Chapter XXVI - Look Before You Leap Page 03
COUNTING MONEY
Never receive money from any one without counting it. Count it at once and in the presence of the giver.
Let it make no difference, banker, merchant, kinsman or friend, do not fear to give offence, but right then and there, count the money he gave you.
Of course, these people are honest, but did it ever occur to you that honest people often make mistakes?
Whenever you pay another money, if he does not do so himself, you should insist that he count it in your presence.
If you do this you won't lose a friend, but if you do not do it you may make an enemy, should the man come back to say you made a mistake and underpaid him, and you very properly refuse to honor his claim.
READY MONEY
Do not, if you can possibly avoid it, keep money around your house, in your place of business, or on your person.
The professional thief is ever on the watch for chances to take unto himself all the money in sight.
Pickpockets reap their harvest from money carriers.
The burglar may steal or fire may destroy money left in the house.
A bank, if not near one then a safe, is the best place for money, though safes have been broken into and robbed.
Do not make a display of money at any time, but particularly in a public place.
If you are drawing money from a bank, count it quickly and quietly, then secure it in an inside pocket that cannot be reached without unbuttoning.
Never cash a check for a man whom you do not know to be square.
The same applies to the endorsement of checks.
IN TRAVELLING
Always be courteous in travelling, but never take the chance acquaintance of the steamboat or car into your confidence.
Keep an eye on the man who "fortunately is going just your way."
Watch out for the fellow who knows the leading men of your town and is a cousin of Judge Smith.
Do not respond if such men ask you to cash a small check or make a slight advance till his draft arrives.
Do not accept the invitation of strangers to visit any place.
Avoid the confidence of the over-dressed, but slightly intoxicated young fellow who "has been out with college chums." He is not a college man, nor has he been drinking.