balancing the checkbook

[Gerianne]

I was trying to balance my checkbook yesterday and couldn't get the numbers straight.
There have been times when I have just "left it" until the following month, instead of getting frustrated.
I was thinking yesterday  "Sometimes I don't know why I need to balance it."
There is really nothing magical about balancing the checkbook.
There have been times when the numbers on my statement and in my checkbook match exactly .

[shortnlovabl3]

i havn't used my check book in years.  I pay all the bills and know how much is left and then don't touch the money unless we really need it.  it seems to work havn't over drafted in months lol

[kapeh12]

The reason to balance the checkbook is, although it's rarer these days, the bank can still make a mistake.  About a year ago, I found a check I had written for $43 was debited as $48 in error.  I contacted the bank and they corrected the mistake.

Errors like that were made more often when check clearance was done manually, but is much less frequent with today's electronic processing.  However if a check gets mangled and cannot be processed electronically, they are still processed manually and hence the "increased" chance of an error occurring.

The other reason I balance is sometimes (more likely the case), I was the one who made the mathematical error which means I have either more or less in my checking account (I prefer the errors when I discover I have more  ), so if you run your balance down to the wire - having an accurate balance is necessary to prevent accidental overdrafts.

[natashaspy]

The reason to balance the checkbook is, although it's rarer these days, the bank can still make a mistake.  About a year ago, I found a check I had written for $43 was debited as $48 in error.  I contacted the bank and they corrected the mistake.

thats why i keep mine semi balanced.  i do tend when i write a check though, instead of putting in the exact amount to put in the next dollar amount up. so if it's 11.83, i put 12 in my register.  that way i have a few cents extra from each check written..doesnt take long to add up and at the end of the money the leftover that i didnt realize i had comes in handy

[momoney555]

Using a debit card is so much better than writing checks.  It kind of balances your account for you.  Also online banking allows you to check your balance anytime you want and also catch any mistakes or fraud immediately.

[vickysue]

Hubby and i have a deal i write the checks and he balances the checkbook. Besides if there is a mistake it is because he has used it and either didn't write it down or wrote it wrong. Saves a lot of bickering. He is good at balancing it but forgetful otherwise.

[dkanofsky]

You might want to learn how to balance a check book instead of leaving it to chance.

[constance312003]

I check my balance almost every day through the internet. 

[timandvicky1]

That is why I like to check my account daily on the internet, no mistakes as easy that way!

[LenoraMinogue]

Wow, it's been ages since I balanced an actual checkbook. You might check your online account to see if there is charge you haven't taken into account (yes, that's a pun).

[drpybutt]

There are times when I had the problem of figuring out where money went to. I deductied everything I spent and ATM withdraws and money came up missing. Needless to say I am no longer with that bank

[Nancy5]

Wow! I haven't balanced a checkbook in years.  I use a debit card and pay all my bills on line.  That way you can see your balance immediately.  I really find it more secure and a whole lot easier.

[southernhorizons]

I usually do mine once or twice a month. It is a good way to double check what I spend, especially since I do a lot of online shopping and don't always keep track of it.

[blondie71]

 I try to balance my check book every month brut the bank stament always says I have more money in there than I say I have so I don't spend the extra because it might bit me in the but if I do. So don't feel bad I even have a degree in accounting and I still have problems and I can't iigure whew this extra money came from.