Chapter 1

At our weekly family dinner, my sister-in-law suddenly spoke up.

"Mildred, starting this month, transfer your whole paycheck to me, and I'll save it for you."

"Anthony's and Mom and Dad's paychecks have already been transferred to me. You're the only one left."

My hand froze in midair, still holding a bite of food.

The parents she meant were my in-laws, and Anthony was my husband of three months.

I set down my chopsticks.

"I was wondering why Anthony hadn't transferred this month's paycheck to me. I was just about to ask—turns out he transferred it to you."

My mother-in-law rushed to explain, "Your sister-in-law is really good with money. We're all one family, so we feel at ease letting her manage it. Better than you spending it all recklessly."

I looked at Anthony. "Why did you transfer the money without even discussing it with me?"

Anthony kept his head down, gnawing on his pork ribs, his mouth greasy.

"What's there to discuss? A family's money should be pooled together anyway. The eldest brother's wife is like a mother—she should be the one managing the money!"

I was so angry I almost laughed. I've heard of a husband managing the money, and of a mother-in-law managing the money.

But handing the money over to the brother's wife to manage—that I'd truly never heard of.

1

"So all the money goes to your wife—what are we supposed to live on?"

"I'll give you an allowance every month—eight hundred each, plenty for your daily needs."

I laughed.

"Eight hundred? Shirley, you run a household too. What can eight hundred a month possibly cover?"

"Just spend more carefully and you'll be fine. Mildred, I'm not saying this to be harsh, but you spend way too much."

My mother-in-law pressed me, "Mildred, hurry up and transfer your paycheck to your sister-in-law. She's making money for you—you don't have to do a thing and you're already earning. You should be counting your blessings."

"Shirley, what's your approach to managing money?"

"Just buying funds and stocks and all that. Oh, you wouldn't understand even if I explained it."

"If we give you the money, will you set up accounts in our names?"

"Why bother with a bunch of accounts? One account is enough for the whole family. When we make a profit, we'll all split it."

I nodded.

"I see. You want to use our money to play the stock market. But what if you lose it? From what I know, the market isn't doing well right now."

Shirley froze, then her face soured.

"That's a rather nasty way to put it. What do you mean, I'm using your money to play the stock market?"

"Mom and Dad think I'm good with money and want me to lead the whole family in earning together!"

"Mildred, not only do you spend recklessly, you also don't know how to manage money. The only way to make your money grow is to put it with me."

I smiled. "Shirley, I appreciate the thought."

"But our family prefers steady investments. We're used to keeping our money in bank accounts."

"However much Anthony transferred to you, please transfer it back to me."

Anthony, who had been buried in his food, finally lifted his head when he heard me asking Shirley for money.

"Transfer it back for what? Mom and Dad both gave their money to Shirley. What are you still worried about?"

"I trust her. My paycheck stays with her to manage!"