Welcome to Reality Checking

There is tremendous power in the checking account. Today a user can do much more than write checks. Transactions can also be done using plastic or electronically. With these additional spending methods many people are:
• Giving away money
• Unable to find a critical receipt
• Drowning in receipts scattered everywhere

According to a 2007 survey conducted by VISA USA, consumers cannot account for as much as $2700 of cash in a year. Consumers say "the money just disappears"!

________Research: Checks make up 11 percent of all consumer payments
_________________ at the point-of-sale, according to the ABA Consumer Payment
_________________ Preferences Study. Other payments include: cash – 33 percent;
_________________ debit cards – 33 percent; credit cards – 19 percent; and prepaid cards – 4 _________________ percent. - Source 2007 ABA Issue Summary

While the writing of checks has decreased by 33% since 2005 the need for the checking account has increased. ATM and debit cards are now an integral part of the checking account.

With the checking account's addtional methods of spending it is necessary to track all spending, and the check register/spending diary is the easiest way .

The Reality Checking program teaches how the checking account's money management tool has proven to be inexpensive and reliable. Reality Checking also shows how to keep tabs on all spending using all the methods shown in the reasearch paragraph with a check register/spending diary. The Reality Checking program is based on three key learning tools:


• The Movie – For people who learn best by viewing. Reality Checking’s program is divided into modules.	• The Guidebook – For people who learn best by reading. The Guidebook expands learning with detailed explanations of each module topic.	•The Simulator - For people who learn best by doing. The Simulator represents the accumulation of the Reality Checking learning experience.

Checking account fact: There are many ways the checking account can save money. It begins with the establishing of an account. Choosing the right account can save money by reducing service fees. Click here to learn more.

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Reality Checking, the practical guide series for managing money through your banking accounts, is an educational product that is blatantly missing in today's society and desperately needed at all ages.

"We [at Caspers McDonalds Franchises] support his efforts and look forward to the opportunity to partner with them here in Tampa Bay."

~ Bob Conigliaro Vice President, Community Relations
Caspers Company McDonalds Restaurants

We recently presented the Reality Checking program to high school students and received very positive feedback from students and parents. We experienced enthusiastic participation in the workshops. Many of the students had no previous experience tracking expenses or a checking account prior to the program. Posttest results from the workshops indicated an increase in knowledge and ability to use a checking account.

When I was introduced to the program, I saw it as providing a foundation for students to begin the process of learning to manage their finances. It has fulfilled that goal. I am continuing to work with Bruce to extend the workshops to cover budgeting, credit, loans and protecting personal information.

As part of my company’s public education program, I sponsored the Reality Checking DVDs and workshops for the students of Take Stock in Children of Sarasota. I can endorse this program as a valuable tool for high school students in their efforts to become more financially savvy.

Sincerely, Tom Roberts Owner

Financial Literacy is a “hot button”
issue. Reality Checking is the perfect way to train yourself in the proper use of income and expense tracking.

~ Mark Colley, President and CEO;
Tulsa Postal & Community Federal Credit Union
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Reality Checking is a teaching tool for understanding and using a checking account. We do not give financial advice. For finanacial advice, please contact your financial advisor.

In the News:

Youth mentoring program in Sarasota teaches Reality checking
(read more)

Current Press
Release:

See and Hear How Brad uses His Spending diary and saves money.

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