I hide money from myself. It works for me. It might work for you.

I discovered the technique by accident. Here’s what happened:

Years ago, an aggressive life insurance salesperson forced me to buy life insurance. He didn’t twist my arm behind my back, but he called me endlessly and wore me down. Truth be told, I didn’t really understand what I was buying, but I bought it anyway because it was the path of least resistance. If I didn’t buy from him, I was going to need to seek a restraining order to get him to leave me alone. I figured a little life insurance was easier.

Fast forward 20 years and lots of monthly premiums paid, and I decided to take a look at the policies. Wow! These things are worth some money—serious money. Good.

Had I understood the value of the policies over the previous 20 years, I can guarantee you that I would have figured out a way to take the money out and spend it on a vacation, a dinner, or the crisis of the moment. It was only because the money was “hidden” by my ignorance that I saved it. Money I’ve hidden from myself is safe. Money I’m aware of is spent. I like to spend money. It’s fun.

So, having learned the hidden money lesson, I decided to see whether I could apply it to the law firm.

How to Squirrel Away Some Cash—Ethically

We needed to find ways to build reserves because we consistently have slow periods at the end of the year. We charge fixed fees, and there’s not much new business in December. People put their divorces on hold until they get through the holidays. I get it. I don’t like it, but I understand.

December gets really tight for us. Just because prospective clients decide to wait on their divorces doesn’t mean that our team is willing to wait on payroll. Our people like getting paid, especially over the holidays.

The solution to our problem? Hiding money! We hide a little each month. In fact, on a monthly basis, we hide about one-tenth of our December payroll. Where do we hide it? Right under my nose in our bank account. We have a special transfer account (not a real bank account, just an account in our accounting system) for the hidden money.

Once a month, without my saying anything, our bookkeeper “hides” a previously agreed upon amount in the account. She just moves it over without saying a word. When I look at our accounting system, all I see is the amount of cash on hand. The hidden money is gone. I don’t see it.

When I look at our balance, worried about the next big expense—usually payroll—I see the numbers that appear after the “hidden” money has been deducted. I decide whether to panic or relax based on the balance I see. I forget about the hidden money.

Then, if I’m in a panic, I take action. I shake the bushes, pester the team, and spread fear and anxiety to everyone I touch. I do the same things I used to do before we started hiding money. It works.

Oddly, I never think about the hidden money. I never decide to “unhide” it and use it for the current payroll. I’ve played this game with myself for years, and it’s effective.

I get that this isn’t entirely rational. I get that it’s a psychological game I’m playing. Thankfully, it works for me. Would it work for you? I suppose so, if you want it to work. It’s a trick you play on yourself because you really like where it leaves you. If you win, it’s a game that helps you achieve your goals.

Will it work for everyone? Probably not. If you’re in a drug-fueled rage, digging for change between the sofa cushions, then I’m guessing you’re going to unwind this trick and give the money to your dealer. But if you’re the average person without an expensive addiction, then you may well find yourself happily “surprised” when the money you need is already there.

Is it time for you to hide some money too?