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It’s pretty exciting when you get a bank statement in the mail. But, what should you do with it? We answer that question and provide some helpful tips about your register in this month’s blog!
What is a register?
A register is a place where you keep track of all your bank transactions. Every time to make a deposit or withdraw money, write that down in your register.
Why should I use a register?
It is very important to keep track of your own transactions in your checkbook register, and then double-check your register with the statement the bank sends you every month. Make sure all the checks and deposits that the bank is showing are correct, and that you haven’t missed recording any of those same deposits, checks, or withdrawals in your register.
What’s the point if the bank is keeping track?
Look at the dates in your register and the dates on the statement from the back. Most of the transactions in your register don’t show up on your statement until a day or more later, meaning it took them a couple of days to ‘clear the bank’. If you were letting the bank do all the work, you could end up spending money you don’t have by mistake! Also, people make mistakes, and that includes people that work at banks. It is YOUR money so you should know what is happening with it at all times.
Let’s practice!
Take a look at this sample check register and statement. Try to balance the register with the bank statement. Can you find any mistakes?
