This module on how to choose and keep a checking account is one of ten in the Money Smart curriculum, and includes an instructor guide and a take-home guide. It was developed to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. It is designed to enable participants to open and keep a checking account. Topics are determine checking account needs, fees, types, choosing a checking account, check register, writing a check, checking account statement, and reconciling a checking account. Each module consists of an instructor guide, sample promotional flyer, and take-home guide for class participants. The instructor guide provides this information: preparing to present the course; materials and equipment list; and guide to icons. Each page is divided into two columns. The left presents icons to alert the instructor to discussion questions, exercises, transitions, and summaries; the right provides step-by-step directions that enable the instructor to ask questions, provide explanations, show slides, handout materials, and introduce exercises. Handouts and overheads are appended. The flyer follows. The take-home guide is comprised of information sheets, practice register, checks, and deposit slips; a course evaluation; and "What Do You Know," a pre-and post-form that shows what participants know about banking basics. (YLB)