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Toward year's end, with the money supply growing at a superheated annual rate of more than 16%, critics argued that Volcker should slow the pace. When a Congressman tried to pin him down on what course he would take in 1983, the Fed chief made it clear he was no dogmatist: "You're saying, 'For God's sake, give us a simple rule that you can follow!' And I'm afraid I'm suspicious of any rule that is that simple.' It is not even certain that Volcker will be chairman of the Fed beyond next August, when his term expires. Should Reagan choose to reappoint him, Volcker would be faced with a big decision. The chairman of the world's richest central bank makes only $60,663 a year; he could doubtless command at least $500,000 if he left. It is almost ironic, but the banker who moves billions could use the money. A man of limited personal means, he lives in spartan $394-a-month bachelor digs in Washington during the week. On weekends he shuttles to New York City, where his arthritic wife Barbara lives with their son James, 24, a victim of cerebral palsy. She supplements the family budget by working as a bookkeeper. Despite the personal sacrifice, many hope that President Reagan will ask Volcker to stay on the job another four years, and that the 55-year-old Fed chairman will accept.