Buying a car is one of the biggest financial decisions most people make, and figuring out how to pay for it can be tricky. Whether you’re putting money down, paying off a financed car, or making monthly lease payments, you might wonder: Can you write a personal check for a car? The answer is usually yes, but there are a few important details to know before you grab your checkbook.
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When a loved one passes away, it’s common for their financial affairs to take time to settle, and it can be one of the more complicated parts of the process. If you’ve received an estate check, perhaps as a beneficiary or executor, you may be wondering whether you can deposit it directly into your personal account. While this might seem like a simple solution, doing so can create legal and banking issues if not handled correctly.
Let’s break down what you need to know before making any deposits.
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Losing a loved one comes with many responsibilities, and handling their financial matters can be one of the most confusing. A common question that arises is: Can you cash a deceased person’s check?
The short answer is no, you cannot legally cash or deposit a check written to someone who has passed away. Whether it’s a tax refund, pension payment, or personal check, understanding the rules around cashing or depositing it is crucial. However, there are proper legal steps you can take to ensure those funds are distributed correctly.
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In today’s fast-paced world, the way we pay for goods and services has evolved. Credit cards dominate the checkout line, while paper checks may seem like an old-fashioned option. However, both methods of payment have their own advantages, and the best choice often depends on the situation, your spending habits, and your financial goals. Let’s break down the pros and cons of checks versus credit cards, so you can make informed choices about your money.
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In the world of everyday banking, personal checks still hold a significant role, whether you’re paying rent, gifting money, or handling other personal expenses. But what happens if a check isn’t deposited or cashed right away? Knowing how long a check remains valid can help you avoid the hassle of bounced payments or missed deposits. Let’s break down how long a personal check is good for, what you should do with old checks, and how to avoid issues with stale payments.
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Running a business often means dealing with checks – whether issuing or receiving them. But cashing a business check can sometimes feel like a hassle, especially if you’re unfamiliar with your options. Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or contractor, knowing where and how to cash your business checks efficiently is key to keeping your finances running smoothly.
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Federal tax returns aren’t due until April 15th. However, you can start making a plan for your 2025 tax refund today, even if you have yet to file your return.
You might be excited about getting some cash back; however, it’s easy to blow through the funds quickly if you don’t have a plan in place. Below, we’ll walk you through this process to help you make better choices once the money gets into your hands.
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Even as digital payment methods have grown in popularity over recent years, checks remain a standard form of payment for individuals and businesses. From paying bills and employee wages to making gifts or charitable contributions, checks offer a convenient and secure way to complete payments.
However, even though checks are an analog form of payment, they’re still susceptible to fraud, misuse, and abuse, just like digital methods. In fact, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) reported receiving 15,417 reports on mail theft-related check fraud last year, accounting for payments of more than $688 million.
To protect check payments amid the rising incidence of fraud, using high-security checks can be an easy swap for account holders. Continue reading below as we discuss the important features of high-security checks, who should use them, and whether they’re worth the extra cost.
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Nearly 9 out of 10 Americans have some type of financial goal for the new year, according to Bankrate. If you’re one of these money-minded individuals, you might be focused on paying down debts, improving your spending habits, or boosting your credit. Whatever your financial goals are for 2025, becoming well-versed and educated on the topic of personal finance is a must in today’s environment.
Fortunately, there are more outlets than ever to make studying the topic easy (and even enjoyable).
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According to LegalZoom, over half of Americans, or 56%, think estate planning is important for end-of-life planning. So, even though this process can feel overwhelming, taking thoughtful steps now can ease the burden for your loved ones later on.
One way to make the process more straightforward is to organize your financial matters. This includes setting up clear methods for disbursing funds, like using paper checks. By being proactive with these details, you not only make the process easier but also give your family peace of mind, knowing that everything is in order.
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