The Origins of Check Writing

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
• Quickbooks? Checks
• Quicken? Checks

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.

---

Debt Management ? More Ways to Save on Gas Consumption

The price of gas continues to climb, and with continued uncertainty in the Middle East, they will probably continue to do so. In California and elsewhere, prices... Read More

Budget Planning - Its Elementary My Dear Watson

Does it feel like you have to be Sherlock Holmes to solve the mystery behind balancing your personal budget? Are you living a mysterious thriller where your... Read More

How You Feel Affects How You Shop & How Much You Spend

Have you ever stopped to think about how your "mood" affects the way you shop, not to mention the amount you spend? Think about it.If you want... Read More

Five Secrets for Long-term Financial Success

Future financial success is not a guarantee that any one of us can rely upon, no matter how wealthy we are now or intend to become.There are... Read More

If All Things Are Possible, Why Cant I Balance My Checkbook?

For me, the most terrible time of each month is the day our bank statement comes. We commonly call it BSS (Bank Statement Syndrome). I don't know... Read More

The World is Not Enough - Calling for a More Ethical Approach to Personal Finance

At a time when the entire world's attention is focused on the problems of world debt, with the Live 8 concerts, the G8 summit in Scotland, the... Read More

Single Mother Resources Directs You Towards Success

As a parent you are bound to face a few challenges but as a single mother you are bound to face challenges almost everyday. Raising a child... Read More

Creating A Household Budget

Creating a budget can be a very difficult task. Although we as consumers know that we need to pay our bills, buy our necessities, and put money... Read More

Organizing Your Finances - Thinking Outside the (Shoe) Box

If you're like most people, your personal financial records are most probably kept in less than "Good Accounting Practices" standards. For example, stashing old ATM receipts and... Read More

Why We Are Never Satisfied with What We Have

I have to admit, I do it too. I complain. Seek better. Complain again. Ridiculous cycle. It's more of a condition really. A humanity disease, I think... Read More

The Wonderful World Of Address Labels

Ever wonder where address labels come from? Avery® is perhaps one of the most well-known manufacturers of address labels. Rightly so in some respects. Avery® contributed much... Read More

The Wright Place - Finances

Women have a love/hate relationship with money. Most of us do not enjoy dealing with it, yet we know not having finances under control will cause our... Read More

Stretching Your Grocery Dollars

Shopping for groceries is an inevitable fact of our ever busy lives. We may imagine that we are saving time by dashing in, roaming the aisles and... Read More

Save Money Off Your Home Utility Bills

Many don't realize that our basic utility bills provide the perfect money saving opportunity for practically every household!Especially with today's energy crisis so prevalent throughout many of... Read More

Photo Checks ? A Great Alternative in Checking

It's the little things in life that make it interesting. Everyday life can be so boring at times. To make the ordinary extraordinary takes time to explore... Read More

How to Draw a Personal Budget that Works

Many people spend their little income haphazardly without any planning and end up getting broke before month-end. They then borrow to make ends meet and end up... Read More

A Fresh Start for Family Finances in 2005

While 40% to 50% of us make New Year's resolutions on January 1-a ritual that has existed since ancient times-approximately 60% to 80% of us have already... Read More

Financial Fitness - Are You Exercising the Right Muscles to become Financially Fit?

Are your financial muscles well toned and healthy or flabby and weak? Do you want to change your relationship with money so you can have control over... Read More

Safely Save for Your Childs University Studies Using An Education IRA!

This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as an investor to understand because it may be a good way for you to save for your... Read More

Single Mother and Learning how to Save

Saving may seem easier if you were saving for a new car, or a vacation however when it comes to saving in general it may prove to... Read More

Expenses A ? What Are They And What Can We Do About Them

It is crucial as an individual who is striving for financial freedom to be able to recognize the different type of expenses in our lives. It is... Read More

Im Broke, How Can I Afford...

I'm still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining that they don't have any money to put into their business and that they're broke.I mean what... Read More

Financial Security

1) HOW TO LOOK FOR A JOBA) The Chronological Curriculum:1. First and foremost you have to be able to write an effective resume or curriculum. Now there... Read More

Can You Afford Not To Look After Your Personal Finances?

Investing is a subject a lot of people don't want to think about. And there is good reason for that. Investing seems scary. It either sounds like... Read More

Why You Should Seek Professional Help With Asset Management

Everyone needs to maintain their lives. What I mean by that is that we all need to take certain measures to make sure that we have a... Read More

Saving Money - Are You Doing Enough?

It is estimated that we, as consumers, waste an average of 30% of our paychecks on items we don't need or pay way too much for the... Read More