We don’t auto pay many bills because we never know for sure whether our paydays and the billing dates will line up, but we pay online.
The lady I saw yesterday appeared to have the means to pay for internet, based on her and her daughter’s clothes, shoes, etc. and their conversation, if that means anything. I know plenty of people who can’t afford a home computer setup but I didn’t get that feeling from them.
My parents paid everything in person up until a few years ago. They have now upgraded to paying by mail - as in, they put an envelope with a signed check in their unsecured mailbox. I can’t convince them that paying online is at least as safe as paying by mail, and yet more convenient.
I also have an older aunt who pays for everything with cash. She cashes her social security check, and keeps the cash in an envelope in her purse. She recently forgot her purse in a shopping cart at Walmart. The purse was recovered, but the envelope with all of her money was gone. She still believes that paying online, or even having a debit card is somehow more unsafe.
I used to pay my Sears bill in person. They made it very easy. I could go to any of the cash registers and make a payment on my Sears card. Or even purchase something and then tell the cashier you needed to make a Sears card payment.
I canceled my card about 10 years ago. Just don’t shop at Sears much anymore.
[quote=“tenacious_j, post:41, topic:656845”]
We don’t auto pay many bills because we never know for sure whether our paydays and the billing dates will line up, but we pay online./QUOTE]
Same for me- auto pay can be very inconvenient when bills are due on a particular date ( the 1st, 22nd whatever) each month, and I get paid every other Wednesday
My elderly parents still pay whatever local bills they can in person. (1) They refuse to engage in all but the most basic of technology, (2) they genuinely like the human interaction; every transaction is an opportunity for a conversation and (3) it makes them feel sure that said payment has been received.
Of course, (4) they’re completely nuts.
Local water & power still can be paid at the front desk.
I pay my quarterly H2O bill at the City Office. It is more or less on the way home from work. I don’t know if you can pay online.
Brian
Every single recurring bill is on autopay. I keep a little paper spreadsheet at the computer desk. The bills are listed by ‘date paid’ order. Every few days I’ll log into the bank’s website and check mark the bills that have been paid. Then its just a quick glance to see what’s coming up due and will be debited in the next week or two weeks. I can’t imagine having to write out checks, or remember to pay stuff on time.
You just described my in-laws 
The last bill I paid in person was either for water or property tax, and that was…what, maybe 2 or 3 years ago? My town’s online payment system was quite messed up for awhile, especially when two or more residents having the same first/last name.
I pay all monthly bills online and use check card or cash for everything else.
I pay my insurance bill in person. It’s only a quarterly payment, not out of my way, and I deal with a small local insurance agency so I stop in and say hi.
What’s a “hardware store”?
Seriously, though, I didn’t think anyone did business like this any more.