Wiring money can be quite expensive but is typically instantaneous as you pointed out. Money orders and cashiers checks are basically tracked in the same manner: when was it cashed, etc etc. if you're looking for tracking as in delivery notification then USPS with delivery confirmation would offer that option. I prefer to stick with a cashiers check or money order issued by my bank. Each bank varies: mine offers Cashiers checks for $5.00 and money orders for $3.00. The cashiers check: I can receive a front/back copy of the cancelled check which displays all pertinent deposit tracking info. Not so on the money order - only the date "redeemed". It's a user-preference kind of thing.
Check pricing with your bank on the money orders and such. Out of curiosity, I just checked mine: if under $100 then no charge on money orders and only $3 for the cashiers check
I use my bank and credit union for everything. If there's ever a question or issue I march right on in, smile, and they say "oh hey it's you! What up??"
