Be Successful with a Household Budget

Creating and managing a household budget is an important step towards financial security. If you fail to budget your money each month, you could wind up with late payments, missing payments, and just utter chaos. No one wants to have chaotic finances. Checkworks.com is the place to go to order checks online — and we also have some useful tips for successfully managing a household budget.

  • Create your budget. The first step to budgeting is having a budget, so force yourself to sit down and do it. You may have a million reasons why you don’t have time to make a budget right now, but your finances need a solid budget. Don’t put it off any longer.
  • Be smart. When making your budget, use your good sense. Make a list of the priority bills, such as utilities and mortgage payments, and make sure those things are budgeted accordingly. Then, make a list of other non-essentials, such as entertainment. As you start assigning funds to each bill, take care of the priorities first — you can always rent a video instead of going to the theater.
  • Use checks. Once you have a budget planned, start using your checking account. When you write checks, you have a record of the purchase. Be sure to record the transaction in your register, which can help you stay on top of your current finances every day.
  • Avoid credit. Live within your means, and you will see your money grow. Too many people turn to credit cards, and then they only make the minimum payment. If you must have a credit card, stick to only one, make sure it has good terms, and only use it when necessary — and when you are certain you can pay the balance quickly.
  • Stick to your budget. It is easy to give in to your impulses, especially when it comes to something you really want. Be strong and adhere to your budget rules. You can always save money for non-essentials and purchase them later.

Contact us today at checkworks.com, and let us help you keep you budget on track with our selection of quality checks and registers.

The Benefits of Ordering Personal Checks from CheckWorks

When you order personal checks from your bank, you may not realize that you are paying more than you have to pay. Your bank has a set rate for checks; you either pay what they ask, or you don’t get your new checks. You may not know that you have a choice when it comes to buying new checks. You are not bound by some contract with your bank to only buy your checks from them. At www.checkworks.com, we have a huge selection of personal checks available for purchase.

By shopping with us, you have the advantage of buying checks that you want — checks that fit your personal style. You also have our security guarantee, which means you do not have to worry about your personal information. It also means that your checks are going to be printed to meet industry standards — in other words, these checks will work just the same as the checks you get from your bank.

One of the best things about shopping with us is that you can purchase necessary accessories at the same time that you order your checks. For instance, if you need a new register, we have several available. If you want duplicate checks, so you always have a copy of every check written, we have those available, too. For all of your checking account needs, we have you covered.

Finally, when you shop with us, you can rest assured that you are saving a significant amount of money. Why pay more for checks by ordering from your bank when you can order from us? You will save money, get the style of checks that you want and need, and you will have access to numerous accessories.

You may not place too much importance on your checkbook. It serves a purpose, so you don’t worry about personalized checks or other similar factors. However, your checkbook is an important part of your life. You deserve to have checks that reflect your personal style, whether it revolves around nature, scripture, or bold patterns. You also deserve to have the accessories you need to help you keep better track of your spending. Contact us today at www.checkworks.com to learn more about our selection of checks and accessories, and let us help you place your first order.

How to Take Control of Managing Your Finances

As you grow up you’ll notice how important it is to have a proper hold of your finances. When you want to buy a car, save for a down payment for a new home or pay down credit debt you should have peace of mind knowing that you know exactly how much money you have. Smart spending, saving and planning a budget are all good ways to manage your finances so that you do not find yourself in trouble later on.

It is a good idea to track your spending for a few weeks to a month before planning out a budget so you can see how you are currently spending your money. This allows you to spot areas where you can cut back on wasteful spending and build up savings. You will also want to keep credit card spending to a minimum so that you aren’t constantly digging yourself deeper into debt that you are unable to pay off each month.

Effective spending is also a key to taking control of your financial situation. Use coupons when possible and compare prices at different stores before making a purchase so you can ensure that you get the best possible deal. It is also recommended that you use the 50/30/20 rule when it comes to your budget: 50 percent on essentials, 30 percent on your lifestyle choices like cable and vacations, and 20 percent on financial priorities such as your savings or retirement account.

Taking a look at your current finances and reworking your budget will set you up for a bright financial future.

Take Control of Managing Your Finances

Click below to embed this infographic into your website:

Reasons Why You Should Order Checks Online

When you reach the end of your checkbook, your first instinct might be to call your bank for a new book of checks. This is fine, as long as you don’t mind paying more for your checks. Bank prices on new checks are often higher than what you pay if you order checks online. Here at www.checkworks.com, we have a huge assortment of checks — and our prices are very affordable. You can typically save 50% by ordering checks from us!

