I did it again--lost ATM card

[asianflava]

Oh, you're "One of those."

My parents are like that, they don't even use a computer so you have them beat there. They will be moving overseas soon. We (my siblings and I) told them that unless they figure out how to use e-mail, they probably won't hear from us.

It drives me nuts when somebody in front of me in line writes a check. All I can think to myself is, "Haven't you heard of a check card? the money comes from the same place."

[Arne]

Oh, yes, the fumbling in the purse, the rattling of items, the filling in of lines (that could have been done previously), the hurriedly ripping out of the check, the stuffing of the checkbook back into the purse, the purse into the handbag, the frazzled activity...... to pay for $10.15 worth of stuff.

[Ira]

In the mid-80s, I took a trip to California. (I was single and the state is STILL talking about the impact that I made.) ATM cards may have been around, but they WEREN'T used by everyone like today.

I was waiting in line to buy a pack of cigarettes, and the woman in front of me was making out a check for $2.50 to buy a magazine. It totally blew my mind--like I thought it was a joke and I was on Candid Camera.

Part of the reason I was so amazed is that in New York City, where I lived, basically no one took checks for ANYTHING. Cash or credit card only. So it was an additional culture shock when I moved to Florida in the 90s and I was able to use checks everywhere.

[Loader]

Ira,

Doesn't your bank machine "scream" at you until you take your card out? The bank I use sure does. I too just had to get a new card, thought the number was compromised, I called in last Tues, had the new card on Sat.

I'm like you Ira, never carry much cash, I'd probably spend it on a bunch of impulse buys.

[Ira]

That's the thing, Earl--I'm sure it DIDN'T scream at me. And I didn't have a buzz on or anything--this was 11 in the morning. Just walked from the office over to the ATM.

The most I carry in cash is like $60, maybe $80, so I'm always running to the ATMs. I have BankAtlantic, so I TRY to use them to avoid any ATM charges, but I just like the convenience.

Last time, it was 10 days to get a new one, and they don't offer an expedited service like the credit card companies do.

[asianflava]

I usually only carry about $40 at the most. That's because that is how much the fast cash button gives me.