How To Balance Your Checkbook

Find or download your latest bank statement, grab your checkbook registry, a piece of lined paper, and a pen or pencil.

Look at your statement to see which checks have cleared, and tick them off in your register.

Verify that any deposits listed on the statement are recorded in your register. If they’re not, enter them.

Compare any withdrawals you made, whether through a bank teller, an ATM machine, or a debit card, with the amounts debited on your bank statement. If you missed any, write them in your checkbook registry now.

Note any additional amounts listed on your statement, like interest added to your account or bank fees that were deducted. Record these in your register. Then update your ending balance.

Take the piece of lined paper and divide it into two columns. In the first column, write down all your outstanding deposits and total them. In the second column, add up your outstanding checks and any cash withdrawals or debit purchases that are not on your bank statement.

Take the ending balance on your bank statement, add the outstanding deposit total, and then subtract the outstanding checks, withdrawals, and debit charges. This is the total amount currently available to you in your checking account. And your checkbook is now balanced!