Do you balance your checkbook?
May 19, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under financial matters
I thought we’d have a little informal poll today. Here’s the situation, I’ m really anal about balancing my checkbook. I have to know, at all times, what’s in my checking account. To the penny. I never even pay bills automatically because I hate when companies take my money and I didn’t write it down on that exact day. I’d rather take the time to get online and pay myself.
However, it’s looking more and more like I’m the rare one because everyone I meet says, “I never balance my checkbook.” My son’s dad was that type. He never wrote stuff …read more
Sloppy banking can cost you
September 18, 2008 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under finances
If you bank at all, and I’m sure you do, then make sure sloppy bank habits aren’t crushing your budget and savings. Sloppy bank habits may include things like:
Not recording all transactions in your checkbook immediately. If immediately is too soon, at least get into the habit of sitting down each evening for 10 minutes and recording your daily transactions. Missing even one purchase, on a tight budget, can make a mess of your account with issues like overdraft fees.
Falling for silly saving deals: Programs like “keep the change” and auto savings may be handy and force you to save, …read more
