What is the best way to balance a checkbook with a bank statement?
Develop a methodology for performing your reconciliation. Follow that method each time you reconcile your bank statement. This will keep you from repeating the same steps twice (or more), and it will keeping you from missing steps. • Put the cancelled checks in check number order and then put the deposit slips (if you get them back from the bank) in date order. • Total the amount of the cancelled checks in your statement. The total should agree with total of debits listed on the bank statement. If it doesn’t, then the bank probably has charged you a service charge. Many banks (bless them) now identify the service charges for you. If you have identified a service charge, enter that amount in your checkbook and adjust your current balance. • Mark off in your checkbook each deposit listed on the bank statement. This will identify any deposits that you have failed to enter into your checkbook as well as any outstanding deposits that haven’t cleared the bank. • Mark off in your checkbook ea
