into the savings. Out of sight, out of mind.
Be careful. Some savings accounts have a minimum deposit amount our you will have to pay a fee. Make sure to ask the Banker you work with to fully explain the Schedule of Fees when you open your account.
Making saving automatic is the key to having it stack up faster. It keeps your hands off for an “emergency” too.
Once you determine how much you will need, work the math backwards to determine how much per check you will need to hit your goal.
NOTE: You ABSOLUTELY NEED an emergency fund of roughly $1000 that you do not touch. When you are working your math backward from the amount you will need to take on your trip, make sure you add the $1000 to it.
Try these for additional resources.
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness (3rd Edition Revised and Updated)
The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish RichRetirement Planning Books)
How To Build Credit As A Recent Graduate
How To Build Credit As A Recent Graduate
The following question was taken from Yahoo Answers and Answered by Ryan McKinney.
So I’ve just recently graduated from university, have checking and savings accounts with a large national bank, and have a student loan which I’ve been on-time with all payments. Now as a means of building credit, I’m attempting to apply for my first credit card.
A few questions I have:
1. Can I still claim to be a student as occupation, or do I really have to say that I’m unemployed just because I haven’t found a job within two weeks of graduating?
2. If I have to say I’m unemployed, will that pretty much destroy my chances at an unsecured Visa card?
3. Would having a cosigner change the above question’s answer?
4. I pretty much know the answer to this one, but is there any way I could use the student employee position I just left as my application occupation?
Ryan’s Answer:
If you are not a student, don’t say you are.
It’s best to wait until you have a job to apply for any type of credit.
Building credit is very important in today’s world, however finding a job is more important.
Remember, the definition of Fraud is:
lying for personal financial gain. You don’t want that on your conscience.
These are great questions you’ve asked. It shows your maturity and willingness to build a good name (credit).
Being a student doesn’t qualify you for a card either so it probably won’t help anyway. A cosigner may help, depending on the bank that issues the card. Also, look into a secured credit card with your local community bank. Community Bankers typically are willing to issue a card to someone based on a cosigner. Usually after 6 months to a year of good history you can switch to unsecured.
A secured card would be based on your savings or a CD (certificate of deposit). Say the CD is $500. So is the line of credit on your card. You don’t pay, they take your CD. It cuts the risk of default for the bank and makes your a better candidate for the card.
What Are Good Summer Jobs?
What Are Good Summer Jobs?
Whether you’re a teenager needing to make some money fast for a concert or you’re helping your child learn the value of a buck, here are a few summer jobs that don’t require a start-up cost and teach kids how to provide for themselves.
Think Services. What services can you provide? Can you mow grass and borrow a lawn mower? Can you wait tables and collect tips? Can you help people organize their kitchens, bathrooms, offices? Can you assist elderly people with errands?
In any of these applications (and any not mentioned for that matter) think of ways that you and your personal abilities and experiences will add value to those you will serve.
Other ideas
1.) write resumes
2.) type term papers
3.) grocery shop for a busy family, elderly person, or shut-in
4.) personal shop for wealthy people
5.) baby sit
Can bank keep my funds if I have been rejected?
Can bank keep my funds if I have been rejected to open an account?
This question was taken from Yahoo Answers by an anonymous person?
QUESTION:
I have a bad record in Chexsystems and I attempted to open account with a new bank (I submitted funds from my current bank to fund the “new”account)…They rejected me and havent returned my money. Can they do that? please help!
ANSWER:
Yes they can. You need to contact Chexsystems and follow through with the process of paying them in full. If you don’t you could be prohibited from opening an account anywhere until your name is cleared up.
When you were denied to open an account you should have received a notice with the phone number to Chexsystems. Use it.
By calling Chexsystems you will be able to:
1.) verify that the money you attempted to deposit did indeed go to them
2.) verify the amount they say you owe is correct
3.) begin the process of financial healing
If unattended to this could show up on your credit report and prohibit you from getting insurance, a home, or a job.
If you contact them they should be willing to work out a payment plan. However, they are not required to so be nice!
