How to Balance Your Checkbook:

1. In your check register, record any bank charges (ATM fees, returned check fees, service fees) that you have not yet recorded.
2. In your check register, record automatic electronic payments such as automated bill payments. (Obviously, these need to be subtracted from your running balance).
3. In your check register, add automatic deposits such as your direct deposit paychecks.
4. Record earned interest. (Add this to your running balance).
5. When your bank statement arrives, compare your check register with the statement.
6. Check off each item on the statement as you find the check, ATM, or debit card entry, etc. in your check register.
7. Look for any Outstanding Transactions - items on your bank statement not yet checked off. Total the amount of the outstanding transactions.
8. Subtract this outstanding transaction total from the ending balance on your bank statement.
9. This total is now your New Balance.
10. Add any deposits you have made but that are not listed on your bank statement to your New Balance. This number should match the balance in your check register.

What if the numbers don’t match up?

1. Re-check your check register against your bank statement – did you check off all posted transactions?
2. Double-check your addition and subtraction.
3. Check your deposit, withdrawal, and ATM receipts, etc. to be sure you logged them properly.
4. Check for transposed numbers.