I never really balance my checking account but once a year. I call it reconciling. I let it all catch up once a year and figure put where i stand. Most of the time, im $400 or so deficit. Last year i was quite a bit more, i wont say how much. It was embarrasing. This year, i was actually $500 to the good. Apparently, i forgot to write down a deposit or two. I keep between $5000-$10000 in tbere all the time and write everything down as i go. My mama used to balance her checkbook every month and get down to a few cents in her account at times. I just try to make sure theres plenty in there.