debit card to withdraw funds from your checking or savings account, transfer funds, and check your account balance day or night at ATMs. S A F E T Y  P R E C AU T I O N S  F O R  U S I N G ATMs.—Some precautions you should use when using ATMs are— Be alert, Don’t use an ATM if the lights aren’t operating  or  you  see  suspicious  activity.  At drive-up ATMs, keep car doors locked, other windows closed, and the engine running. If you feel that something is wrong, leave. Take someone with you if you must make a transaction at night. Keep a low profile. Have your card ready when you approach the ATM. Remember to take your card, cash, and receipt and put them away. Count your money only when you are safely away from the ATM. Savings Account One way for you to manage your money is to have a savings account. Savings accounts draw interest (earn money), while checking accounts sometimes do not. A savings account is an excellent way to earn interest and keep from spending money. Balancing Your Account Depending on the bank and type of account, your monthly bank statement might include the following: Actual or miniphoto copies of your canceled checks. A  list  of  your  checks.  The  bank  keeps photocopies of your checks on file. A listing of your savings account transactions. The  part  of  your  statement  dealing  with  your checking account includes— All processed checks, Deposits and withdrawals, including those made via convenience cards, and the Balance as of the end of your statement. You  use  the  bank  statement  to  balance  your checking account. Compare your statement and register and identify any discrepancies to your accounts. If you have any questions, the family service center, your command financial specialist, or your LPO can teach you how to balance a checkbook. Allotments Allotments  provide  a  good  method  for  you  to handle your financial affairs. The following paragraphs describe voluntary and involuntary allotments. VOLUNTARY  ALLOTMENTS.—Voluntary allotments are requested by you. Some of the reasons for making a voluntary allotment are as follows: Savings Purchase of U.S. saving bonds Loan payments Life insurance payments Mortgage payments Pledges  to  the  Combined  Federal  Campaign payments Payment to family members and relatives INVOLUNTARY  ALLOTMENTS.—  Involun- tary  allotments  from  a  Navy  member’s  pay  usually mean one thing—financial irresponsibility. Involuntary allotments are usually garnishment of your pay. Budgeting Preparing  and  using  a  budget  is  the  key  to successful money management. A budget is a plan to spend money or a plan of money management. Many Navy members have false images of the meaning of a budget.  They  often  associate  budgets  with  detailed bookkeeping, stacks of paper, ledgers, and so forth. A 17-11 Student Notes: