Many customers use a bank for its checking account services. In order to use a checking account properly, you must be able to write a check correctly and keep track of the money in your account.

Access http://www.themint.org/spending/writingacheck.php. Once at the website, click on and read the information related to the following links:

• Follow These Steps
• Practice Writing A Check
• Record it

Print the pages entitled “Writing a Check” and “Keeping a Check Register.” Then complete the “writing a check” and “keeping a check register” exercises.

• Discuss two important lessons you learned about writing a check from these exercises.
• Why is it a good idea to keep an accurate check register?
• Why it is good advice to sign a check only when you are ready to use it?
• What are some of the advantages of paying for purchases by check? What are some of the disadvantages?
• Is it a good idea to pay by check for everything you buy? Why or why not?