As you begin to consider holiday gift-giving, presenting friends and family with a check may not top your list of festive ideas. However, with some of our new holiday checks, it might actually be one of the best presents you can give this season.
Category Archives: Personal Checks
How to Kill Viral Rudeness in the Workplace
By MJ Plaster
Sensitive people need to grow a thick skin to survive in today’s workplace. Thanks, in part to social media, common decency and discourse in society has broken down, and most of us must deal with rudeness at work. Still, there’s no excuse for incivility. It is not a show of strength; at best, it is a display of lack of social skills, and at worst, it creates a toxic environment for everyone.
Continue reading
Five Reasons Everyone Should Know How To Balance A Checkbook
Every generation wants to believe that it is the last, greatest generation. It believes that technology has never been better.
But here are 5 reasons that you should continue to balance your checkbook, even with all of the technological gains.
Fees, Charges & Penalties
Have you ever read the terms and conditions on your bank account? Do you really understand what the financial jargon means?
Banks must notify you usually about 30 days before they add on new fees, charges or penalties.
You should balance your checkbook to ensure that you don’t receive a “non-sufficient funds” (NSF) charge; the bank might have been subtracting money from your account for new fees and you bounced a check because you didn’t know how much was available.
Human Cashiers Still Make Mistakes
Many banks go through numerous customer service representatives in a short amount of time. One mistyped “0” can mean a big difference in your account.
People are only human, we all make mistakes. Balancing your checkbook can find these errors before they become big.
There may be a statute of limitations on certain errors. You want to bring mistakes to your bank’s attention as soon as possible.
Computer Errors
Computers are programmed by humans. While it is extremely rare, there may be a computer glitch in dealing with fractions that could effect your bank account.
Remember that your interest is a percentage of the value of money in your account. If the computer does not properly handle these mathematical calculations, there could be an error.
Your credit score could be unduly damaged by human or computer errors.
Cyber Criminals Are Clever
Malware allows hackers to steal millions every day according to federal cyber crime police.
One of the negatives of mobile banking is that the security features are still not completely safe.
Balancing your checkbook can lead you to becoming aware of hacking attacks or identity theft before these dangers can completely ruin your life.
Develop Financial Discipline
Wealth management skills are learned not innate. By continually balancing your checkbook, you become aware of how much you have, how much you added and any discrepancies in your account. Y
our bank account information remains in the forefront of your mind. You also develop better financial discipline. This can help you when there is an unexpected downturn in your financial situation.
Banking technology is better, but nothing is foolproof. Children and adults should learn how to balance a checkbook in order to manage their money. Wealth management skills can be the difference between life success and failure.
Photo: jridgewayphotography / CC 2.0
Five New Years Resolutions For Improving Your Personal Finance
Our financial lives can always use an overhaul, and what better time than in the new year to refresh what’s become stale and unprofitable?
Rethinking how we manage our finances for a new year is one of those things that is worth our time and exploration. All sorts of good things can come from a personal finance reboot, so to speak.
Review Your Budget
One good way to start to rethink your finances is to take note of how you spend your money.
Learn how to take small financial steps that lead to big gains. Jot down, in a notepad, every penny that you spend on everything from the essentials to entertainment.
Being aware of where your money goes is much like a dieter looking at the scale to assess the weight they are losing. The only difference is that if you make adjustments to your frivolous ways of spending, your money will grow and you have everything to gain from that.
So for the New Year, a strong resolution is: gain money, not weight.
Set Specific Amounts to Save
No matter how dreaded the task may seem, learn to set specific financial goals such as contributing X amount to an emergency fund. This is a practice that pays off in the event of unforeseen expenditures.
Those who start the year setting measurable savings amounts for the coming months tend to repeat this smart practice each year and end up better off financially than those who don’t.
Resolve to set financial goals that are attainable and measurable, so you can protect yourself from financial storms.
