So where do you start? First, you'll need to get some papers together. You'll need your checkbook register, bank statement, returned checks, receipts, and paycheck stubs or deposit slips. You may find a balancing form helpful - this is just a worksheet where you can organize the different numbers you'll be working with. These forms are sometimes on the back of your bank statement or you can print one off the Internet (or you can just use a regular piece of notebook paper - the form is just nice because it has all the things you need to record listed). You'll also want a calculator handy.

Once you've got all your papers ready, the next thing to do is to put your returned checks in numerical order. You can also use your bank statement to see what checks have cleared. Once you've got those in order, go through your register and make sure that what you've got recorded matches the returned checks and/ or bank statement.

Do the same thing with all deposits - make sure that the deposits recorded in your checkbook register match the bank statement. Use any paycheck stubs or deposit slips that you have as reference.

Next, go through all your transactions with debit or ATM withdrawals, checking between your register and bank statement, making sure that all the transactions match. If you come across a transaction on your statement that isn't in your register, be sure to add that to your checkbook. Once you've checked all the transactions, also record any interest you've earned or any fees (account fees or overdraft charges).

After you have those things recorded, list the outstanding checks and deposits. These are checks or deposits that haven't cleared through the bank or that don't show up on your bank statement.

Once the outstanding deposits and checks have been recorded, you'll need to list a few totals. First, write the ending balance on your bank statement, then write amount of all outstanding checks and deposits. Add all three totals together and the amount you have should equal the balance in your checkbook.

Unless you've kept perfect records and haven't forgotten to write each and every transaction, you'll probably find some mistakes. If the numbers don't match, check through your register carefully. Did you accidentally switch any numbers (like 23 instead of 32)? Are there any mathematical mistakes? Are there any automatic payments or direct deposits you've forgotten? Going through each transaction and remembering things you may have left out can be frustrating, but it is important to do. And once you've spent a lot of time trying to figure out what you've left out, you'll probably be more careful in the future about recording things correctly and double-checking the math.

Many people find themselves in financial trouble because they don't exactly know what's going on in their bank accounts - they're not in control of their money. When you stay on top of your checkbook and keep it balanced, not only will you be in control of your account, you'll also enjoy the freedom that comes with the financial security.