When I write a check, I make sure I write the real amount on the check, but in my checkbook register I round the figure up. When I deposit money into my account, I round the figure down. You will never, see or feel it. In 2 years it adds up big time and them some.
By Laura from Spartanburg, S.C.
GREAT IDEA! I do this now, but it REALLY came in handy when I got laid off when my children were young. After several years of "rounding up" the cents on my checkbook, I ended up with an extra $800 when I got laid off my job and REALLY needed the money...
These days $800 may not sound like much, but back in the early 1980's (when this happened) I thought I'd hit the jackpot and it was enough to get me caught up on my bills and repair my car... This is an easy and non-painful way to save up money! (12/05/2008)
By Cyinda
I have done this many times for years and yes the money adds up fast I was not doing it for awhile but have started it again. Good tip (12/09/2008)
By Mary Anne
What a pain in the neck, balancing your checkbook, with the bank statement though? (12/14/2008)
By Sharon
I have done this for about 30 years. Also, I buy everything with my ATM card and when there is a return. I don't credit it back in my account. What I do, when balancing everything, I make sure i have all the subtractions from my account and that they have everything I have, then I look at the balance, according to them. As long as they say I have more money than I think I have, everything is fine. It does add up. What ends up happening, is you end up with a cushion of funds. When you think you have no money, there is enough to cover something that you can't wait to get. When my checkbook says I am really low, I put in the deposit and leave the amount open, then when I write a check or use my ATM. I put the amount after the deposit space. It gets subtracted after the next deposit. I never count on that money or spend it. I just have it there. When my husband and I separated, I closed the checking account and I had over $500.00 I didn't know I had. It was really nice. (07/14/2009)
I tried doing this once. Balancing my checkbook with the statement was a pain you know where. I normally have no trouble balancing my account, especially since I stopped doing this method. I agree it is a great way to save money but I can't figure out the bookwork. (02/16/2010)
As I am the "bookkeeper type" I want my checkbook accurate to the penny. You are only fooling yourself. This system would be a pain to accurately balance your checkbook. What if someone had to take over your finances? They would really have a hard time with your system. (02/16/2010)
By doris gordon
I tried that and it didn't last long; drove me crazy when I tried to balance. Just easier to have funds transferred every week from checking to savings. (02/16/2010)
By Betty
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