It won’t bite you. Seriously. It always seems to be a mystery how some people seem to not want to ever record their finances in that little black book. Maybe it’s the math skills? Or simply a lack of precision and efficiency in keeping tabs on the money? Who knows. Whatever the case, here’s why it’s important to use that checkbook.

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Essentially, you keep yourself covered. Simple as that. You never know just what might happen with your finances that might screw you up in a big way. For instance: checks that are pending. To make sure you know exactly what’s in your account on a spending level is important. The bank might say something like $1,276 in your balance, but your checkbook will say $276. Why? Because you wrote a check a day or two ago, and it hasn’t cleared, yet. The bank doesn’t know that — but you do. This keeps you in check from spending more money that you don’t really have. Get it?

Moreover, yes, it’s possible that banks can make mistakes. Making sure you reconcile your balance with any statements your bank sends you will ensure that everything’s kosher on the dollar arena, and you know you won’t get slammed by anything the bank wasn’t aware of. It does happen, and that’s why banks have phone numbers — for you to contact them and complain about this fee or that fee!

The checkbook really isn’t supposed to be this scary thing filled with lines and blocks and numbers! It’s a tool to help you manage your finances. Use it.