Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday Memories--Checking



I’ve had a checking account since I was eleven or twelve years old—maybe longer. Quite conceivably I’ve written thousands and thousands of checks. Please don’t gasp, but as of today I now have an activated debit card. Please don’t ask me why it’s taken me so long to get one as there is no sensible answer, just know that check writing at the store is now a memory.

Do I dare feel more stupid by asking how long you've been using a debit card instead of checks?
What kind of backgrounds have you had on your personal checks?
(I used to have mountains when I was in high school and briefly considered Holly Hobby.)

14 comments:

michelle said...

Jane! How did you manage this long without a debit card?? I use checks only when paying the preschool and cello teachers. So, basically only when paying people who don't take cards. And the only checks I get are from my piano students.

I have been using my debit card almost exclusively for about 10 years, I would guess. So I have about two boxes of unused checks that I ordered a looong time ago (animal print).

Tiffany Fackrell said...

wow, way to go in using checks!!! We just ordered checks with some sort of bright color ivy print! But we only use them for our major bills that we don't pay online and our tithing and fast offerings. Don't worry though, my mom still uses cash for most things, and David just made fun of her the other day for it, but I think when using the card we can get ourselves into more trouble...like when I use the card I never write it down and David HATES that. I have finally learned to save the reciept and just put it on the keyboard and David enters it into the checkbook and budget sheet!!

Deidra said...

I've been almost exclusively a debit card user since I got a checking account. Online banking is my friend and I never have to balance my checkbook! Except for tithing and fast offerings, we rarely write out a check. All our bills get paid through online banking--no envelopes or stamp hassle for us.
We've been teasing my mom for finally getting a debit card this summer, but it sounds like she's been in good company.

Ande said...

Rent and tithing are the extent of my checks. Welcome to a world where money feels like monopoly money. I'm sure not for you though, you frugal zealot you.

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

WHAT? Debit cards have been around for TEN YEARS?

Susan said...

Oh my dearest Jane. I'm scared to admit, that I still do NOT have a debit card! It's true! I have the form to fill out to get one, but can't seem to get it to the bank! Yikes!

Monkeys ARDently In Sinc said...

My oh my, Ms. Jane! I've been using a debit card for AT LEAST ten years, probably more like 15...wowzers! The only checks we write now are for tithing/fast/mision fund, and for our babysitter...and I've tried to have flag-type backgrounds on my checks for the last 6 years or so...but I've also done monkeys and smiley faces - love it!

Barb said...

You are a little late to this party, aren't you? One thing that amuses Ken and I when we visit the states is that stores even allow personal cheques! It has been years since Canadian retailers accepted personal cheques.

Anonymous said...

Jane,

I pulled out my check book to pay for a purchase that I didn't want Ken questioning me about and Claire gasped and said, "Mom, I don't think businesses take checks anymore!" I confidently chided her ignorance and then had to eat crow when the next store we went into didn't accept checks. I refuse to use a debit card. Hmmm....when will I eat these words?

BRENDA

Derek-Jenny-Kaitlynd-Ethan-Dylan said...

I only used checks up until about a year ago. Now, I only use cash. I guess that I am going backwards!!!!

Jill said...

I didn't get a debit card until 2007 so I was late in giving up checks too! Now whenever I use it I wonder what in the world took me so long.

Becky said...

I have used a debit card for at least 10 years...and I pay pretty much all of my bills online. In fact, I mostly use checks for paying tithing and to pay for things like kids' soccer.

Congrats on your new debit card! :)

Unknown said...

I got my first debit card 16 years ago - they weren't VISA's then, and very few banks had ATM's to draw money out, so it was next to useless. I still use checks to tithe and pay daycare, but that's about it.

My debit card doesn't see much action anymore either, though. Too many studies prove you spend 15-18% more, because it doesn't feel like real money. I believe them. When I'm taking cash out of my purse to pay for groceries, I'm much more careful than when taking out the debit card - it just feels different.

Chandra said...

My son in law Brent is always laughing at me for writing checks. I don't have a debit card. If Carolyn reads this post I may have to get one or they will start teasing me again.