The Easy Way to Balance Your Checkbook

Yes, you can balance your checkbook every month to the penny with a minimum amount of time and effort. It is very important to do so in today's world to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of fraud and identity theft.

There are a few points to keep in mind when balancing your checkbook. First, the ending balance in your checkbook and the ending balance on the bank statement will not match due to timing. You are balancing your checkbook currently, the bank statement has a closing date which is usually printed at the top of the statement. Second, the only differences that occur between your bank statement and your checkbook are deposits in transit, deposits not recorded, outstanding checks, transfers, and adjustments. And, finally, remember that the bank is always right.

When you receive your bank statement, take your checkbook register and place them side by side. Begin with the ending balance on the bank statement. The bank statement will then list all the deposits made to your account during the time period you are reconciling for. Match the deposits on the bank statement against what you have recorded in your checkbook register. A deposit in transit is an amount that you have in your checkbook but is not listed on the bank statement due to the statement date. Add these amounts, if any, to the ending balance on the bank statement. A deposit that is not recorded is an amount that the bank shows but is not in your checkbook register. Add these amounts, if, any, to your checkbook register. This section is usually the easiest to balance since magical amounts of money don't appear into your account. These amounts result from actual money you take to the bank, deposit transfers between accounts or payroll direct deposits.

Next, you will want to see what checks cleared the bank that you wrote from your account. These are listed on your bank statement in numerical order. Follow this order and place a checkmark next to the check listed in your checkbook register that cleared the bank. Those checks in your register that do not have marks next to them, otherwise known as outstanding checks, should be subtracted from the bank statement balance. Be alert because the check can clear for a different amount than what it was written for. Either the writing on the check was unclear or the numbers were transposed.

Other withdrawals that can occur during the statement period are debit card purchases, automatic debit payment and ATM withdrawals. Make sure that all reductions on your bank statement are entered in your check register. It is important to check this section on your bank statement and make sure it matches your checkbook since this is the area where fraud is widespread. If you know where you shopped and utilized your debit card or when and where you stopped and made an ATM withdrawal, then those transactions are the only ones that should appear on your bank statement. If other withdrawals appear on your statement that you cannot justify, contact your bank immediately!

There can be adjustments to your account such as interest, service fees and the occasional bank adjustment. Yes, I realize that I stated that the bank is always right. Well, it is. Each and every employee of a bank that comes in contact with money must balance at the end of the day. Trust me, they will find their mistake. And, they often find your mistakes too! Remember to subtract your fees and add the interest to your checkbook register.

The ending balance of your statement should now match the ending balance in your checkbook register. If the amounts are not the same, I find it is usually in the withdrawals. Specifically go over the cleared checks and the amounts they cleared for.

You work hard for your money! By following these easy directions, you can have less frustration and a better understanding of where that money goes and you can protect yourself from the many occurrences of fraud in today's society.

Women's Wallets - Different Styles for Different Lifestyles

When a woman changes handbags the first thing she does is grab the wallet out of the first one and put it in the second. It's important that a wallet be roomy, compact, versatile and organized. Fortunately there are many types of women's wallets and each woman can choose the ones that will work best for her and her lifestyle. Or if you're thinking about a gift for your mom, sister, significant other or even a friend, consider their personality before making your selection.

Credit Card Wallet: Some women don't like to carry cash or a checkbook. They buy everything using credit cards. All they need is someplace to keep the cards safe and organized. Or some women find it practical to have one wallet for cards and a separate one for cash and/or a checkbook. She can carry them both in a purse or just take one depending on the occasion.

Checkbook Wallets: While most of the world has become increasingly card-centered, some women still need to have a checkbook handy. The best way to carry a checkbook is in a checkbook wallet. A good one will have a compartment where the checkbook will be protected as well as slots for credit cards and a drivers license. There might also be a space for a pen as well so you don't have to rummage around or ask to borrow one when it's time to write a check.

Fabric Wallets: A fabric wallet is fun. You can get them in all sorts of colors and patterns. They can coordinate with your purse, your outfit, or your mood. Fabric wallets tend not to last as long as old fashioned leather wallets but some people don't want things to last forever. While some women will carry the same wallet for years, others enjoy a change. Moving the credit cards and ID's to a new wallet might seem like a reasonable thing to do on birthdays, holidays and major sale days. It can be a pleasure if the destination is an exciting new wallet in the latest designer fabric.

Travel Wallets: A travel wallet has a lot of work to do. A woman who travels internationally is going to need her passport, plane tickets and boarding passes within easy reach. A good travel wallet will provide designated spaces for each of these as well as for a drivers license and credit cards. A nice touch is two or more separate compartments for different currencies.

Clutch Wallets: A pretty clutch wallet can carry all the essentials. It can be tucked into a purse during the day and can be used as a clutch purse for an evening on the town. A clutch wallet is designed to be seen.

Coin Wallets: Coins can add immeasurably to the clutter in purses and pocket. Unless coins are kept someplace secure they have an unfortunate tendency to fall out of things and scatter and roll around. A coin wallet with a good snap enclosure that coins can't slip past is good. A zipper is even better.