Automatically Pay Yourself for Your Future
You can automatically set aside a percentage of your income, and this is a good way to contribute to any savings towards a home or car, retirement, 401(k), or college fund. Make it a habit to pull ten percent of your income out and pay yourself just like you would any bill. With discipline, your financial future may look brighter before you know it. So here’s a resolution: set up an automatic withdrawal from your bank account to an investment account. You will pay yourself automatically, and you probably won’t even notice that the money has left your bank account.
Switch Banks
With the onset of mobile banking and the use of apps, one suggestion is that you switch to a financial institution that provides optimum services and tools for your personal financing. The new year could be a prime time to do so.
If finding a bank that offers online personal financial management (PFM) tools helps you budget wisely and learn how to make your money work better for you, then that could be a New Year’s resolution worth looking into.
Resolve to Make a Resolution
More important than any single financial New Year’s resolution is the commitment to taking charge of your finances. Whatever resolution you make will be better than ignoring your finances altogether.
Once you get in the habit of paying attention to how you use your money, you may find that you actually enjoy managing finances, rather than dreading it. An easy way to get started is to write down three improvements you’d like to see in your finances, such as income, savings, paying bills on time, and so forth. Then think about the specific steps you would have to take to make those things happen.
Before you know it, you’ll be way ahead of the financial game.
At the end of next year, you’ll look back and congratulate yourself for making New Year’s resolutions that are practical and can shape your future.
Check Security: Stronger Than Ever
Today’s checks have a host of security features that make it difficult if not impossible for them to be forged or counterfeited. Security features on checks these range from special ink to special paper to holographic images.
Modern checks are printed on chemically sensitive paper, which causes stains or discoloration when someone tries to alter the check.
Most checks also have coatings on the paper that cause the toner to adhere. If someone attempts to lift the toner with a piece of sticky tape, it will rip the paper, rendering the check unusable.
Checks these days also come with a range of features that are meant to thwart copying and counterfeiting. These include:
Watermarks, which is a distinctive symbol that is visible on the original checks but won’t reproduce on a copy;
Visible fibers, often of varying colors, that are present throughout the check paper and make copying nearly impossible;
Security screen backer, which contains words that will fade or disappear completely on a photocopy or scanned image of the check;
Multi-colored backgrounds, which make the check difficult to copy or reproduce;
Microprinting — microscopic words, viewable only under a magnifying glass, that become pixelated and unreadable on a copy of the check;
Void indication, which is an area on the check backer with the word “void” in it that only appears in a reproduction.
You might think that check makers would want to hide these security features from those who might want to circumvent them, but today’s high-security checks do the exact opposite, using several methods to advertise their security features. These include:
A warning band on the face of the check that announces the security features;
A warning box on the back of the check that lists the security features;
A padlock icon that shows the checks meet industry standards for security features.
Three Benefits to Ordering Your Checks Online
Before you order checks from your banking institution, consider the benefits of using an online company to fulfill your checking needs. Here at CheckWorks, we specialize in all things checking, such as printed checks and checkbook accessories. Before you contact your bank and place your next order, think about the following three benefits that come with ordering checks from us.
- Save money. One of the biggest benefits you will see is a lower price. Your bank essentially has free rein to charge higher prices on boxes of checks. Since most people don’t realize they can buy checks from other sources, they simply pay the price. You can save yourself money by ordering our affordable checks.
- Some people are leery about ordering checks from an online company because they worry about the security of the checks, as well as their personal information. We strive to ensure that your information is always safe, and our checks have the same security features that you will find from your bank’s checks. In other words, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to security.
- One-stop shopping. Since we offer more than just printed checks, you can take care of all your checking account needs with us. We offer lots of accessories, such as checkbook covers and calculators, as well as checking account registers. Each of our accessories is designed to help make your life a little bit easier by keeping you organized and on top of your finances. Instead of visiting your bank for checks and department stores for accessories, you can buy everything you need in one place, saving you valuable time.
There you have it — three primary benefits you will experience if you shop with us. You can save money, take care of business in one step, and have peace of mind when it comes to security.
