Writing checks

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Who here has used this or hasn't used them?
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I am not among one of those who have used them, because I find a paper check outmoded and and absolute hassle to use. I've preferred dealing electronically; makes things more efficient and quicker.

Hi:
I have been writing checks since I was 19 but I did not always know how to manage that either.

Due to the lack of caring to balance my check book, I wrote several NSFs (Non sufficient funds) or checks that bounce about 10 years ago. In fact, I lost one account. My roommates were really mad at me too.

Then when I moved in with a family member, she taught me how to write and manage them the correct way and now I have no trouble writing checks on the second account. I even bank rec. As for writing them, I normally use them for groceries or clothes. Sometimes I use them for other things like room shares for conventions.

pay to the order of: $15.00
for the amount of: The Grocery Store
on the date of: July 30, 1942

I screw up about 1 in 4 checks. I was so anxious for the digital age where I could stop writing them.

I was working on this very issue this morning. Switched as many of my bills as possible to electronic. Paperwork, bills and check writing, all of it is a mess, a hassle, anxiety-ridden chore which get put off as long as possible. I try to err on the side of caution though, and keep aside some $ as emergency back-up.

I never wrote a check or had a checking account. Neither has my mother. When my grandmother was alive she never did either.

Checks will be a historical curiosity before we know it. I pay electronically whenever possible, but checks seem almost quaint anymore.

That said, if you're writing one out in front of me at the grocery store I will be mentally hurling daggers at you unless you are eighty.

I rarely use them but it happens occasionally and it's a good thing to have around.

Like just yesterday my next door neighbor patched up a few weather-damage holes on my roof and I kicked him a check for $200, the work he did was not nearly $200 worth but it was basically as a courtesy and as an advance payment that will be removed from what I'll eventually owe him for some more extensive roof work in the future.

Withdrawal and transfer only. the paying in ones were never used as it appears they are a lost cause within the common market.

In the UK cheques are not guaranteed until 6 working days after they have been paid into the bank.

For this reason (and because almost all bank accounts come with a debit card) they are not used at all for retail transactions. The few times I write cheques I can check my balance before hand to make sure they will clear ok.

I rather like cheques.

The more financial transactions which are done electronically with all sorts of companies, the more likely it is that a person's financial information can be hacked & stolen ; then used by dubious characters.

It can also increase the potential for financial loss through 'electronic errors'.

I use electronic transactions for stuff like Amazon purchases, Paypal or stuff bought through Xbox Live.
But for magazine subscription renewal or buying things from mail-order catalogues, I'll use cheques.