How do I re-start balancing my checking account?

Question

It's been a long time since I balanced my checkbook. I want to start that up again but where do I start, now that I haven't been keeping track for so long?

Answer 1

Go to your bank and ask for your current balance. Then get a printout of all your transactions for the passed six months. Also ask for a blank checkbook ledger so that you can start fresh. You should be receiving a monthly bank statements from the bank. After you check your transactions against

bank statement, put your bank statement in a notebook.

When you make a purchase with a check or debit card keep the receipt until you record the transaction in the check ledger.

Answer 2

My suggestion is to go to the atm and pull out enough cash to last you for about a week. That will give everything that is outstanding time to clear your account. Then go to your bank or to your online banking and get your accurate balance. Start your register with that balance and go from there.