Shop Personal Checks

Shop Business Checks

If you have never ordered any checks online before, here are some reasons why you may want to consider it:

  • You can choose from a wide selection of designs. There is no reason why your checkbook has to be boring — after all, YOU aren’t boring. We offer various styles, including nature, animals, biblical, and patriotic. Choose a style that fits your personality, instead of something plain and boring from the bank!
  • Enjoy the convenience of ordering from the comfort of home. You can take your time choosing the perfect checks, place your order with just a few clicks, sit back, and relax — your checks will soon arrive on your doorstep!
  • You can add on accessories, such as a checkbook cover or a new register, to complete your checkbook. A register will help you keep careful track of your purchases; our covers, available in various colors and styles, will protect your checks with a personal touch.
  • You can order checks for your business at the same time you order your personal checks. We are your one-stop shop for all of your checking account needs!

The ordering process is quite simple. Just find the checks and accessories you want, then fill out the easy-to-understand order form on our site. You can also call and order your new checks over the phone, or you can fax us your order — whichever method is easiest for you.

Contact us today at www.checkworks.com to get the answers to all of your frequently asked questions, and place your first order for new checks. You will not be disappointed with your purchase, and your satisfaction and security is 100% guaranteed!

Shop Best-Selling Checks

How Writing Checks can Keep Your Budget under Control

Creating a household budget is the best way to get your finances under control and properly manage them. Creating the budget is easy enough — sticking to that same budget: that is often much harder. You have to be committed to getting your finances under control — you have to take charge of your budget. One tool that can help you stick to your budget is your checkbook. Writing checks for purchases instead of swiping your debit card can help you control your spending.

You may be wondering how a checkbook can keep your finances under control. Take a minute to think about how easy it is to swipe that card. You use it at the grocery store, at the gas station, and at the Redbox to rent movies. Before you know it, you have lost track of the purchases you made for the day — and the next thing you know, your bank account is overdrawn.

Two Ways Your Checkbook Can Help

With a checkbook, you have to write out a check for each and every purchase. This can help you in two ways. First, when you fill out the check, you are creating a record of your purchase, either by using duplicates or by recording the purchase in your register. At the end of the day, you can quickly check your register and see exactly how much money you spend and where.

Second, writing checks can make you rethink a purchase. Do you really need that fountain drink or your favorite cappuccino if you have to write a check for such a small purchase? When you use your checkbook instead of your debit card, you are much more likely to reduce your spending simply because you don’t want to take the time to fill out a check for minor purchases. Those minor purchases add up each month — if you reduce the number of small purchases you make, you will save money.

Adhering to a monthly budget can help you reduce spending, save money for the future, and make your financial situation more secure. The first step is creating your budget. The second step is sticking to it, and your checkbook can help with that. Contact www.checkworks.com to learn more about our wide selection of personal checks and registers to help you with your budget tracking.

Financial Tips for Living on Your Own

Living on your own for the first time can be quite the overwhelming experience. All of a sudden, you are in charge of your life. Your parents aren’t there to write the checks to pay the bills — you have to do it on your own. Making the transition from childhood to adulthood is not an overnight process. It is something that takes time, and you can expect to make your fair share of mistakes. The biggest responsibility you face is meeting your financial obligations. Here are some tips to help you get started into adulthood with solid financial footing:

  • Open a checking account as soon as you get your first job. Even if you are not a legal adult yet, you can still open a checking account. You may need your parents’ help, but once you have a checking account, you can start managing your money.
  • Keep track of every check you write. You can do this by using the ledger that comes with your checkbook, or you can order a check register from us. Writing down every purchase you make and every bill you pay will help you keep track of where your money is going.
  • Don’t forget to keep track of all deposits. It can be easy to overlook a deposit if it is made automatically, so make sure you know when your paychecks will be deposited.
  • Balance your register with your bank statement every month. Make sure there are no discrepancies.

Learning financial responsibility starts as soon as you have money to manage. Whether it is an allowance or a job, opening a checking account will help you learn to manage your money. If you choose not to open a checking account until you are a legal adult and moved out on your own, keep those tips in mind. It is never too late to learn how to be financially responsible.

One last thing to keep in mind — when you do move out on your own for the first time, make a budget and stick to it. There are various ways you can do this. One popular method is the envelope system, in which you have an envelope for all expenses, such as utilities, rent, food, entertainment, gas, etc. Once the envelope is empty, you cannot refill it. This will help teach you to budget your weekly allotments with care.

Contact us today at www.checkworks.com, and we can set you up with personalized checks for your checking account.

