Why can't I break this habit!

[movingforward]

For some reason I still write my transactions down in a checkbook register. I have no idea why I can't break this habit I pay everything online with the exception of rent and check all my accounts online so why do I feel the need to write this crap down. One of my New Year's resolutions is to stop doing this. Does anyone else do this or am I the only one? Help me Opra, help Tom Cruise, help me Jewish God - why can't I stop!

[p8nt]

Why is this a problem? I'm doing everything I can to get my DD to START writing things down in a check register. You never know when the bank is going to make an error, or you have something that's slow to clear (I've had debit transactions take a couple days) and you'll think you have more money than you really have.

[reader79]

I broke myself of that habit last year. I had packed away my checkbook when I evacuated my house, and didn't want to dig through my trunk to find it. So after a week, I would have had to write down a ton of transactions. I check online multiple times a day, and know my balance with $5 in my head at all times, so I finally figured I could let it go.

It also helps that I am not nearly as broke as I have been in years past, and I am starting to run transactions through my Amex so there are fewer of them coming directly from checking.

[movingforward]

Dec 21, 2012 16:53:52 GMT -5 reader79 said:

I broke myself of that habit last year. I had packed away my checkbook when I evacuated my house, and didn't want to dig through my trunk to find it. So after a week, I would have had to write down a ton of transactions. I check online multiple times a day, and know my balance with $5 in my head at all times, so I finally figured I could let it go.

It also helps that I am not nearly as broke as I have been in years past, and I am starting to run transactions through my Amex so there are fewer of them coming directly from checking.

That's the other thing. I pay most everything with my CC and then pay it off at the end of the month so it's not like I even have that many transactions... just can't resist writing down, I guess.

[busymom]

I've caught bank errors on both my Mom's, & my own accounts. So yes, I STILL write everything down. How else would I catch bank errors?

[movingforward]

Dec 21, 2012 17:01:46 GMT -5 busymom said:

I've caught bank errors on both my Mom's, & my own accounts. So yes, I STILL write everything down. How else would I catch bank errors?

I have never once caught a bank error (knock on wood) and as often as I check my account it seems like I would be able to catch it even if I am just looking online. I guess writing it down just seems so antiquated to me

[Happy prose]

I still write in my check register, and have no desire to stop. It sounds silly, but I pay all my bills on line, but never check my balance on line. I also round my numbers in the book, so the two would never match.

[steph08]

I always write my transactions in a check register - I love it! But my DH - he doesn't balance his account at all. I gave up doing it for him, too many transactions for me!

[Cookies Galore]

I always write my transactions in a check register. I don't see it as a habit that must be broken. I like to write things down. I write notes to self and to do lists all the time.

[midjd]

Do you use Mint? I haven't touched a check register since I started using it. (If some of my banking info didn't link, I might feel differently).

[mandyms]

I write my transactions on my monthly calendar portion in my planner; it helps me see my upcoming bills (I break it down by the 1st and 15th). I've also taken to recording transactions on my smartphone..it also has a calendar widget. I do this as soon as the transaction completes; it helps me when I usually lose the receipt

ETA: Sorry thought you were asking to KEEP tracking...it's one of the things I'm actually working on keeping consistent with.

[Deleted]

I still use a checkbook register even though I pay everything on line, mortgage and all....but I keep it b/c Banks make mistakes too. Also, my bank account always shows I've got way much money in the account then I actually do. My checkbook register is right on!!! Why give that up? I"d be lost without it.

[TheOtherMe]

All of my transactions are on an Excel spreadsheet. I haven't used a check register in years.