Comments on: Six checkbook tips

By: Erika

Erika — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 19:22:57 +0000

It seems that it would be very easy to change XX to 88. In fact, when I was first taught how to write checks, I was instructed to never use Xs.

I do like the idea of putting slashes through my zeros, however. I think I’ll start doing that.

By: Gaming Girl

Gaming Girl — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:56:46 +0000

My personal favorite (although it takes discipline) is using my check register for saving for spending goals.

For example, I have my “save” the amount of my last raise every week in the checkbook by subtracting it from the main amount and keeping a running total in the register. Once I hit a threshold (say $70 for a pair of Naturalizer shoes) or something, I can simply write a check to purchase what I’ve been saving for. (At the moment, I’m using this money towards debts, but in the future it will be available to purchase some of the things I used to pay for with credit.)

I also save a certain amount each week in a vacation fund, that I can use to pay for expenses or take with me as cash for food, etc.

By: plonkee

plonkee — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:18:22 +0000

Because I do as my mother taught me, I usually write the full amount in the words and end with the “only” before drawing a line through the rest of the space (e.g. “one pound and ten pence only”, or “two pounds only”).

By: Russ

Russ — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 17:10:55 +0000

You should also keep a gel pen for writing your checks. This helps prevent the check from being ‘washed’ later and having new amounts and/or payee written on the check.

A gel pen negative is it takes a bit longer for the ink to dry.

By: Living Off Dividends

Living Off Dividends — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:05:22 +0000

why use checks? i just use online bill pay with my bank.
nearly every bank provides it for free now.