Carbon Copy Checks
 

There are some bills that I have to write a check for. My checkbook has that carbon copy thing so I have this piece of paper saying I paid it. I don't feel like I *need* this carbon copy check. I keep track of my bills electronically.

Basically, what I need to know is can I shred these stupid carbon copies?

Yes you can. I hold onto mine for a year, then shred.

Yes, especially if your bank--like mine--keeps an electronic copy of the check. I can get into my account, click on a hot link in the transaction title, and up pops a copy of the check I wrote.

We don't even get carbon copies for our checks from the bank anymore--we write so few checks that I don't order checkbooks, I just ask for a sheet of checks. I write 1 check a month for rent, and as of this month, I'm going to start paying that via my bank instead.

Cool. Thanks. I hate having this paper around.

I am also finding more bills and statements that can go paperless!

You are paying extra for that. Next time you order checks, change your order and save some money.

I will definitely order different checks next time. Thanks for the tip!

If you're paying for checks from your bank, you're paying too much any way. Check out the inserts in your local Sunday paper. There are always a few offers for printed checks. My mom has been using them for years. They're half the price of most banks and give you a huge choice of patterns.

I get my duplicates for $9.99/box. They're not too terrible. I hang on to them for a year because some places don't do debit and I keep track of when they're cashing things. I write on the memo line a lot so I can remember if one doesn't get cashed. Plus, I can catch it when/if someone tries to alter the check. Which has happened to me twice and the carbon saved me.