Check Options - Print or Write
There are two ways to use checks in Jewel, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Which you choose will depend on your preferences and how your church operates.
Order Preprinted Paper Checks and Hand Write
Manually write out the payee and amount on each check when needed.
- Advantages: you can take the checkbook with you and use when/where needed.
- Disadvantages: you will need to enter the checks into Jewel, writing them twice, as it were, since Jewel is acting as your check register.
- Errors on preprinted checks will result in a check number that cannot be used and must be voided.
Ways to Save
- Ordering your checks online instead of from your bank will save money. Deluxe, Checks Unlimited, even Walmart, offer preprinted checks, deposit slips and checkbook covers in various sizes and configurations.
- Order the correct check starting number. Look at your last check number in the old checks to give the printer the correct starting number for the new checks. Printing checks that repeat check numbers that you have already used is not helpful and can cause confusion.
- Limit your order. Even if it looks like a bargain, don't order a huge number of checks.
- Instances of churches having to change bank accounts due to fraudulent activity is increasing, and there is no need for you to order 1000 checks and end up having to shred 879 of them.
- Most churches are using fewer paper checks, due to Bank Bill Pay and an increasing use of electronic payments. Look in Jewel Check Report to see how many checks have been used in 1-2 years. If your church only used 200 checks in the last 2 years, order 200 or 250, not 500. You can always order more if needed.
Create the Checks in Jewel
Type the checks into Jewel and then print them out. No separate checkbook.
- Advantages: You only enter payments once.
- There is less chance of the bank misreading the check and withdrawing a different amount than you wrote it for.
- Disadvantages: If someone needs a check, you will have to be in proximity to the printer to get it for them. No spur-of-the-moment reimbursement checks at the board meeting.
- If your printer decides to act up, it can delay check writing.
Ways to Save
- Purchase blank check stock from an office supply store rather than spending hundreds of dollars on expensive, preprinted check paper from your bank. Any 3-section, check on top, blank check stock that is compatible with QuickBooks will work with Jewel, and you can order them on Amazon for around $30 for 500 sheets.
- If you end up having to change banks or accounts, the blank check stock can still be used.
- With blank stock, you don't have to coordinate the preprinted number on the check paper with the number in Jewel. If the printer messes up a page, just reprint on a new blank sheet using the same check number.
Setting Up the Various Options in Jewel
Go to Maintenance / Properties / General Tab. The “Checks” Box is on the bottom left of the “General” screen.
Paper Checkbook
If you are using a paper checkbook and not printing checks from Jewel, the "Print New Checks" box will not be checked. Also, there is no need to print the memo on the check.
Preprinted Check Stock
If you have check stock that comes preprinted from the bank, with the bank and church name and check number already printed, you will check the "Print New Checks" and "Using Preprinted Checks" boxes.
If you are mailing checks with invoice or account numbers in the memo line, you will want the "Print Memo on Check" box checked.
Blank Check Stock
When using blank check stock, the "Print New Checks" box should be checked, and the "Using Preprinted Checks" box should be unchecked.
If you are mailing checks with invoice or account numbers in the memo line, you will want the "Print Memo on Check" box checked.
When using blank check stock, you will need to set up the bank name and account info in Jewel. It would be helpful to have a printed check from your bank in hand, to help you fill it in correctly.
- Go to “Maintenance / Edit Accounts.”
- Locate and click on the correct bank account in the left-hand column.
- Click on the “Edit Checking” box.
- Follow steps 5-9 here to fill in the account information that will be printed on your checks.
Click here for mailing envelope specifics.
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