Month: April 2024

If you’re like me and sometimes have to pause to remember how to write a check when it’s time to pay rent, bills or other expenses, we’re here to help. 

Many believe the heyday of writing checks has passed. When you consider various alternative payment methods that might be used, it does seem that check writing is old hat. Other payment methods are greener, by saving you the hassle of filling out a check and reordering more when they run out. Many companies offer online bill-pay, including automatic payments so you can set it and forget it. Using a debit card instead of writing a check will also create an automatic record of your transactions, so you don’t have to worry about doing that yourself.

how to write a check© Getty Images

How to write a check

When you’re filling out a check — in pen, don’t forget! — take care to use each field correctly so you don’t have to start over and waste checks. Always write legibly and use both numbers and letters where indicated, so there’s no question about how much you want your bank to take out of your account and who it’s going to.

Here’s where everything goes.

1. Date. Put the date you’re writing the check in the field in the upper right corner. That will tell the person who’s receiving it when you wrote it. If you need to postdate a check, write in a future date that will indicate when it can be cashed. You may need to do this if you’re sending a check earlier than when it’s due and you don’t have the funds to cover it at the exact moment, or just don’t want the money taken out until it’s time.
2. Payee. Next to where it says “pay to the order of,” write the name of the person or business that will receive the check.
3. Check amount (numerical). Here’s where you write the amount the check is for in digit form. Fill the entire box so no one can add extra numbers and increase the amount the check is for. For example, if you’re writing a check for $250, you can write $250.00 to fill the entire box and make sure there’s no confusion about the exact amount.
4. Check amount (text). Below the payee line and to the left of where it says “dollars,” write out the amount the check is for in words. Writing it out in both words and numerals ensures there’s no confusion over the amount. You want to fill in the entire line here, too. If you’re writing a check for $250, you’d write, “two hundred and fifty and 00/100.” Instead of writing out cents, you would put the cent amount slash 100. In that case, if you’re writing a check for $15.50, you’d write, “fifteen and 15/100.” The “dollars” part is already printed on the check so no need to write that out.
5. Memo. This is where you write what the check is for. It’s not legally required, but will help you track your check if there are any issues. Get as detailed as will be helpful for your own records.
6. Signature. Finally, sign your check on the line in the bottom right corner to indicate you agree to pay the amount above to the person or company you’ve designated to receive it. The check isn’t valid until you sign it, so don’t forget this step.

Record your check

After you’ve written your check, it’s a good idea to record it in your check register. You can use the register that comes with your checks, a spreadsheet or any other method that works for your money management system.

Your records should include:

• Check number
• Date the check was written
• Payee, or who you wrote it to
• Amount
• A memo detailing what the check was for

Tips for writing checks

Both before and after you write a check, it’s important to make sure it’s secure so you don’t fall victim to bank fraud. Here are a few tips to make sure your check is safe.

• Use pen. Fill out your check in blue or black permanent ink instead of pencil. That will ensure no one can change the fields after you fill them out.
• Never sign a blank check. Putting your signature on a blank check essentially gives anyone in possession of it free rein to withdraw as much money as they want. That’s why we recommend only signing your check after it’s totally filled out.
• Void all mistakes. If you make an error, write the word “void” across the check. Then tear it up and throw it away so it can’t fall into the wrong hands.

Source: Good Housekeeping©

Shopping at Costco can save you money on everything from food and electronics to vacation packages and home services. But you could end up losing money or having personal information misused if you fall for the many scams that target members of the popular warehouse chain. Whether it’s an email, text, website or online ad, you must be cautious about what you respond to.

1. Imposter Costco Websites

Whether you clicked a link or found it on the search results, you might land on a website that closely resembles Costco’s and advertises special sales. But if you check the URL, you’ll see something other than Costco.com. Rather than placing an order on such scam sites and potentially losing money, navigate directly to Costco.com to shop on Costco’s website.

2. Giveaway and Special Offer Scams

Some scammers send emails or texts or post social media ads directing you to take a Costco survey or enter a sweepstakes. They often claim you’ll win a gift card, TV, loyalty award or some mystery prize. However, Costco’s website cautions that these offers are scams, and a close look could verify that the sender or website isn’t the retailer. Don’t respond or give any information.

3. Fake Costco Membership Emails

Fake Costco member emails come from scammers who might want your login information. You may be prompted to click a link to renew your membership, redeem a reward, confirm an order or view special Costco deals. The sender could have an unusual email address or trick you with a spoofed Costco address. The safest move is to check your Costco account for any updates and ignore suspicious requests.

4. Overcharge Reimbursement Scams

If you get a text that Costco wants to reimburse you for an overcharged amount, you’re dealing with another popular scam. The text often refers to a receipt and has a link that might request your banking details. You wouldn’t receive this kind of notification from Costco since overcharges should be automatically reimbursed. Ignore the text and call Costco about any concerns.

5. Package Delivery Scams

The scammer actually claims to be the United States Postal Service rather than Costco with this scheme. It can involve a text or email about an issue delivering a Costco package, which you might have not even ordered. It could ask you to log in to a fake Costco website to update your address, which results in the scammer having your account details. Your order’s status on the warehouse chain’s real website would indicate any real issues, so check there if in doubt about any communications you receive regarding deliveries.

6. Costco Job Scams

Fake jobs are popular scams that trick Costco shoppers. You might get a job interview email advertising an unusually high hourly rate for a Costco role. Another scheme impersonates the human resources department and offers you a job if you pay money first. Don’t fall for these since Costco’s website states you won’t receive unsolicited employment offers or be charged a fee to get a job.

Source: GOBankingRates©

There were some 465,000 children reported missing in the US in 2016. Every day, all around the world, children go missing. In partnership with others, The Global Missing Children’s Center works to protect children from going missing or being abducted by providing resources on prevention as well as the appropriate actions to take in the event a child does go missing.

Tips for parents and caregivers:

Teach them their number.

Make sure your child knows his or her full name, home address and telephone number. Include this contact information in their backpack, coat, etc. Teach your child not to share this information with anyone he or she does not know without your permission.

Take a picture

Get into the habit of taking an updated picture of your child each year. This should be a head and shoulder forward-facing photograph with the hair down and no makeup or face paint.

Be prepared when in crowds.

It is important to be prepared when going into crowded places. Dress your child in bright, recognizable clothing that is easily seen if he or she should get separated and be sure to designate a central location where your child knows to meet you if he or she gets lost.

Practice safe social media.

Talk to your children about the risks of sharing too much information on social media. Explain how “checking in” on social networks and sharing location information or routines can have negative consequences.

Listen and ask questions.

Listen if your child says someone makes him or her feel uncomfortable. Ask questions to better understand why. It is important for children to learn to trust their instincts.

Resource:  The International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children