Write a Check/Balance Your Checkbook

Writing a check is not used today as much as debit cards are. It is still important though. 




Things people still write checks for are:

• Rent
• Bills
• Paying a friend or family member back money you owe

Video: the steps to write a check.

After you have watched the video, ask a teacher for some blank checks to practice writing your own checks.


Next Step: BALANCING YOUR CHECKBOOK

Now that you know how to write a check, you need to be able to keep track of how much money is in your checking account. Your checking account is where the money used for writing a check is kept.

It is super important to make sure you have enough money in your checking account when you write a check. If you write a check for more money than is in your bank account, than the check will "bounce" and you will also get a penalty. Look at the example below:

Checking account = $250

You write a check for rent = $400

$250 - $400 = -$150 
AND
Add $30 penalty for "non-sufficient funds" (NSF) 
-$150 - $30 = - $180

Oh no! Not only are you way out of money, but now you also owe the bank an extra $30 for your mistake. 

So that you don't make the same mistake, practice balancing your checkbook now.