What ECON 101 never taught you...

A budgetary blessing or a financial fiasco? Whatever your attitude toward 24-hour automated bank tellers, you should be aware of a recent law which limits your liability in case an unauthorized transfer is made with a lost or stolen card.

If you notice the card is missing, let the bank know immediately. Your liability is limited to $50 if the bank is notified within two business days of the card's loss or theft.

For protection against theft, customers are warned to keep their personal identification number separate from their debit card, to place a limited amount of funds in these accounts, and to keep careful records of all transactions.