Why You Need a Checkbook Calculator

Managing your personal finances is definitely important in these times, but it can be easier said than done. Most people have more than one financial account and the average American has more than one credit card. Although a lot of banks will offer their customers overdraft protection, meaning that they will pay for your checks up to a certain limit even if you don't have the money in the bank, it will cost you money.

If you have ever found yourself paying overdraft fees at your bank, falling short of the money that you thought you had, or simply having no idea how much money you have then a checkbook calculator might be the thing for you.

Checkbook calculators have come a long way. For starters, they are no longer just calculators. Some of them do far more than your basic mathematical tasks. These days, you can find checkbook calculators that come with a variety of functions.

All checkbook calculators are able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, but some do a lot more than that. Some can even have memories of your past actions and can help you keep track of what you spent. Most can keep track of three different accounts at once, like your savings, checking, and even your credit card account.

Keeping track of your credit card account with the same calculator that you use for your checking account can save you money in the long run. Most credit cards make their money off of late fees and over-limit fees. Having a handy item that fits in your billfold or purse and remembers your purchases keeps you from constantly having to call your credit card company or get online to see what your balance is.

Along with basic mathematical functions, the calculators can also figure out tips, sales tax, and break down sale and clearance prices for you. This means that when you're in a store and they're having a 30% off sale, you won't have to stand there and try to figure the savings out in your head, only to get up to the counter to find out that you miscalculated.

If you are traveling abroad, your checkbook calculator might even come in handy in other ways. Some come equipped with metric converters.

When you think about carrying around a calculator in your purse, you can get the image of a large, bulky item with big numbers. Well, not anymore. You can find checkbook calculators that are only 2mm thick, meaning that they are about the size of a credit card.

If you are worried about privacy, have no fear. Some come with a function that allows you to set a password.

Prices vary, depending on what you are looking for. If you just want something that can add and subtract, expect to pay much less than one that has a lot of bells and whistles. You can find checkbook calculators ranging from $10 to over $100, depending on what they offer.