Day 9 Advent Calendar: Understanding Bank Statements

Skills that Count

Understanding Bank Statements During Christmas Spending

Skills that Count.

Using addition and subtraction, leading to Positive and Negative numbers

Bank statements can feel confusing, especially when spending increases in December.

Today’s examples help you follow transactions step by step and check the final balance with confidence.

Our statement shows:

Opening balance: £312.50

Card payment: £48.90

Cash withdrawal: £20.00

Refund received: £15.00

Online purchase: £36.75

Step 1: 

Subtract the card payment

312.50 − 48.90 = 263.60

If you need any resources to build this skill, drop me an email or leave a comment for FREE RESOURCES ON PERSONAL FINANCE AND KEY WORDS.

Step 2: 

Subtract the cash withdrawal

263.60 − 20 = 243.60

Step 3: 

Add the refund

243.60 + 15 = 258.60

If you need any resources to build this skill, drop me an email or leave a comment for FREE RESOURCES ON PERSONAL FINANCE.

Step 4: 

Subtract the online purchase

258.60 − 36.75 = 221.85

Final balance: £221.85

Skills that Count Check

Work down the statement in order.

Payments and withdrawals reduce the balance.

Refunds or receipts increase it.

Accuracy matters more than speed.

The Skills that Count

Understanding how each transaction changes your balance helps you stay in control of your Christmas spending and avoid surprises later.

REMEMBER...

Positive numbers, you're in credit.

Negative numbers, you could find yourself in debt!

Check your statement today and stay in control.