Using a Checking Account to Rebuild Your Credit

It only takes a little while to ruin your credit — but it can take years to repair it. With the rough economy of the past few years, more and more people are learning what it’s like to have to rebuild their credit. People who once had stellar credit now find themselves struggling to raise their scores past the 600 mark. Whether the cause was a delinquent credit card, or even a foreclosure, the result is still the same — low credit scores and few options for rebuilding. One way you can start to rebuild your credit is through the use of personal checks.

Opening and maintaining a checking account is a great first step towards establishing yourself as creditworthy again. When you maintain a checking account in good standing for months and even years, you are demonstrating to creditors that you know how to manage your money. Some of the ways to maintain your account include:

  • Making regular deposits into your checking account. If possible, opt for direct deposit from your employer.
  • Write a steady amount of checks each month.
  • Keep your account balanced — never overdraw your account!
  • Keep your balance well above zero.

The direct deposit of your paychecks is something that a possible creditor, such as an automobile loan lender, can look at. They can see at a glance that you have a steady, reliable income each week. This is also an easy way for them to see how much you earn each week and how long you have been earning your income — factors they will consider when deciding whether or not to offer you a loan.

The use of written checks and keeping your account balanced will also help you to learn important money-management skills. These are important to know, especially if your credit score plummeted due to mismanagement. Maintaining your register provides you with a clear record of where and when you spend money, making it easy for you to see where you can cut expenses. It is much easier to keep track of your money through written checks than by swiping your debit card.

Finally, keeping your balance above zero is another way in which you can show potential creditors that you know how to manage money. It also demonstrates that you always have at least some money on hand, making it easier for you to meet monthly payment obligations. Visit www.checkworks.com to order your new checks for your checking account and start rebuilding your credit one check at a time.

The Importance of a Small Business Checking Account

When you own a small business, one of the most important aspects of running that business is keeping good financial records. You have to have a clear and concise record of where your money is going to ensure that your business doesn’t fail. One aspect of keeping good records is by writing checks. When you pay your vendors and other expenses with business checks, you create written records of where you spend money.

You can easily see which expenses were paid and how much was paid. You don’t have to worry about whether you forgot to write a receipt, because you have the duplicate check as a record. Here at CheckWorks, we offer a wide selection of business checks that are ideal for record keeping. With duplicate checks, you can write checks for anything and know that you have an instant record being created at the time you are writing the check — this is truly a convenience that you cannot afford to be without.

Balancing your checkbook for your business every month is another important part of keeping good financial records. When you get your bank statement, you have to make sure your records match those of the bank. You have to account for any discrepancies. Careful record keeping will make things much easier for your accountant at tax time, too — no one wants to file their taxes without specific records documenting all purchases and expenses.

If you are already a small business owner, or you are planning on starting a new business, make sure one of your first steps is opening a business checking account. While it may be tempting to use your personal account for your business – as juggling more than one account can be confusing — make sure your business has a separate account. This way, all business-related activity is tied to one account, and you don’t have to sort through personal expenses and business expenses.

Visit us today at Checkworks.com and have a look at our selection of business checks.

Use a Checking Account to Start Building Credit Worthiness

When you are starting out in the “real” world as an adult, you have a lot of choices in front of you. You have to make careful choices, too, because they can affect the rest of your life. For example, if you decide to open several credit lines, and wind up getting behind, you can damage your credit. A better alternative to establishing some credit is to open a checking account. When you write checks, you will not only be learning how to manage your money with care, you will slowly be building your credit worthiness.

As a young adult, you need to be cautious in the financial world. It only takes one missed payment to ruin your credit, but it can take years to restore it. Instead of rushing out and snatching up credit cards, learn how to live within your means with a personal checking account. Here at CheckWorks, we offer a wide selection of personal checks to help you on your journey into adulthood.

After you have successfully handled your money in your checking account for a few years, you can start thinking about taking on a credit card. Your bank may have a credit card to offer you. Just remember to take things slow when it comes to credit cards. Avoid having too many cards at once, and make sure you pay off your balances quickly. If you ever get in a jam and have to miss a payment, always contact your credit card company and let them know the situation, and when to expect your payment. Communication is very important in the credit world.

By learning how to manage your finances with a checking account, you will soon be ready for credit cards, automobile loans, and, eventually, a mortgage. The first step to being a full-grown adult is a checking account — and we are here to help you enjoy your checking account by giving you stylish, fun checks to use!

Contact us today at CheckWorks to choose from our selection of personal checks, registers, and other money management tools. We want to help you manage your finances with ease!