[SpiritWarrior]

Originally Posted by Cerek Yes, I do. I still use my checkbook for most purchases and record the transaction as I make it.

So you still have your own self-made paper-trail from say, a soda you purchased this time last year at a store when you were thirsty? Or let's say if you needed milk for a baby at 4am while half asleep and had to run out in the middle of the night, you have all these documented and retained?

If I use me debit card, I always ask for a receipt so I can record it in the checkbook when I get home. I don't care if the cashier gives me a dirty look for making him/her do their job. Asking for a receipt is a very reasonable request and very easy for them to do. It is also part of their job.

But, see, that's what I'm saying. You are one of those people I mentioned earlier, who use chequebooks at the supermarket, writing the whole thing down as you do so and likely holding up the line as I tap my feet in frustration because I am ready to swipe my card and get out of the endless crowds ASAP. This old woman I saw recently was meticulously documenting her finances at the till, as five of us queued behind her and sighed in unison. I thought "Shit, why did I have to pick this line?". She was the only one there when I arrived, yet by the time she had finished another 5 other people at the cashout next to me had already gone through and were in their cars.

Saying it isn't practical is just an excuse. The only thing that isn't practical is leaving the responsibility of recording transactions to your financial institution.

But, given the above example I just mentioned with the old lady, you can clearly see it is NOT practical. Don't get me wrong, it is not her fault. And btw it's is not your fault. Hell, you will both have a better handle on your money than most people, because you take the time to do so. You also say you don't care if the cashier gives you dirty looks, and I am assuming that extends to whether the people behind you do. And, I agree with you, I think you are right to not care because I wouldn't either. But doesn't it suck that the very nature of banking and stores etc. are based around such a fast pace? You have to come off as annoying to others in order to keep a handle on your cash. Or, in worst cases, assert yourself just because you don't want to lose count of where your money is going?

So I disagree on the fact that saying it isn't practical is an excuse. It is not practical. It may be cautious. It may be wise. But it ain't practical given the world we live in now. And again, it ain't your fault a better way cannot be achieved.

Overall, what I am bitching about is if I trust these people with my money, as so many millions do, why should I always be second guessing them and keeping my own tabs on it to the penny? I'm not being naive. I know I must do the best I can - and from the sounds of it you take more time on it than I do, but again...doesn't it just suck that we have to be so vigilant to the point where our methods delay us and rub people the wrong way?