A New System that is Fast and Easy

Here’s the 21st century method for balancing a checkbook.

What you will need:

1. Monthly statement
2. Checkbook register
3. A pocket calculator

What you need to do:

1. Go down the checkbook REGISTER and — one by one — puts a checkmark by each entry not yet accounted for — no matter if it’s a debit or credit. Each time, you will put a similar checkmark on the STATEMENT for the same entry.


2. When that process is completed, enter on the pocket calculator the balance as shown on the STATEMENT.


3. Go down the checkbook REGISTER and subtract on the CALCULATOR any debit entry that is not checked off — or add any deposit that is not checked off.

That’s it. The amount on the calculator should match the balance in the check register.

No forms. No listing of all checks not cleared. No adding columns of numbers. No copying down all deposits not on the statement.

It’s fast. It’s easy. If there is any discrepancy between the total on the calculator and the balance in the register, you can then look for the missed entry — just as you would do with the old system.