Suggested Intro: If you�ve ever been nailed by a bounced check charge, odds are you�re a little slow when it comes to balancing your account. Not to worry. Money reporter Stacy Johnson has some tips to make it easier...
Voice over 1: Most of us have had checking accounts since we were barely out of high school. So you�d think we�d know by now how to manage them. And yet, many adults...some studies suggest as many as 25%...don't regularly balance their checking account.
Voice over 2 (DAN: NEW VIDEO: NSF notice, or
Revenues From Bank Fees Up 41% Over Last 4 Years):
Which can be an expensive oversight...and getting more expensive all the time.
Voice over 3: Want to keep ahead of bounced check charges? Then look at your account often. Definitely when it comes in monthly...but also online between statement dates.
Voice over 4: And even if you�re really busy, it will only take a few seconds to look at the top part of your statement where all the monthly activity is summarized. Does it look kosher?
Voice over 5: Then...when you have a little more time, compare what the bank says to what you say by comparing your check register to your statement.
Voice over 6: And if you have a problem, do what it takes to fix it: call your bank immediately. So even if you do mess up every now and then, you�ll keep one bounced check from multiplying like rabbits.
STANDUP: Bottom line? Keeping track of your checking account shouldn�t be hard, and it should be done. But if you find that you still can�t do it, there�s a simple solution. It�s called cash. For Bankrate.com, I�m Kristin Arnold.
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