IntroductionThis power point presentation is titled writing checks. The intended audience for this presentation is high school students but it could be used for anyone who doesn't know how to correctly write a check. The goal of this presentation is for students to learn the proper way to fill out a check and understand what to do if a mistake is made when preparing a check. The presentation gives the audience tips for writing a check and then proceeds to explain each step that needs to be taken in order to correctly complete a check. A mini demonstration follows each step in the completion process.

Writing Checks

When writing a Check:

Your telling your financial institution to take a certain amount of money out of your account.You should be careful to write checks correctly to avoid costly and embarrassing mistakes.A blank check has a space for quite a bit of information. When you write a check, you will want to fill in each of the spaces correctly.

Tips for writing a check:

Always use black ink.Date the check the day it is written, even if it’s Sunday or a holiday.Do not postdate a check, financial institutions will not cash a check before the date that is written on the check. Most businesses will not accept a postdated check as payment.

Who is the check for?

In the blank after the words “Pay to the order of” write the name of the payee.Spell it correctly, and do not use any abbreviations that may cause confusion. Click on picture to

see it!

How much is the check for?

Record the amount of money to be paid clearly in the space after the dollar sign. Never leave a space between the dollar sign and the numerals (this may allow someone to alter the amount). Click on picture to

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Write amount in words…

On the next line, write out the amount of dollars in words. Then write the word “and,” followed by the number of cents written as a fraction of 100.Start with writing at the extreme left of the blank. Fill in any leftover space with a line. Click on picture to

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Write yourself a note…

Most checks have the word “for” or “memo” and a blank in the lower left-hand corner.You do not need to fill in this blank, but doing so will help you keep clearer records.When you write a check for a purchase, make a note of what you have bought.

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Sign It!

Finally, there is a blank for your signature. Always use the same signature you filed with your financial institution. Be sure you have written the name of the payee and the amount to be paid before you sign the check.

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Don’t forget…

Immediately after writing a check, make a note of it in your check stub or in your register.Write the check number, the date, the payee, and the amount in your register.This is necessary for complete and accurate records.

Make a mistake?

Oh no! I made a mistake. Can you figure out what’s wrong?You are right! The check needs to be signed Amy Nelson not Andrew Small!Do not change or cross out any part of a check.If you make a mistake, write the word “VOID” across the check and tear it up.Then start again with another check.Be sure to make note of the void check on the check stub or in your check register. Click on picture to

see it!

Here is what the check should look like…

References

Ryder, V., Harter, M. Contemporary Living, Illinois: The Goodheart-Wilcox, Company Inc. (1990)