The lazy-lady method you can substitute is to put the lower number in your checkbook and not question the difference. If you always work with the lower number, at least your checks won't bounce. More important than making an account balance is being certain you earn interest on your checking account. Most people do not bother to do this, and many keep a lot of extra money in their checking account to avoid the embarrassment of bouncing a check. If you are making less than this amount, ask yourself why.
Many people believe they have free checking, that is, no fees are charged on their account.
The bank might be making more off your money than you would pay in check charges elsewhere. Check it out. You can usually earn that same amount on your checking account and still not pay any fees. It pays to comparison shop for these accounts. For example, most brokerage accounts work this way.