15/06/2026
Debit or credit?😕
Many years ago, when I had more hair and a lot more energy, I attended evening classes at the local college. I was doing my first accounting qualification.
After a few weeks, we started learning about debits and credits. It made NO sense to me whatsoever. I was frustrated. I wanted to make a career in finance, but I couldn't understand basic debits and credits 😥 I was so disappointed in myself.
However, a few things helped to make them 'click'. Now, they are second nature to me. They are easy.
1️⃣ PEARLS. Learn the PEARLS acronym. This is Purchases, Expenses, Assets, Revenue, Liabilities, and Sales.
PEA = debit entries
RLS = credit entries
2️⃣ Let go of money in and money out. Apart from bank asset accounts, debit is not money in, and credit is not money out. This is not how double-entry works. Debits do not increase an account balance, and credits do not decrease an account balance.
3️⃣ Focus on the bank account. Many transactions will involve the bank account. Either payments in (receipts) or payments out. As mentioned, a debit is money going into the bank account, and a credit is money going out. Ask yourself, 'Does this transaction increase or decrease the bank account balance?' Answering this allows you to determine one side of the double-entry. Once you know one side, the other side is much easier.
4️⃣ Practice. I hate suggesting practice, and it sounds so obvious and dismissive. However, that is how we learn. The more you practice, the better you'll get.
Learn more: https://youtu.be/Fm9BECuNbkw
Ultimate Bookkeeping: https://bit.ly/44QgClw