Q: Where do I find updated information about checking accounts?
Not all web sites give you all current information. The Reality Checking web site will become a clearinghouse for information about your checking account. So bookmark www.realitychecking.com and visit it often.

Q: I checked my balance this morning on the web. This afternoon I tried to use my debit card and it was declined. What happened to the $103 I saw in my account this morning?

There are several things that may have caused you to over estimate your balance:
           1. Did you account for all of your ATM withdrawals and debit purchases? Sometimes retailers may take a day or two to submit transactions               for payment.

           2. Did you have any automatic payments scheduled that you forgot to allow for?

           3. It’s possible that a check you wrote was presented for payment at your financial institution after you checked your balance.

           4. Did you account for all fees? These might include ATM fees or monthly maintenance fees.

Any of these things can affect your balance throughout the business day. By keeping a detailed Spending Diary, you will know how much you have available at all times.
 
Q: My parents gave me a copy of Reality Checking when I started college. What else can I do to help build a stronger financial future?

Just being aware of where and how you spend your money is a good foundation. Your next step is knowing what money you have coming in will allow you to make wiser decisions on how that money goes out. Making a budget for yourself can be a daunting task, but we will have Reality Budgeting available in early 2009. Please check back.
Starting Out Or Starting Over......Reality Checking Just Works!
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