No Check Register? No Problem

Question: I don’t have a check register. What can I do to track my spending and avoid bounced checks?

Answer: It’s a good idea to track everything that happens in your account, along with your account balance. A check register provided with your checks is ideal, but it’s not the only way. If you don’t have a register, try one of the solutions below.

• Print your own check registers (free templates are available online)
• Buy check registers from printers
• Use a spreadsheet as a virtual check register (see instructions at the bottom of this page) Use a sticky note if you just need to know what the check was for (and if you use software to keep track of your balance). Write the check number and purpose of the check on your sticky note, and update your personal finance software once the check clears and you download the transaction.

It really doesn’t matter if you use an official check register to manage your account. The important thing is that you know what you spend your money on and how much you have in your account at any moment.