Tag Archives: Personal checks

Creating a Festive Checkbook: Checks for the Holiday Spirit

For many, there’s no better time of year than the holiday season. To help yourself get into the festive spirit this year, try surrounding yourself with all things holiday-themed — including your checkbook!

Each time you go to write a check, you’ll be reminded of all the great things about this time of year — the gatherings with loved ones, bountiful feasts, gift-giving, and more. Take a look below at some of our favorite holiday-themed personal checks to place in your pocketbook as we head into the new year.

Continue reading →

A Nostalgic Look at Checks: How They’ve Evolved and Remain Relevant Today

The first iterations of modern-day checks emerged ages ago. The behind-the-scenes banking practices and legal precedence supporting check-writing have evolved over the years, though the basic concept of making a written promise of payment has remained the same.

As we close out yet another incredible year, let’s reflect back on the long and storied timeline of how we ended up with the modern version of checks we rely on today.

Continue reading →

Gift-Giving Made Easy: How to Write Checks as Thoughtful Presents

With the holiday season quickly approaching, you may have a long list of family, friends, and acquaintances that you plan to exchange gifts with. While you can take the time to conjure up ideas of the perfect gift for everyone on your list, there’s always a worry that you’ll gift someone something they already have, don’t like, or would rather pick out themselves.

Luckily, one thing nearly everyone can agree on is that receiving money as a gift is always welcomed. Plus, there’s a way to gift money in a thoughtful way that doesn’t lose the personal feel of holiday gift-giving — by using a personal check.

Continue reading →

Creating a Holiday Spending Plan: Balancing Gifts, Travel, and Festivities

Before you know it, the holiday season will be in full swing. From gift-giving to festive gatherings and long-anticipated travel plans, there’s plenty to look forward to this time of year. However, it’s easy to get lost in the excitement and let costs spiral without realizing it.

According to PwC’s 2024 Holiday Outlook survey, overall holiday spending is expected to increase by 7% from last year, ringing in at a total of $1,638 per shopper on average.

Whether you anticipate spending more or less than this amount, creating a holiday spending plan can help you stay on budget and avoid overspending. This way, you’re ready for every occasion and don’t have to miss out on any precious holiday moments.

Below, we’ll walk through some simple steps to creating a solid holiday spending plan.

Continue reading →

Checks in Estate Planning and Trust Funds

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.

Continue reading →

How to Balance Your Checkbook in the Digital Age

Balancing your checkbook is an important aspect of managing your finances. It allows you to review all transactions to see where your money goes each month and catch any bank errors or discrepancies. Above all, it provides transparency into your finances, giving you a clear understanding of your financial positioning at any given time.

In the digital age, there continue to be new ways to manage your finances online, including balancing your checkbook, as we’ll detail below.

Continue reading →

The Evolution of Checks: From Paper to Digital

Checks have long been the cornerstone of personal and business finances. They provide a secure and traceable way to transfer funds, an easy method to make a financial gift or donation, and a reliable payment form that doesn’t require you to have access to technology when initiating a transaction.

Though checks have evolved dramatically over the years, their purpose and benefits remain unchanged. Let’s take a look at how checks have evolved over the years and why they continue to stay relevant in the digital age.

Continue reading →

The Enduring Relevance of Checks in Today’s Digital Finance World

Despite the rise of electronic transactions, checks remain significant in personal and business finances in 2024. Some people simply prefer to write checks rather than send electronic payments. Plus, checks can even be a more secure payment method.

With numerous digital payment options, why do people continue using checks? Below, we’ll explore the advantages of check writing in 2024 and the various ways people continue to use checks in the digital age.

Continue reading →

Weathering the Storm: Thriving with Rising Interest Rates

In the complex and ever-shifting landscape of personal finance, few elements are as influential and perplexing as interest rates. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just dipping your toes into the world of finance, understanding and effectively combating interest rate changes is a vital skill. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of interest rate changes and discuss strategies to navigate these fluctuations with confidence.

Continue reading →

Protect Yourself from Check Fraud

In an increasingly digital world, you might expect check fraud to be a thing of the past. However, check fraud remains a prevalent form of financial crime that continues to pose a significant threat to individuals and businesses alike.

Continue reading →