Never Eat Alone Review
Never Eat Alone
by Keith Ferrazzi
Keith Ferrazzi, the author of Never Eat Alone believes that relationships and networks are like muscles. The more you work them the stronger and healthier they become. Never Eat Alone
is perfect for anyone that owns a business and realizes how important a good network is, but aren’t sure how to build that network “the right way”.
Not only does Keith Ferrazzi provide an easy blueprint for building foundational relationships with people, he also provides tactile ways to make meaningful, lasting connections with the right people. The people you need to do business with or just people you’d like to get to know. No. Not in a smarmy, networking jerk kind of way. In a real meaningful and lasting way.
In Never Eat Alone, Keith Ferrazzi demonstrates the difference between “networking” practices that really work and the ones that make you look like the business card collecting idiot at a function. The difference, surprisingly enough, are only minor tweaks to the things that most people do and what the people that are successful do.
Personally, I liked the step by step instructions on how to warm a cold call. I have used Keith’s cold call road-map and it amazed me at how much easier making cold introductions calls got for me. Several of the key relationships I now have, both business and personal, come from using this “technique”. Another favorite was “how to be a conference commando”.
I believe Never Eat Alone belongs on your reference shelf because there are too many good things in it to miss. Make sure you get a highlighter when you buy the book. You’ll need it. . I recommend you get Never Eat Alone
today.
No time to read? Listen to it FREE with this.
How Leaders Inspire People to Act – Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek is a brilliant speaker and this particular talk shows it. This TED Talk cuts leadership to the core. It seems a little long, but it’s totally worth the time spent watching it.
Look back in your life and think about a time that you did well at something. You will undoubtedly see that it was because you believed in what you were doing. Not only that, but your conveyed that energy to the people around you.
What you didn’t do was only tell people the “what” or the “how” you did it. If that is all you did then It would have failed. People need to know what you believe or “why” before they care about “how” or “what” you do.
I believe this TED Talk illustrates that point well!
What Percentage of My Monthly Income Should I Spend On A Car Payment?

What Percentage of My Monthly Income Should I Spend On A Car Payment?
The short answer is none. The best way to pay for a car is with cash. Now that we have that out of the way, the 2nd best way is to finance as little as possible.
I get asked this question all the time and the answer will vary based on the amount of income you have.
For example, if you make $200,000 annually you should NOT spend 10% of your income monthly. You might however spend 10% of your income on a car payment if you bring home $2,000/month.
So, how do you know what to do? Here are a couple of “rules of thumb” that may help. Ultimately, it will come down to common sense.
- Keep the Term Short
Finance the car for no more than 36 – 48 months. If you cannot pay it off in 36 – 48 months it could cause problems. Cars depreciate or go down in value and you could end up “upside down” or owing more than the car is worth. That can create its own set of problems. Particularly if you get in an accident, total the thing, and have to pay out of pocket to pay off your loan. Yikes! - Budget Wisely
Realize that to budget for what your car will truly cost you you should double your car payment amount. WHAT? That’s right. Match the car payment amount in order to budget for what you will average monthly for gas and maintenance like oil changes, tire rotation, and things like that. For example: If your car payment = $250 then your monthly gas will probably = $200. Now also add $50/month for maintenance for the car. You will not change the oil or rotate the tires monthly, but when something comes up (and it will) you will be prepared for it. - Percentages Can Be Misleading
If your income is $3000 – $5000 monthly, 10% – 5% respectively is probably a good mark to shoot for.
For example:
(1.) you bring home $3,000 use 10%
(2.) you bring home $5,000 use 5%.
It may sound strange, but think about it. If you bring home more you should save more for a down payment and thus finance less leaving you with a lower payment. If that is too much for you, just use 5% and some COMMON SENSE and move on. - Use An Online Financial Calculator
Figure out what your payment would be by using an Online Payment Calculator and plugging in the numbers for the car you are going to buy. You can change the one I’ve linked to, to let you plug in the payment and calculate for the amount financed. That will let you know how much you can shop for. Make sure to change the Payment Option to “fixed loan term”.
$11,629 — Price including tax, tag, title.
-$3,000 — Down Payment
$8,629 — Amount Financed
2.75% — Rate
36 — Months
————————————-
$250.00 — Payment - Pay Yourself First, Automatically.
