In an age where calendars are computerized, photos are files, and documents are downloaded, the humble checking account register is often ignored. But, if you’ll take 15 minutes to balance your checking account, you’ll stay on top of your budget and avoid bounced checks and overdraft fees. Keep Track The point of balancing or reconciling your checking account is to make sure you and the bank agree on how much money is in your account. That means you have to keep a record of your spending. The easiest way to do this is to write every transaction in your checking account register when the transaction takes place and keep a running balance. Another option is to save all your receipts, and either enter your transactions into your register or, if you want to be super-nerdy about it, a spreadsheet. You’ll still need to keep a running balance every day. The next step is also up to you—you must actually open and read your account statement from your bank. Whether you get your stat...