A wallet is not just a practical essential - it is often seen as a fashion accessory. There are so many types of women's wallets so each woman can find one that is large enough or small enough, with more cash or card space, made of leather or fabric. Choose the one that's right for you. Or buy one as a gift for someone special.

How to Remove a Bank of America Collection Account

If you have viewed your free credit report recently and noticed that you have a Bank of America debt in collections and you are wondering how to remove that account. Then this article is for you. In fact, I will discuss how to remove a Bank of America collection account from your credit report; in addition I will cover some basic tips on how to do credit repair on your own.

Bank of America loans money in the hope that they will get paid back. When you don't pay your bill on your credit card to Bank of America they want to collect on that debt. That is your obligation to pay and they will do all that they can to collect on that debt listed on your credit report. Take action to help prevent damage to your credit score (FICO score) right away.

First, contact Bank of America to let them know that you want to work with the collection account to pay it off. Simply by letting them you want to remove your collection account, Bank of America will work with you. They may be willing to settle your debts with you depending on how late the payment is, and how much money you are willing to pay down.

Repairing your collection accounts with Bank of America may simply be the first step to reparing your credit overall. In fact, a credit restoration play or a credit repair plan does not have to be difficult. Improving your credit score does take some education though, you have to know how your credit score is calculated and the steps that you need to take to improve upon your credit score. We invite you to attend our Free Credit Repair course which takes simply seven day to learn the credit repair secrets that you need to know.

Affordable Hearing Aids - Sounds Terrific!

Yes, it is possible to find affordable hearing aids. Though, it is a fact that some models are way beyond what some can afford, there are quality hearing aids that will allow you to hear clearly without busting your checkbook. It is only a matter of knowing where to look and what to look for in a good but affordable hearing aid. In this article, we will tell you what to do to get a cheap, affordable hearing aid.

Choosing the Best for You

Advanced technology in the production of hearing aids has made it possible to have a wide variety to choose from. Digital hearing aids are, of course, the best ones nowadays. You can also choose from different types like behind the ear or in the canal (ITC) hearing aids. As to capability, some models suppress echo and bring background noise to a minimum level, giving you the next best thing to the real thing.

However, before proceeding to buy a hearing aid, you will have to visit your doctor for a hearing consultation first. He should be able to guide you as to the best one to work for you.

Browse the internet for a wide variety of choices of affordable hearing aids. It is wise to compare the quality, design and prices of the available models to be able to pick the best. There are many comparison websites online nowadays that makes this easy and uncomplicated for everyone.

Some Likely Candidates

Cost should not be a deterrent from letting you hear again. Some popular affordable hearing aids are the Digi Ear D1, Digi Ear D2 and Digi Ear DS. These come with rotating nozzles to fit in both left and right ear. Hey are specially designed to fit into the ear canal.

The Digi Ear D1 has outstanding features considering its price. It is an all-digital, 2-channel aid that has an adjustable on/off volume control and a universal fit. The Digi Ear D2 comes with the features of D1 but also has intuitive feedback reduction and a quiet speech amplifier. Meanwhile, the Digi Ear DS functions just like Digi Ear D2 but it comes with echo cancellation capability.

There are other affordable hearing aids in the market today like the Sound Device Series. Sound Device 001c is for those looking for mild to moderate levels of amplification. Sound Device 002 comes with an added feature of volume control. It also has a wax guard tip that protects the electronics. It also swivels for easy cleaning. Sound Device 003 is even more sophisticated with an echo cancellation feature much like Digi Ear DS.

Surf the net for other choices. Prices and description of capabilities are available so it should not be a problem choosing the best to get value for your money. Although price is one of the major considerations, do not sacrifice price for quality. Make sure that you get a hearing aid that you are comfortable with.

The Best Selling Clutch Wallets of 2010

Thousands of different clutch wallet designs are made every year, but just very few end up becoming mass sellers. We have browsed through the biggest online stores to determine which have been the best sellers so far in 2010:

1. Hobo International Rachel: This vintage wallet made of leather features antique brass tone hardware. It has eleven card slots plus an additional clear ID window. You will love the convenient kick lock closure, and many women around the world consider this to be their favorite accessory. You can use it as a clutch or toss it in to your purse as a wallet, and it will be in perfect condition even after a few years of wear and tear.

2. Big Buddha Meredith: A much cheaper alternative, any fashionista would love to compliment her look with this utterly feminine little bag made of synthetic leather. It can hold your keys, cell phone, lip gloss and a small wallet. Alternatively, you can try to fit in your phone, camera, mirror, ID card, and chap stick, but even after that you might still have some room left over.

3. Fossil Weekender Checkbook Clutch: If you want to reward yourself for all your hard work, then consider this adorable checkbook clutch made of fabric with leather trim. It will not only help hold your credit card, currency, and identification, but is also a great way to carry other cards, receipts, change, and whatever else you can think of. Being relatively affordable, you may also want to consider getting several different colors.

We hope you have enjoyed this overview of the most popular clutch wallets of 2010. With so many women out there pleased to have purchased these products, hopefully this will give you some peace of mind if you are still uncertain about which product to get.

