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Before I start talking about serious financial topics, I'd like to take a moment and discuss about why it's a subject so dear to my heart. When I started working, I'd save part of my paychecks and put it aside. No reason really, I just kept my expenses low. I left that money in my bank account since I didn't need it for anything. The amount of money wasn't life changing, but it was enough to not have to worry if I lost my job so that was good. I knew having money set aside would be a good thing. But I had nothing in mind to do with it so I left it there, rotting away with a measly yearly interest of <1% (thanks a lot, bank). During that time, I lost out on free money: had I invested that money, I could have enjoyed >10% yearly gains thanks to the stock market.

You may be sceptical after reading the title, but bear with me. No, I'm not advocating you close your bank account, ask your boss to be paid in cash, and hide it all under your mattress. Having a basic bank account offers all kind of advantages, ranging from convenience to insurance. I also don't believe the world will collapse tomorrow, bringing down banks all around the world and with it the wealth and retirement accounts of anyone who decided to keep their money there.