Contact CheckWorks.com today to learn more about our selection of checks and checking account accessories. Our ordering process is quick and easy — just a few clicks, and then you can just sit back and wait for your checks to come to you.
Checks Are Ideal for Small Business Owners
Every time you use your checks, you are making a written record of each purchase. This may not seem like a big deal to the average person, but, when you own a small business, records are everything. You may not be thinking too much about tax season, right now, but the truth is that it is right around the corner. In just a few months, you and millions of other people will be scrambling to gather receipts and other records for tax purposes.
With the use of a checkbook, you can eliminate a huge part of your tax woes. Checkbooks make it easy to keep track of all purchases for a small business. They also make it easy to monitor expenses, as well as income. Any time you make a business-related purchase, pay a business-related bill, or receive business income, your checkbook will reflect a written record. When tax season rolls around, all you have to do is gather your checkbooks from the previous year, and you will have a big portion of the necessary records for your accountant.
Here at checkworks.com, we have a wide assortment of checks for business use, as well as checks for personal use. We also carry a variety of checkbook accessories. These include check registers, calculators, checkbook covers, and business cards. With the right accessories, it can be even easier for you to keep track of business income and expenses in your checkbook.
Times may be changing, and technology keeps advancing — but checkbooks are still used widely, and for many reasons. One of the primary reasons for using a checkbook is for the written record. Whether you are a small business owner or just an individual looking to keep better track of your finances, a checking account can help. CheckWorks is here to make sure you have all of the necessary checks and accessories you need to keep your business finances in order, as well as your personal finances.
Contact us today to learn more about our wide selection of products and how they can help you stay organized, especially with tax season approaching.
Get Your Checks and Accessories in One Place
Finding a good place where you can order cheap personal checks can be tough. There are lots of companies out there that are ready to take your money — in exchange for inferior checks. That is why you should only shop with a trusted company like checkworks.com. Here, you will find a wonderful assortment of checks from which you can choose, and our prices are quite competitive, especially when compared to the prices your bank charges for a box of checks.
In addition to selling quality, personalized checks, we offer a wide range of accessories to help keep your finances in perfect order. Our check registers provide you with a detailed record book for keeping track of all of your purchases. Whether you are buying a basket full of groceries or paying for car repairs, you can make note of it in your register. Then, at the end of the month when it’s time to balance, you will know exactly where your money went at a glance.
Our other accessories include checkbook covers and calculators. The covers are handy, stylish additions to have in your purse. They keep your checkbook, register, and other items, such as a pen, handy and secure in one place. The various styles make it easy for you to find one that matches your personal tastes. You can keep it simple with a solid-colored cover, or you can jazz things up with a vivid design.
Our calculators are super handy, too, especially when it comes to shopping. With our calculator, you can keep track of how much you are spending as you grocery shop. Knowing how much is spent makes it easy to see if you are going over your budget before you get to the checkout line. You can also easily fit our calculators inside one of our checkbook covers, so it is always within reach for your next shopping excursion.
Here at CheckWorks, we strive to provide our customers with quality products and a secure ordering process — something that is very important when it comes to giving out your checking account information. Contact us today to learn more about our selection of checks and accessories.
Business Accounts and Personal Accounts
Are you thinking about starting your own business? It’s not a bad idea; small businesses are the backbone of the United States, so entrepreneurialism is more than encouraged. In fact, even in many of our country’s urban sprawls you’ll see unique mom and pop shops, specialty stores, independent coffee shops, start-up tech companies, and beyond. No matter the size of the company, be it a one man operation or a restaurant with over 40 employees, each and every business needs to be equipped with business checks as well as a business checking account. This is no matter of method or opinion, either; businesses are in a better legal positioning if they have their very own business bank account.
One of the silliest mistakes that a business owner can make is to operate a business out of a personal bank account. Outside of plain ignorance, there is little excuse as to why you wouldn’t have a dedicated business account, especially since most banks offer free business checking accounts. While starting a small business bank account can sound like a headache, it’s actually pretty easy. That is, of course, if you have all the proper documentation necessary.
