How can I balance my checkbook?
By angelface23
@angelface23 (2494)
United States
December 29, 2006 10:28am CST
I seem to have trouble keeping a checkbook. I start out okay but then I forget to bring it to the store and then I forget to add things into it and then the bank is overdrawn. Now my fiance won't let handle any of my money to pay the bills because all I do is overdraw the account. I want to learn how to do it right but he won't give me a chance. It makes me feel really crappy to know that i can't even handle money right. Any ideas??
1 person likes this
4 responses
@deargoodbye (761)
• United States
29 Dec 06
Perhaps buy a computer program designed for finances like Quickbook or Quicken. I'm pretty bad at balancing too but with time you can get better. Perhaps you and your fiance' can do it together and he can help you learn.
2 people like this
@katprice (805)
• United States
29 Dec 06
Don't use a checkbook. Pay for everything in cash. Budget your cash with different envelopes. One for groceries, one for utility bills, etc. Hopefully you'll have enough so that you can have an envelope marked "fun money" so you can go buy a cute pair of shoes or something. Good luck!
@angelface23 (2494)
• United States
29 Dec 06
I pay all my bills online through my bank's bill pay system which I like a lot because I don't have checks and money orders cost money. This way is free. I don't think that way will work for me but thanks for the post.
@deargoodbye (761)
• United States
29 Dec 06
Not everything can be paid with cash. While it would be nice, sometimes things such as bills can't be. I agree that things like clothing or groceries can be handled with cash though.
@kgwat70 (13387)
• United States
29 Dec 06
Do you have online access to your bank account? Whenever you make any transactions you can go to your online account and see what you have been doing with your money and can balance your checkbook that way. That is what I do to make sure I have an accurate checkbook.
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
29 Dec 06
I once had that same problem.
A busy & disorganized life can cause people to forget to write things down.
First, keep your checkbook like it's your purse.
Keep your license, ID & debit card IN the checkbook.
Anytime you are in too big of a hurry to write down a transaction, shove the receipt into the checkbook. When your monthly statement comes, go through it right away.
Mark any checks or debit transactions that have not already cleared when the statement was printed. Mark any deposit transactions that the bank has not processed yet (in other words, if it is in your checkbook and not on the statement, the balance showing on the statement is not your actual balance) and add/subtract accordingly from your checkbook balance. If the amount equals the bank's balance, you're good to go.
