Fun Friday poll: Do you still write checks?

It is a scene we have all been stuck in at the most inconvenient of times: The clock was ticking, my son and I were starving, and we needed to get home, have dinner, and then rush off to the final t-ball game of the season. But we were at a complete standstill in line at the grocery store with only a few items to buy and very little time left on our clock.

The cashier was being friendly but slow, taking what felt like hours to scan each item and then place it carefully into a plastic bag. I was antsy as she chatted up the customer in front of us, the coworker behind her, and the bagger loading up the cart.

Then, just as I thought it was all finally wrapping up and we might be able to step up for our turn, the customer pulled out her checkbook, took a deep breath, and began precisely filling out a check.

A check?! It's 2010. Really -- a check?

That's what was screaming in my head as she pondered the date, spelled out the number of dollars, made a note on the memo line, and finally signed.

I haven't had a checkbook in four years. Sometimes it is inconvenient, but mostly at PTA bake sales and to my parents who still painstakingly write out checks to pay bills each month. For me, it is a great relief to rely solely upon my debit card, to forget trying to balance my checkbook or where I last left it, to oust check refill expenses from my budget. I am very happy to scratch off checks from my own financial list.

And after frustrating moments like that one in the grocery store, I would personally be happy to see more people follow suit. Or at least start writing them a little sooner.

Do you still write checks or is handwriting your payment a thing of the past for you, too?

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