Do you remember that:
...First check book
...First Bank Book--mine was Royal Blue; with all the Blank columns for Transactions
...First check written--you tried to look 'experienced' but felt so awkward
..Did you have a school class where you learned how to work with a Checking Account-NOPE
..Did you always remember to 'write in' to whom the check was written; the amount; date
..Did you carefully, daily 'Balance your check register'
..When did you really discover the value of 'reading the small print'
..When, if ever, did you go to the Special Desk to get answers to Your account balance & THEIRs
..When you chose your Banking Institution was it the Family's Bank; closest to work; result of research
Oh, the joys of all those first steps into adult-hood.
Today, and at least 10-15 years ago, it all changed; now parents, grandparents, relatives open accounts for children at their birth; thus having the security of knowing that, until they reach majority, the amounts will grow with interest. With today's technology, you & / or the child so gifted, never has to actually travel to the bank. nor stand in lines.
Those lines, where you stand cheek to jowl with strangers; eavesdrop on cell phone conversations; hope that you filled the forms correctly & completely.
Though all of us love to spend time in lines where we can openly check out others, fantasize about status & monetary worth, silently chastise that Mom who has no control over the munchkin[s] with her.
...do you really like being on display yourself
...do you wonder IF there is a robber in line with you; do you hope that he/she is WAY BEHIND you
...do you run the video of your heroism
...do you even Go into the bank at all
As the buildings have changed in decor, design & size; where jeans are acceptable attire;
where the Velvet ropes have been exchanged for the 'stretchy' black web-design; is your banking experience still that- "I AM an Adult" now situation.
As you deal with Banks & Institutions in your own Home Buying , Financing, & all related areas is the thrill gone. Are you still happy to wander through the maze suspecting that if it could go wrong for you--it probably will do so.
As you deal with the same institutions as the representative of another, do you feel dismayed. empowered, frustrated, harried, & thoroughly questioning 'their-bank reps- motivation'
Not a day goes by anymore where we do not hear or read about another institution being bought-out, closed-down, merged or totally dismantled. The Bank is the favorite whipping boy of some in Congress while others bow-down to the power of the money. The playing card deck changes as one breathes--ask for help--made to take funds--told to pay it back--fined if too early. Give Bonuses--don't allow bonuses--get approval to merge--receive chastisement when poorly choosing the partner[s].
Very
early on in the decision of Bank or Credit Union, I chose the Credit Union. Late '60's or early 70's started that experience for me [& after marriage in 1978-for Sal, too] and we never looked back. WE have CD's , IRA, Loan, Car Loans, Home Mortgages [with limitations], all types of savings accounts, interest baring saving / checking accounts; we still have our account numbers from 1969 for me & 1979 joint with Sal. Security is the word and yes, we still go there and stand in lines. Nothing is done on-line with our money.
Let me offer you some fun quotes on Banks and Banking:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies"
...Thomas Jefferson
"Drive-in banks were established so most of the cars today could see their real owners."
...E. Joseph Cossman
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