Once you have calculated that payment amount, start making monthly payments to your savings account long before you buy your car. Target 10 months if you can. Set this up as an Auto Transfer from checking or a direct deposit. It’s a fact. Making saving automatic not only helps you get to your goal, but also most banks will give you a rate discount to Auto-Draft your loan payments from a checking account. This “automatic savings payment” will get you used to the auto-drafting of payments too.While you are at it, load the “maintenance” amount you have to budget in there too. I would say put the gas portion in savings, but you will probably be using that to buy gas with for your current auto.After 10 months of saving a $250 payment plus $50 for monthly maintenance budget you will have accomplished 2 things.
One, you will have a real feel for what that payment is going to cost you.
Two, you will have $3,000 to put down on the vehicle. You will also have had time to think through the right car for you and shop around for the best financing.
Of course you know where I think the best financing is. If you get tired of using the online calculators or just want a real person to do the work besides you, call me. That’s what good Bankers are for.
Hello Mr. Banker! | Gabby’s Class Goes To The Bank
Field Trips were an amazing time when I was a kid. I hope that didn’t change for Gabby’s Pre-K class last week. Her class, all 19 kids, came to visit my Bank last week.
You can imagine the amount of pressure on a well-to-do dad like myself to impress my daughter in front of her friends. After all, she talked about the Papa John’s guy for months after he taught them how to make pizza on their other field trip.
All I do is run a Bank. How fun, right? How could I make their visit to a bank interesting?
It began a week before they arrived. I visited Gabby’s class and explained to the kids what banks do.
“Ok kids. Banks help people borrow money, save money, and use money. Pretty simple, huh?”
Then I explained to them that when they came to visit me, I’d show them all of the places and people in a bank that help people borrow, save and use money. I also explained that if they had time I’d like to get them to help me find something. A key… to a special box called a safe deposit box that’s kept in a special safe called a vault.
Of course, I explained that a safe deposit box is where people keep valuables like diamonds and jewelry (even though my safe deposit box only has birth certificates and titles in it!). The kids eyes lighted up with excitement.
When they arrived at the bank I asked them if they remembered the three things that banks do. Imagine, 19 four and five year olds screaming in unison “borrow, save, use”. That’s what I imagined too. Too bad that’s not what they said. If you were there, you would have heard “buy Barbies.. go to the movies…” etc.
Finally, I got them to remember all three things after some careful questioning.
We began in the lobby and I gave an overview of what we’d see during their visit.
“First let’s get a look at that box with the missing key” I said. So we did. The kids could hardly concentrate on the rest of the tour they were so excited.
“Now let’s go to the teller line. Which of the three things that banks help us with do you think Mrs. Barbara does?” They watched as she cashed a check for a customer and with a resounding “use!” they cheered out. We were on to something!
We then went to the personal bankers desk and asked the same thing. As Teresa, our Personal Banker, began to explain that she helped people borrow and save the kids became anxious and couldn’t help but to ask, “Have you seen a key?”
“No.” she said. “Maybe you should check outside by the ATM. I saw some people out there earlier.”
The line of kids shuffled outside to see the ATM. Pretty UNimpressive… unless you are a five-year old looking for treasure! I explained what the ATM does for people and they yelled out “use!”.
Then I suggested we take a look at the vacuum tubes in the drive through.
As we sent the tubes back and forth the kids noticed something shiny in the tube. It was a key. A key was stuck in the tube. All of as sudden I had 19 very ecstatic 5 year-olds on my hands.
There was no stopping them. We hurried in to see what was in that box. Before we opened it, I agreed to share whatever we found in the box since it was abandoned. I called Gabby to the front and handed her the key. The Safe Deposit Boxes are dual control meaning it requires a guard key and the box key which the kids found. I had Gabby turn the box key as I turned the guard key. The box clicked and the door swung open.
The kids were on pins and needles! I opened the box and they all shouted “Gold!” and they were right. Well, gold dollar coins anyway. I bought them and put them in there before the kids got there.
They were so excited! The kids had come to the bank, learned what banks do, and got to take home some money!
The treasure was all mine though. The look of pride on Gabby’s face as she beamed and said, “That’s MY daddy!”











