People haven't always written checks to buy goods and services. But you know that right? So how did people transfer money from one place to another in times of old?
In ancient times the most popular form of money exchange was the trade. However, some point along the long line of history people started realizing they had a surplus of goods that was best stored somewhere other than their home.
During the sixteenth century Amsterdam became a key global trading and shipping outlet. Within this area, many people started amassing cash. Rather than stashing this cash at home, some people had the brilliant idea of depositing their money with safe keepers or cashiers for a fee.
Keeping their money in a central location allowed tradespeople to start writing notes to pay off debts owed to other people. Thus emerged the idea of writing checks.
Where Did The Word Check Come From?
The word "check" did not emerge until later in the 1800s. At this point in time cashiers started placing numbers on each of the notes depositors wrote so they could better track notes coming into and out of the station. Eventually a system was born and the idea of writing checks and storing money in a "bank" caught on en' masse.
Checking Today
Today checking is as commonplace as going out to eat. Most people have at least one checking account, and many have more than one. It is not uncommon for business owners to work with several bankers and checking accounts.
Check writing is no longer a primitive process that involves handwriting notes on random pieces of paper. Checking and check writing is almost a rite of passage. It suggests that you have money (in theory anyway) or a means to make your way in the world.
Types of Checks Available Today
Now that you are familiar with the origins of check writing, you probably came here in search of some quality information about checks and checking. Today you have more choices than ever for checking. You can pay bills on traditional and boring bank checks, or you can buy checks that match your personality.
The possibilities are endless in checking today. You can buy pastel checks, checkered checks, animal checks, cartoon checks and more. Foil embossing and intricate designs are another popular choice among consumers, and provide the added advantage of extra security.
Some people are gung ho about top stub checks whereas others prefer side tear checks. You may find yourself shopping for cheap checks, whether cheap personal checks or business checks. Still others need something to match software programs and produce large quantities of checks that tie into their financials. That's where Deluxe? checks and other specialized checks come in handy.
Specialized Check Writing
If you own your own business you probably need checks that are compatible with your software programs. Among the more common in this category include:
Deluxe? checks is actually the name of a company that prints checks. These checks are popular all over the globe. They provide added security features such as micro printing a security screen to prevent copying and even chemically sensitive paper. This paper appears altered if someone tries to alter the original check.
Quickbooks? checks and Quicken? checks are equally useful for business owners looking for checks that streamline with their accounting software. These specialized checks make processing payroll a cinch. Most come in top stub styles compatible with most computer programs though you can also buy side tear versions to keep with you while on the go.
Of the two, Quickbooks? checks are the most popular, providing personalization choices and matching check envelopes and stationery. However, Quicken? checks are just as useful for individuals owning this software program.
No matter what your personality, business or personal pleasure, fortunately you have a wealth of choices when it comes to check writing. Be sure you explore all your choices, before buying. Even better, try out a few different styles to see which match your personal preferences. We've come a long way from ancient Rome, where merchants and customers probably longed for the personalized check conveniences available today.
About The Author:
Antigone Arthur is a successful freelance writer with 10 years of professional experience providing consumers with informative articles on such topics as cheap checks, top stub checks, and ordering personal checks online.
For most of us the process of getting out of... Read More
Saving may seem easier if you were saving for a... Read More
If you've developed a household budget to get your spending... Read More
If you are the normal consumer, then you've probably experienced... Read More
On the other hand, there are those people who are... Read More
Budgeting. It's a word we're all familiar with. Everyone knows... Read More
It's the little things in life that make it interesting.... Read More
During the last twenty years, banks have offered a number... Read More
For months, we were trigger-swipe happy, putting our groceries, clothes,... Read More
With a traditional Investment Retirement Account (IRA) you pay taxes... Read More
Frugal living is more than a lifestyle. It's a passion.... Read More
1. Don't focus on your finances.The reason most people get... Read More
It is possible to eat a healthy, balanced diet without... Read More
Do you struggle from week to week trying to make... Read More
Identity theft is a serious crime that continues to grow.... Read More
We all know that money doesn't grow on trees, but... Read More
Well, dang! From what I've heard and read, it looks... Read More
Are you having problems with debt? Are you afraid to... Read More
Here are some tips that can help you save money... Read More
How many drawers did you have to look through to... Read More
One of the simplest ways to improve your professional image... Read More
We have heard a lot about consumers' personal information getting... Read More
1. If you have your haircut every 3 weeks, try... Read More
As a parent you are bound to face a few... Read More
There is a new bill that is being passes, it... Read More
It doesn't take much for you to get behind on... Read More
Millions of people give a lot of thought to financial... Read More
Investing is a subject a lot of people don't want... Read More
If you've been to a shopping mall lately, you've probably... Read More
Would you be interested in freeing up 10% to 15%... Read More
While 40% to 50% of us make New Year's resolutions... Read More
If you, like most people, have not seriously considered what... Read More
With the A-level results coming out, the long wait for... Read More
The judge had to ask the question, and we had... Read More
One of the biggest challenges facing black RELATIONSHIPS today are... Read More
When you received an energy (heating) bill last winter, were... Read More
Have you ever stopped to think about how your "mood"... Read More
On the other hand, there are those people who are... Read More
In this age of information, keeping track of your finances... Read More
We have heard a lot about consumers' personal information getting... Read More
As the saying goes: "Buyer Beware". If you see ads... Read More
I think most of us have at some point in... Read More
Ever wonder where address labels come from? AveryŽ is perhaps... Read More
Whatever your reason for having a tight budget, the truth... Read More
It is estimated that we, as consumers, waste an average... Read More
The lists of bank and savings accounts that are available... Read More
Women are charged more for dry cleaning services. Don't fume,... Read More
Single Mother's in need of Financial GuidanceBudgeting is key to... Read More
Reducing the clothing budget was a serious challenge for me.... Read More
Your boss has just informed you that your department is... Read More
Australians, in general, constitute some of the worst savers in... Read More
I have been a loyal user of Quicken(R) for more... Read More
Between 15 - 20% of people in our country (UK)... Read More
Car donations and used car donations are the way many... Read More
Your food budget is the most flexible area of your... Read More
If you were to ask 100 women "What would you... Read More
There is a new bill that is being passes, it... Read More
The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued... Read More
Are you having problems with debt? Are you afraid to... Read More
Well, dang! From what I've heard and read, it looks... Read More
1. If you have your haircut every 3 weeks, try... Read More
At a time when the entire world's attention is focused... Read More
Chapter 7The potential chapter 7 debtor should understand that a... Read More
Traditional checks probably won't disappear anytime soon, but processing checks... Read More
Budgeting. It's a word we're all familiar with. Everyone knows... Read More
I've been going through and interesting growth period lately that... Read More
Personal Finance |