Raising an Independent Teenager

I remember posting on a message board about opening a checking account for my 16 year old. She and I had picked a date, gone to the bank, brought all of the paperwork and opened her account. She and I both were both excited.

I was truly amazed at the large number of moms who thought I was crazy. They each had different reasons, for thinking I was nuts. They did not feel their own children could handle the responsibility of having a checking account, or they did not feel their own children would understand that having more checks did not mean they had money, or they did not believe a 16 year old should have their own checking account. Many women said they did not believe the part time babysitting job their child had, gave the child enough money to justify opening an account.

In just two years all of these kids will be 18. Many will be leaving home. If they have not been taught money management, have not been taught how to balance a checkbook and have not been taught how to use a check book register while at home, how will they know when they leave home?

Having worked in a college bookstore, I can share numerous stories of 18-20 year olds who had no idea how to write a check, how to record a check or how to balance a checkbook. A few students were not even sure where to sign their checks. Others, when asked to please print their local address on the check, put it on the bottom under the routing numbers. They did not realize that this was not ok.

If as a parent you truly believe your 16 year old is not ready for the responsibility of a checkbook, then consider an Excel spreadsheet. When my daughter was about 13, we created two spreadsheets. One was for clothing and one was for school lunches. We looked at how much money I spent in an entire year on her clothing. This was her beginning balance. Each time we bought shoes, pants, earrings etc, she had to record the purchase. Excel does the math, so she was able to see her total balance go down as she made purchases. She also could look at her total left and make choices of what was more important, the very expensive pair of shoes, or a few new sweatshirts for winter. She knew when the money was gone, there was no more. If her choice was the shoes and she had no warm clothes, she'd have to wear last years, or wear mine. What teen wants to wear mom's clothes?

Her lunch allowance was a running total. She began each week with . If she did not spend it in week one, then at the beginning of week two she had . Again, Excel did the math, but she needed to add the each Monday and then deduct what she spent each day. If she did not record purchases, she was not given the following Monday.

These spread sheets taught her how to add money in and subtract money out while recording where the money went.

The other area where I believe we can help our kids become independent is shopping for food and cooking. A 16 year old is plenty old enough to prepare one meal a week. If their schedule does not allow one meal a week, then try one meal per month. If you don't help your child learn to choose ingredients, read a recipe and cook a meal, how will they know how to do this when they no longer live with you? My older daughter has a friend getting married next week. Right now, this gal eats McDonalds twice a day. She doesn't cook. Not only is this expensive, but it is so unhealthy. We make awesome burgers at home. We load on BBQ sauce and onion rings, or teriyaki sauce with pineapple rings, or many other toppings. So, we do eat burgers, but we make them ourselves. Both of my kids can make great burgers.

Both of my kids have always gone to the market with me. They know how to read labels, check ingredients in products and pick out fresh fruits and vegetables. Again, if they don't do this with you, how will they know how to do this when they leave your home? My kids also know how to shop for store sales. They know how to read the store labels and determine how much they are paying per unit or per ounce so they can compare sizes and brands.

These are just two areas we can help our teens to feel more independent, and prepare them for adulthood.

What You Should Do If Your Checks are Lost or Stolen

Checks have lost their popularity. There are a number of reasons for this:

- Debit cards and credit cards are much more convenient to use than checks.

- Most people use credit cards to avail of the attractive incentive programs that credit card companies offer to encourage the use of credit cards.

- Electronic fund transfers are preferred more by many because they are a fast and convenient way to pay bills.

- Checks tend to incur bank fees because they have to be manually processed.

- Checks may also cause fees and taxes not carried over from the past, but not applied to current payment agreements.

- Compared to other payment methods, checks are less secure.

- Checks may take awhile to clear.

Despite these, though, checks are still used quite often. Many people use checks as a backup means for paying.

An identity thief, if given possession of or access to your checkbook and one other form of your identification, is prepared to go on a shopping spree at your expense. It takes very little practice to duplicate a signature and the fact that signatures on the back of credit cards fade easily only makes it easier for the identity thief to pass his signature as your own. If the identity thief draws no suspicion toward himself and he uses your check book, he can deplete your bank account in a short amount of time.

Cancelling your credit card will insure that the identity thief will not be able to use it for fraudulent purchases. However, an identity thief may still be able to use your credit card as a form of identification. In most cases, if a credit card is only being used as a form of identification, the retailer will simply note the card number and verify the signature on it. A credit card including your photo will, of course, make this more difficult for the identity thief.

Usually, identity thieves will not take entire checkbooks. They will simply tear out a few checks. It is unlikely that you will even notice the missing checks unless you keep secure records of your checking history. If there are other things missing from your wallet, you are more likely to take precautions such as canceling credit cards, but you may see the checkbook still there and assume it's in tact. The identity thief may also be very patient, waiting a month or two before even deciding to use a stolen check.

To make it even more difficult to acknowledge the missing checks, an identity thief may only write checks in small amounts and at lengthy intervals. If you have any suspicion that your checks may have been lost or stolen, take precautions immediately. You can put a stop on the checks, but it is possible that you will also incur fees in the process to insure the safety of your account.