Kinkstar, I know the feeling:) You'll get it done, don't worry. Or you could always do the just the last few months or so and make it easier on yourself. I didn't know about your spreadsheet experience, so if this is too elementary/too complicated, sorry about that:). Feel free to drop me an email if you have questions. If you don't have a spreadsheet program, you can download one from openoffice.org: http://www.openoffice.org/product/calc.html Also, depending upon the circumstances, of course, I wouldn't worry about balancing to the penny, at least not initially. You can always fine-tune later after you get the bank recs more or less up-to-date. Just something to consider. I would use a spreadsheet, like excel or lotus, to automate as much of the process as possible. For example, get the first three check numbers used, and enter each one in its own cell on the spreadsheet. Same column, different rows, like the following: 123 124 125 Then use the "drag" function to continue the sequence on through the last check number used. Make some type of border between months. For automatic recurring deductions, like a car payment or service charge, type once, then copy/paste in the 23 remaining months. (assuming two full years.) Using the checkbook register for reference, enter the amount next to the appropriate check number on the spreadsheet. Use a different column for ATM and other debits. If you don't balance, and it's your mistake, you'll spot the error faster. And because a minor typo (like 62.47 vs. 82.47) doesn't appear to be a mistake, accuracy here will mean fewer headaches and less time involved. Save the file under a different name as a backup after finishing with the data entry. You won't have to re-enter if something goes haywire. And make sure to save your working copy periodically. Add a column for deposits and credits, and then do the addition and subtraction stuff. Compare to that month's statement. Balance (or get within your allowable variance) then go on to the next month. I believe programs like ms money and quicken will download monthly statements, but you'd need to set that up with your bank. Or you might be able to download statements as a csv file, without using another program, and then open the file with excel or lotus. For that matter, those programs might be able to reconcile the entire two-year period. If only they could enter the data from the checkbook registers, you'd have it made! Good luck!

Use a computer program like Microsoft Money or Quicken. Enter the last balance that you knew was right (it may be the amount you opened the account with), then enter all the checks, deposits and withdrawals. Get all your bank statements and check off each item that cleared, month by month. When you're done, you'll know how much money you have. Or, if you're too lazy to do this, open another bank account with your next paycheck, start fresh. Wait about a month for all your checks to clear from the old account, then close the account and the bank will give you how much money you have. Trust me, if there is an error, you'll never know it, but rarely is the bank wrong, and since you don't know the balance, what do you care?

Money or Quicken and then keep it up.