Also, it doesn't hurt to check your account balance annually, by phoning an automated or recorded line or logging into a password-protected online account.

WSJ: State Governments Eye 'Inactive' Broker Accounts

Two-thirds of mobile banking users say they used their mobile phone to check an account balance or available credit before making a large purchase in the past twelve months.

FORBES: Smart Phones Helping Consumers Manage Their Money

Do users really need to wiggle and click their mouse to open an animated door and walk over to a virtual bank teller to check our account balance online?

ECONOMIST: Ban cyberspace

This would allow even the tiniest Hong Kong broker to offer its clients online trading on the Exchange's site, which will simply check with the brokers to confirm the client's account balance and credit-standing before executing the order.

ECONOMIST: Online trading in Asia