Why Should You Keep Your Personal and Business Accounts Separate?
The answer is simple. It doesn’t matter whether you’re running a limited liability company, a corporation or a partnership—nor does the size of your company matter—if you’re legally conducting business and have separate accounts, then the courts will look at your business as a separate entity from yourself as an individual.
Let’s use a hypothetical scenario in order to illustrate the point: if you were to have a lawsuit brought against your business, then only your business could be sued; not you as an individual. However, if your personal bank account and business bank account are one in the same, then the courts will see you and your business as the same entity. A scenario such as this has the potential to get extremely messy and deal immense damage to your personal finances, so do yourself a favor and set up a separate business bank account right away.
By maintaining a business banking account separate from your personal finances, you will be able to handle your taxes in the most beneficial way possible. The IRS will require that you file your personal and business taxes independent of one another. Having to go through a single account and separate the business expenses from the personal can be an arduous undertaking that can easily be avoided by keeping these two accounts separate to begin with.
Many believe that doing the small things early on, such as starting a dedicated business account, will help business owners to develop good business habits which will only help them later down the line, especially when it comes to finances. Another major benefit a business account offers is the ability to accept credit card payments. This is obviously a big reason to go ahead and set up an account since you run the risk of putting your business at an immeasurable disadvantage if you can’t accept debit and credit card payments
With a business account, you are also able to order business checks online from the convenience of your office or home. Also, business checks will help to give you the appearance of a professional, legitimate business. In the business world, there are few things more questionable than receiving a personal check from a business. When a customer, employee, or vendor sees a check with your company’s name on it, they gain a strong sense of professionalism, trustworthiness, and stability. If they see your personal name on the check instead, they may develop a few personal ideas about your company’s image, and when it comes to small business, reputation is everything. Avoid this pitfall by ordering both physical and online business checks.
How Do You Actually Open Your Own Business Checking Account?
The next step beyond understanding all of this is to actually put it into action. It’s extremely important that you actually do what is required by the local, state, and federal governments in order to set up a business account.
To get started, you will want to know your business structure inside and out. Are you running a limited liability corporation, a partnership, or a sole proprietorship? Knowing your structure will help you to set up your accounting situation, which will ultimately help you to know whether you need a business bank account or a credit card and merchant account services. While there are numerous options to choose from when deciding what type of business bank account you will need, it’s good to know that many banks also offer free business banking accounts as well. Although they may lack the special services and perks of one of their signature accounts, starting with a free account can be your first step toward something much greater.
Keeping Your Finances in Order Month-to-Month
When you order personal checks from your bank, you probably don’t give it much thought. You choose a color and style you like, place the order, and get on with your day. You don’t think about the price, because you don’t realize that you can order your checks from other vendors, including checkworks.com. When you order your new checks from us, you can still choose the style and color you want — you just won’t have to pay so much for the privilege.
Here are some tips from CheckWorks to help you keep your finances in order:
- Write checks instead of using your debit card. When you write checks, you think more about the purchase. Let’s face it — swiping a card is easy. It is also easy to forget that purchase, which could lead to an overdrawn account. Writing checks forces you to think about the purchase and make a record of it.
- Create a budget that separates your necessities from your non-necessities. Avoid spending money from your rent budget for that unexpected night on the town. Instead, allot yourself a certain amount of money each month for extras. When that money is gone, bite the bullet, stay home, stick to your budget, and, maybe the next month, you will be able to afford to go out.
- Balance your checkbook every month. It may be a chore, but reconciling your checkbook with your bank statement can help you find any unusual discrepancies. If you use some of our handy accessories, like our detailed check register or our useful calculators, you can take some of the hard work out of balancing your checkbook. The time devoted to making sure your records match will pay off when you catch that one suspicious charge.
Life is hard enough without having to deal with the stress of financial worries. These worries include the smaller details, such as ordering new checks. Checkworks.com is here to help relieve some of the stress from your life, so contact us today and place your order.