balance
= credit_balance
- debit_balance
Balance ID | balance | debit_balance | credit_balance |
---|---|---|---|
bal_abc123 | -20000 | 45000 | 65000 |
bal_def456 | 10000 | 20000 | 30000 |
bal_abc123
is -20000, indicating that debits exceed credits, resulting in a negative balance. On the other hand, bal_def456
has a positive balance of 10000 because credits exceed debits.
How to avoid negative balances
Negative balances are not a cause for alarm. However, if you prefer to avoid negative balances in your ledger, here’s how you can adjust your setup.1
Designate a funding pool balance in your General Ledger.
Use a designated funding pool balance to pre-fund your ledger balances with starting balances. This approach ensures you can post transactions on those balances without triggering overdrafts.
2
Apply overdrafts when funding from the funding pool balance.
This ensures that only the funding pool balance incurs a negative balance, while your customer balances and other critical balances remain unaffected.
Always ensure this implementation aligns with your money movement map. Depending on the flow of funds within your system, not all balances may need to be pre-funded.This decision should be guided by the specific requirements of your financial system.