Redfern local Peter Panner today spoiled his weekend before it even started when he accidentally pressed “check balance” while withdrawing cash from an ATM this morning.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Panner said. “I always take an ostrich-style approach to finances, so when that negative balance popped up on screen two weeks from payday I nearly browned the new Gucci jeans I shouldn’t have bought.”

Sydney Sentinel’s money expert described Panner’s story as “a cautionary tale we can all learn from”.

“I’ve seen far too many weekends ruined by people discovering just how bad their finances really are,” he said. “It really is a case of ignorance is bliss and why wouldn’t you choose bliss when it’s an option?”

He added that there are simple things we can all do to avoid inflicting these kinds of rude financial shocks on ourselves. “Be extra careful when using an unfamiliar ATM,” he said. “Take your time and make sure you’re pressing the correct buttons.”