Do you write checks?

[Anonymous]

I write checks when there's no other way to have a record of the transaction - field trips, plumber who only took cash or check, etc.

[Anonymous]

Hair stylist, piano/voice/cello teachers, soccer club dues, payment to various kids' sports team managers for tournament participation, guy who mows our lawn, anything school/PTO-related (except lunches which have to be paid online), college tuition and fees, annual donation to church + other local charities, etc.

I'm like the PP who doesn't actually write that many checks in a given year, but most of the checks I do write are to the same people. It takes me a long time to go through a single checkbook, but I honestly cannot imagine functioning without checks. Seems especially important for local transactions and school-related stuff.

[Anonymous]

Yes I write about 10 checks a month. Two for our cleaning service, the rest for irregular costs mostly associated with the kids' school activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know where I could get check that are printed without an address? I move somewhat frequently and would prefer checks with just the name. Any ideas?

Same place you get checks with an address.

I had some printed up about five or ten years ago with just my name, no address. I think I've used less than one pack. I ordered them either mail order or on the internet. The bank would order you some too if you ask them.

If you purchase them from a separate check store (not the one referred by your bank), you can get anything you want printed on them. I belong to a national organization that uses ID numbers for regular participants. I've seen several people who participate who have their ID number printed on their checks. Some people put their phone number since so many people request phone numbers when you use a check. You can put your name and cell phone number on the check.

I tried a couple of online check store and they all require an address printed on the check. My bank does as well. What site did you use?

[Anonymous]

I pay cable, electric/ heat, student loan, mortgage, HELOC, yard man, and rent by check every month. I also pay water/ sewer on 2 properties quarterly, taxes on 2 properties twice/ year, and insurance on rental property 3x/ year all by check.

I never use a check in the grocery store.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you still have/use checks?

So many people mention they no longer use or even have/keep checks around.

I am filling out my child's field trip form and it's for $28. It says "cash or check only". Really, sending in a check in this instance would be easier than sending in $28 cash. I'm not even sure I have $8 in singles or even a $5 and $3 singles. Making that change right now would take effort, and I have checks.

We recently had an emergency home repair and they only took cash or check. It was nearly $1000. We paid with a check, otherwise I would have had to run to the ATM with the plumber at our house!

We also have our boat in storage. We mail a check (they don't do credit card.) I could walk in and pay them the $500 cash, but slapping a stamp on the bill with a check is exponentially easier.

So, are there really people out there who don't use checks?

I get made fun of all the time because I still use checks. If I didn't, I wouldn't be able to pay the tutor, the lawn care company, the therapist, field trips...I could go on and on. And no, I do not carry cash. Stopped doing that after my house was broken in to and all of our electronics and my handbag was stolen.

[Anonymous]

Yup! For school stuff with the kids, I wrote a check to my brother for 1/3 of my parents anniversary party this weekend, my small salon hair person, our water bill

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I write them every week -- for our childcare provider and our cleaning person.

Helps document payment to avoid any future wage dispute and shows we're paying on the books.

Why wouldn't you setup recurring bill pay?

[Anonymous]

I have a checkbook somewhere. I've temporarily lost it in my house, but it's around. Probably haven't used it in a year. I normally do all my banking online.

[Anonymous]

I write checks all the time - tutors, cleaning lady, anything school related, lawn company, can go on and on.

[Anonymous]

Maybe 10 a year. Mostly for the kid's activities like field trips.
Also, to renew magazines. Don't want them to have my cc number.

[Anonymous]

Yes, still write checks. For the kind of things you mention. School stuff like field trip payments. Also my lawn guy only does checks.

[Anonymous]

The adults I know who don't use checks anymore are child free. I wasn't using checks much anymore until daycare (only takes checks), housecleaning which we didn't have before kids, and yard help - also didn't need when we lived in a smaller place.

We automate as much as we can but a lot of small businesses and individual service providers only take cash & check, and between those two, I'm more likely to use a check.

[Anonymous]

For some reason I can only pay my car payment with a check. Local bank stuck in time! I also pay the nanny via check. It helps in case we ever get audited on dependent care account, I have checks and the receipts I upload.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I write them every week -- for our childcare provider and our cleaning person.

Helps document payment to avoid any future wage dispute and shows we're paying on the books.

Why wouldn't you setup recurring bill pay?

I pay different amounts every week, especially to our childcare provider. But we're also often paying our cleaning person extra for odd jobs.

I calculate a withholdings statement for them every week -- might as well stick a check in the envelopes too.