Checkbooks used to be entirely paper-based. Now that you acquire statements electronically (eStatements), you likely also keep track of your transactions using a traditional checkbook register, a budgeting tool, or a spreadsheet that you created yourself.
What does it actually imply to balance your checkbook, then? The actions to balance your account are listed below:
Take a look at or create a checkbook register. A checkbook register, which is sometimes referred to as a check journal or balance book, is a log of your transactions, including everything that comes into and leaves your checking account. A spreadsheet or software can be used to log transactions instead of the log found at the back of your checkbook.
Your initial balance should be noted. You can check your balance by logging into your checking account or by calling your financial institution. Your registration will contain this as the initial entry.
Keep track of your purchases, earnings, and interest. Seeing as you know your initial balance, you should routinely enter your deposits and any associated information in the relevant sections. Paychecks, cash deposits, direct payments, and other credit amounts are all considered credits. Each of them should be added to your balance, then you should note the updated balance.
Keep track of all fees and payments. Outgoing transactions should be entered into your register along with their descriptions, either immediately or on a regular schedule. These are also referred to as debits and can consist of manual or periodic payments, fees, debit card transactions made online or in-person, peer-to-peer transfers, and written checks. These should be subtracted from your balance, then the new balance should be noted.
Verify your statement. You have your bank statement in hand or on a computer screen as the month comes to a conclusion. The statement, which is effectively the bank's equivalent of your checkbook register, should be opened. Use it to check that your statement and your log for every transaction, including those for outstanding payments. The ones who don't get marked.
Look into the odd numbers. You know your checkbook is balanced if your final balance is equal to the bank. Mark the date and balance on the register with a line. In this method, you'll be aware of when a fresh round of transactions starts.
Examine the past for inconsistencies if the numbers don't add up. Check to see that nothing was entered twice, was improperly recorded, or had information added after the date specified. Maybe something has not yet been submitted to your account. In case you missed anything, double-check with your bank.
The majority of printers and check printing software are equipped with check stock paper. It is designed primarily for printing checks and frequently includes extra safety features like microprinting, security alerts, and watermarks. Some check stock is also pre-perforated to make cutting easier.
Check stock paper is available from office supply stores and internet merchants; it costs more than standard paper because of the security features, however, the added sense of security they provide may be worth the extra cost.
We also have more printable other you may like:
Printable Blank Checkbook Register
Checkbook Transaction Register Printable
Personal Check Register Printable
Whether you want it or not, the checkbook still needs to be balanced, if you want to better understand finances. Maintaining a balanced record simplifies the process of keeping track of your spending, finding areas where you can cut costs, spot costly errors, and being conscious of your true amount to avoid overdrawing your account or writing a check that fails.
In any case, it's a good idea to balance yours each month within a few days of getting your bank statement.
Your bank might be able to provide you with a counter check if you only require a single check and do not wish to deal with the inconvenience of printing one manually. For instance, you might be required to submit a canceled check in order to activate direct deposit, or you might encounter a one-time circumstance that calls for a paper check.
Usually, for a modest cost, banks will provide you with a limited number of checks that are printed with your account information. Prior to visiting the branch, give a call and inquire about the possibility of getting a countercheck.
A computer can read a MICR line even if it is partially hidden by other ink or markings because of the way magnetic ink works in conjunction with MICR technology.
The usage of magnetic ink is less necessary today. With mobile check deposits, in fact, there is no need for magnetic ink because the check is simply photographed and deposited. Currently, the majority of banks also utilize optical, rather than magnetic, check scanning equipment in their branches.