Checkbook Register

[ALEXalexALEX]

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to having a checkbook, and I want to do everything right! However, when I opened the register to write down my initial transactions I was confronted with a page I have never seen in my finance class I took in highschool. All it say is Deposit Record and two pages of blank columns. I've asked everyone what it is and how to use it. Nobody knows. I've look it up in google, called my bank [the overseas customer service became very confused when I tried to explain what I was looking at], and asked the parentals.

If one of you do know what it is, can you tell me what it is, and how to use it?

Thanks,
Alex

Below is a picture of what I am talking about:

[TinyFish]

That is odd. I just looked at one of my registers (I don't use registers anymore, I use a spreadsheet or MS Money) and it has the same thing. I suppose the idea is that you record the date, description and amount of deposits, but why the heck you would do that seperate from the rest of your checkbook, I have no idea.

I advise skipping that page. I'm betting the next one is more like you are expecting. I've been balancing checkbooks for years with various methods and have never used that page, so no worries!

Congrats on your new checkbook. Does this mean you are starting out for the first time on your own? I'm sure you can get lots of advice in the forums on budgeting and making smart money choices. Good luck.

-TinyFish

[greedy4chips]

Perhaps that is the feel good page! Because the rest is just pure agony for most.

[Broken Arrow]

I don't know either. Is it a place to write down your deposits?

The real "right" way is the system that works for you.

[DivaJen]

I used to use that part for my savings account, back when I didn't move money around a lot and mostly just made deposits into the savings account. I don't think that is what it is for, but it worked for me way back when.

[poundwise]

It is simply a place to record deposits to your checking account. I don't think I have ever used it myself. As someone stated, why enter that information here when you already enter it in the transactions portion of the checkbook register?

Frankly, I rarely enter anything in my checkbook register, period. I record my checks and transactions to my personal finance/budget software program. Even if I write a check while out-of-the-house (rare) I still simply save the reciept (which I am accustomed to doing for debit card transactions) and then enter any/everything that night or the next morning.

[PrincessPerky]

it is filler, os it clooks fancy IMO.

skip it, just use the register part and record EVERYTHING in or out.

I do the old fashioned paper register, not online..so if you do it you know you are not alone

[sakigt]

I dont use my checkbook ledger
a) I run out of space
b) theres no place for notes

I bought a teeny notebook from walmart and keep it in my purse. That way I keep track of all expenses, like automatic payments. I highlight through each when I see it show up on my online statement. If something isnt highlighted for a while I check up on it.

Works for me

[MarianneJ]

I've used that page for automatic payments or deposits - the date, description & amount - just as a reminder to put them in my register on that date every week/month,etc.

I've also used that page for notes like I've recorded the date "September 2005" and made a list of all my debts at that date. Then when I start my next register I can see how much I've paid off (hopefully those balances have not increased! )

Most of the time, I just skip that page and jump to the good stuff.

Congratulations on your first checking account!!! Stick around and read these boards and you'll be on the right track.

[JoyJoy]

I use mine as a savings register and an automatic deductions record. I put my entries in code in case someone finds my checkbook and knows exactly what I'm doing or what i have in both savings and checking. I guess my methodology comes from working around policemen and lawyers. Never let anyone know exactly what you're worth. NOBODY.

[TinyFish]

I think the consensus here is to skip that page and go on to the real stuff! Who knows why they do it that way...

I like the creative ideas people posted for using that page. You could also maybe use it to put down reminders of your savings goals or your favorite frugal quotes to inspire you! Too bad my checkbook lives in my desk and I don't keep a paper register!

-TinyFish