How to Balance Your Checkbook with Desk Sets

Each desk set check includes a stub to record your banking transactions. It remains in your desk set binder once you have removed your check. The check stub is pre-printed with the corresponding check number and includes a space for you to record the date you wrote the check. It also includes spaces to record who the check was made payable to and what it was for. In short, your desk set check stub will replace the check register used in personal sized checkbooks.

On your check stub, record any bank charges (ATM fees, returned check fees, service fees) as well as the total of any automatic electronic payments so you can deduct them from your balance.
On your check stub, add automatic deposits such as your direct deposit paychecks.
Record any earned interest.
When your bank statement arrives, compare your check stubs’ information with the statement.
Check off each item on the statement as you find it on your check stubs.
Look for any Outstanding Transactions - items on your bank statement not yet checked off. Total the amount of the outstanding transactions.
Subtract this outstanding transaction total from the ending balance on your bank statement.
This total is now your New Balance.
Add any deposits you have made but that are not listed on your bank statement to your New Balance. This number should match the balance on your last check stub.

What if the numbers don’t match up?

Re-check your check stubs against your bank statement – did you check off all posted transactions?
Check your addition and subtraction.
Check your deposit, withdrawal, and ATM receipts, etc. to be sure you logged them properly.
Check for transposed numbers.

Financial Tips