Simple Checkbook is just that... a simple checkbook. In function it is exactly like your little paper checkbook register - except you don't have to do the math and it makes reconciliation a breeze. It's laid out like a regular checkbook and you fill it in like a regular checkbook. It's just a simple spreadsheet and I've included an MS Excel version (.xls), an MS Works version (.wks) and a Sun Star Office version (.sdc).

Requirements: This is not a standalone program. You'll need Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Works or Star Office to use it.

Download: checkbook.zip

Cost: Nothing. It's free. Have a ball. Drop me a line if you use it and like it.

What it is not... It won't go online and retrieve bank statements. It won't do automatic payments. It won't remind you to pay the electric bill. It won't chart or graph. It won't print checks. It won't budget and supposedly solve all your financial woes. It won't merge with anything. It won't make coffee and it won't take out the trash. There are enough wünderprograms out there for all that. This is just a "Simple Checkbook". There's beauty in simplicity right?

What it is...

The date column is such that all you need to enter is the month & date (1/22). As soon as you tab to the next cell, the current year will be filled in automatically. With the Excel version you can right click and choose "Pick from list..." in the transaction column. This will display a listing of all values previously entered in that column. This will save you a little typing.

There is room for roughly 2000 entries. That's the equivalent of 50 packs of standard checks.

Suggestions for use. Let's suppose you'll use the Excel version (.xls). Copy Checkbook.xls. Rename that copy to whatever you wish, say My Account.xls. If you have another account, again copy Checkbook.xls. Rename that copy to say, My Other Account.xls.

You can also use Simple Checkbook for savings accounts.

Be sure to back up your data regularly. Make sure your spreadsheet program is configured to save a backup copy of your data. In addition, it is good practice to regularly save copies of your checkbooks to a floppy, CD, zip drive, tape drive or another hard drive. Also, keep in mind that if your computer crashes or the power goes off while you are editing your checkbook, some data may be lost (even if you save frequently). A recent backup copy will save you grief.

New in version 2.0 is a reconcile ability. You reconcile it much like you would an ordinary checkbook, except it does all the math for you. When you get your bank statement, enter the balance according to the statement in cell H3. Next mark an x for each posted item. If all is well, your account should reconcile. If not... well, you know the drill.

Important note: When reconciling, only use an "x" in column B. It can be upper or lower case, but it must be an x. Any other letter won't register properly.

To the right of the checkbook grid is the reconciliation data. This is simply a few columns I use to help reconcile the checkbook. You can ignore it.

OAQ (Occasionally Asked Questions)

• Can I change column widths?
  Yes. You might have to turn off sheet protection though. Look in Excel's or Works' help section. Just be sure to turn protection back on so important stuff doesn't accidently get messed up.
   
• I've run out of rows. (I write a lot of checks) What do I do?
  Well, your best bet would be to start a new checkbook. Keep in mind that reconciliation does not work between checkbooks. You might have to reconcile manually until all items on your old checkbook have posted. While it's relatively simple to extend the checkbook and make it even longer, the end result might be a file that is very large and slow.
   
• No matter what I do, my account won't reconcile!
  Ahh, an age old problem. Find the error, or as a last resort, make an adjustment entry...
  | x | 1/24/03 | Adjustment |        | 0.62 | 1,234.56 |
  Just keep in mind, when it comes to balancing your checkbook, little mysterys are not good.
   
• I want to print it out but it's 40+ pages long!
  Just print out a few pages at time. Note the Excel version handles partial printing a little easier... print only highlighted cells.
   
• I don't have Excel or Works or Star Office. What do I do?
  Get Excel or Works? I tried an "Excel compatible" shareware spreadsheet, and while very nice, it was extremely slow with this checkbook. Maybe you can find something better. You should be able to pick up an older version of Excel or Works for pretty darn cheep.
   
• Can I enter a voided check?
  Yes. Enter it as you would a normal check except leave both the debit and credit column empty.
   
• My monitor is small and I have to scroll back and forth.
  You can adjust the zoom so that the entire width of the register is visible without scrolling. You may also be able to adjust the column widths a little.
   
• I have a suggestion or comment.
  You can email me at jbarta@pagetutor.com.