FINANCE

The best way to pay bills and keep records is a checking account, and every household should have one. If the account holder can't learn to keep an up to date checkbook and balance it monthly, they shouldn't have control of the checks! Maintaining an accurate balance is essential. If you can't do this (or you don't even know what it means) you are not alone, but I find it hard to believe you went to school.

The solution is not money orders. If you can't keep bank account records the bookkeeping of money order receipts will be a joke, and you better hope one never gets lost in the mail. You had better get a bank account and find a trusted friend to keep your checkbook. Don't call the bank to see how much money you have left, and don't assume you must have funds because you still have unused checks!!! If you keep a check register you will know your available balance. When a bank teller asks you if you would like your balance, just say NO. Your balance does not include outstanding checks and only YOU know the available balance.

Even fiscally responsible adults (who went to the finer schools all right) can bounce a check occasionally. It can be an error in addition (actually, subtraction) or when a check you deposit is returned.

* Suggestion: Get overdraft protection on your checking account. It is available with credit limits starting at $500-1000 so it is not hard to qualify for. Whatever the deal is at your bank, the service charge will be a fraction of a returned check fee. Best of all, when the overdraft is activated, the check is paid. No one knows except you and the bank.

And now... a Secret Report on personal CREDIT