Banking Issues

     I'm starting to think that banks and money aren't really worth all the hassle and we should just go back to the barter system.
     The Sunday before Columbus Day here, I tried to use my bank card to add air time to my cell phone. For some reason, the transaction wouldn't process. So, on my lunch break I drove across the street to the local bank branch ATM and did a balance inquiry. I almost shat upon myself when my balance was reported as $0.00 ! As soon as I got home I called and killed my card just to make sure my balance didn't go any lower. Monday was a bank holiday (Columbus Day) so it was Tuesday morning before I could actually call the bank. The nice fella there told me, "the system was probably down" for whatever reason but I did, in fact, still have my money.
     I still had to go back to the bank to fill out paperwork for a new card (which still hasn't arrived in my mail to date), an ordeal which took around 60 minutes. But I have to wonder... How many other bank customers were put through more than I was ? As in, parents needing formula for babies and such that didn't have access to funds from 12 AM Sunday to 9 AM Tuesday.

     So while awaiting my card, I'm using checks. The other day I wrote a check at the grocery store where I work. As soon as I get home, I get a call from the store saying they can't find my check. In retrospect I should have said "Not my damn problem, is it?" But nice guy that I am, I got back in the car and went back to write another check with the promise that one or the other would be reimbursed to me. I get there and my friendly cashier tells me that she'd found my check.

     How about we all go back to the barter system? I know that's not gonna happen but we can all try to make life simpler for all with just a wee bit of effort.
     One of the fellas I work with does scrapping and recycling for extra money and is seemingly doing quite well at it, by the way. His day job produces quite a bit of scrap metal, all of which he fetches to the scarp yard. Whenever I have or find some, I give it to him. In return I get to pick through whatever is in his truck for tidbits I can use for my projects.

     Give some, take some. I've found that if I make life easier on my fellow human being, life turns out easier for me as well.