If you find that you made an error in your calculations, it's very easy to fix. Simply make the adjustment and keep going. If, however, you find the bank made an error, be prepared to pay the bank a visit or spend some time on the phone.
Disputing the bank is not hard, it just takes some time. Hopefully, you know exactly what error they made. For instance, if you wrote a check for $10.00 but they cleared that check for $100.00, you will have to make a formal dispute to the bank. They will then pull the check and compare the actual check with what they did. They will make their corrections from there. If you made a deposit and the wrong amount was credited to your account, hopefully, you have a copy of the deposit slip. Present to the bank all of the information and let them start the research procedure. The research procedure may take a few days but the bank wants to clear up the issue just as much as you do. Stay calm and bank personnel will keep helping. Remember, you attract more flies with sugar.
TIPS
Once you're in the habit of balancing your checkbook on a monthly basis, you will find that it is quite easy and only takes about ten minutes. There are some sure ways to make this process stay easy.
> Record all transactions in your checkbook register as they happen.
> If you can't record a transaction at the time that it is completed, put the receipt directly in your checkbook so that the next time you open it, the accurate records will be available for recording. (Throwing them in your purse to later be thrown out with the gum wrappers, is not a good idea. Neither is shoving them in your wallet. It's too easy to procrastinate and never record them.)
