Managing bank accounts, whether savings or checking, reconciling them to your bank’s records is a responsibility and one of the best money management habits to keep.
Keep records
Even if you have online banking access you should keep your own records of account activity.
You do not have to use a traditional bank register (also known as a checkbook or bank book), but you should keep track of all additions to the accounts (direct deposit of wages, check deposit, interest earned, among others.)
Also keep tract of withdrawals (purchases on a debit card (note cash back, if applicable), automatic bill payment, ATM withdrawals, transfers, among others.)
Reconcile records
Balance, or reconcile, your records for all of your bank accounts at least once each month when your bank statement is available. This is one of the best money management habits.
Benefits of balancing your records
• Helps you keep track of your money.
• Verifies the information you have is accurate.
• Helps you identify any mistakes you or your bank made.
To balance your accounts, follow these simple steps using the bank balancing tool below or other tools or software:
Ensure you have entered all automatic transactions (for example, ATM withdrawals, electronic transfer of funds, online bill payments, and debit card transactions) into your records.
Review your statement
Compare your statement with your records and mark all items that match.
Add to your records any missing deposits or additions from your statement, including interest payments and ATM or electronic deposits.
Subtract from your records any missing deductions, including fees and ATM or electronic deductions.
Do not ignore the all-important need to update your statement information to ensure that personal details are accurate.