I bought a few boxes of checks when I started working. I still have most of them.

In the first several years of working, I mailed in paper income tax returns. The govt would even send the blank forms out to everyone via postal mail. I think paper submissions were the norm, though electronic filing certainly existed.

Have used maybe 2 cheques, bought a condo share but a house is a whole other matter. That said I don't think it's impossible, the main issue is just stability, if I had a partner who earnt as much then it would still be tough but not impossible.

But you can absolutely own your residence OP - just look for smaller places, in cheaper areas, and jobs that would offer a good salary : cost of living ratio. You'll probably have to start with a condo in a HOA, etc. but that's better than renting.

In elementary school, for a single grade we had these checkbooks where we'd get class points and have to put them in it. On certain days we could cash them in for prizes. Have never used any form of checkbook outside of that single year.

Only time I have ever gotten a check was because I didn't have college financial aid set up to go directly to my bank or there was a refund or the time I got a maybe $20 check because the people running the place I live got sued.

I have a credit card

My mom (80) has 20 mil or so. (Dad dead)

But she cares only about partying and home renno and refuses to even buy her kids a cup of coffee.

So we wait like vultures.

I have had to use a check to pay rent and will never vote in a presidential election because elections are rigged and there's no fucking point. The American dream is dead.