The Things We Take for Granted Raising the Barr Weekly Memo: Issue 399

Yesterday evening, I took a pretty big tumble while running to make an awesome back hand hit in my daily pickleball game. Even with the slight aches and pains that come with age, I had never given in nor given up during a match. But yesterday was different and now between ice packs and pain meds, I’m out of commission for at least a day or two.     

Things that seemed easy to do before 8 pm yesterday, are now much more difficult today and I’m not used to it! I had taken for granted the simplest of things; the ease at which I put on my shoes and walked the steps to my office holding a cup of hot coffee.

On this day in 1969, the first ATM machine came into use in New York City. Over 50 years ago, that one clever invention changed our banking habits forever and afforded a shortcut to make withdrawing money easier, quicker anywhere in the world. Today, there are well over one million ATMs around the globe, with a new one added approximately every five minutes. Not surprisingly, ATMs get their busiest workouts on Fridays.

Yet for me, with the ubiquitous and expanding power of the Internet, online banking, and technologies such as Apple Wallet, Zelle and others, even the popular ATMs are being replaced by cashless apps to handle our financial needs. 

It’s easier than ever to stay connected with our clients and family, which became obvious and necessary during this time of personal disconnect due to the pandemic. What gadgets, devices and tools have you incorporated in your everyday life and business that have made it easier to accomplish your tasks? Today, I’m ever grateful for the flexible ice pack….

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