Admittedly, each mistake is likely to nick you just a small amount. This is not about cutting down on restaurant meals or shopping sprees, or about saving more or paying down your credit cards. If you do, cut it out. Then save the money you're no longer wasting. However, the financial damage doesn't stop with the bank.
Merchants also charge fees for returned checks.
If you aren't sure whether you have money in your account, don't write a check. If the expense can't be delayed or avoided, use a credit card. They charge you that much so that you won't park there. Don't park in the red zone. Feed your meter.