balancing checkbook

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

How long should I wait if an item never cleared the bank?

I paid something over the phone using my debit card and didn't see it post; that was a year ago. I've always kept that amount calculated in my balance in case it showed. I never heard from the company I paid that it didn't clear. I'm thinking they show it has been credited to my account, although they never actually received the funds from my bank. I contacted my bank months ago, but they could only search back three months .

When is it "safe" for me to add that amount back in to my register?

 

[Bildmouse]

Good question - I have the same problem. Paid the dentist - check never cleared - checked with dentist - they were paid - checked with bank (not much help- are you sure it hasn't cleared -did you add or subtract incorrectly). I've just left that amount hanging (at least I don't worry too much about being overdrawn). Now it's happened again with a much smaller amount at the grocery store. When it happened the first time I also had someone elses check taken from my account which the bank fixed rather quickly and removed charges I received for insufficient funds. How long do I wait to use that money?

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I've looked at that register half a dozen times to make sure I didn't subtract twice, but it doesn't appear so. I too take advantage of the "extra" money, it does help keep from being overdrawn.

 

[Marla Hellwig]

I would think after a year you would be safe in 'using' the money now

 

[delswife]

I think there is some kind of time limit on personal checks/debt charges anyway. So I would think after a year you'd be okay.

I know alot of checks, like payroll are 90 days. If it hasn't been cashed in that time, then it needs to be re-issued.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

I was thinking it was a year, but I'm hesitant to update my record.