There is another valuable skill, closely related to typing, that most people neglect to learn. Operating a ten-key calculator. Learning to use a ten-key calculator is not a skill that occurs to people that they should learn. If you consider the time you spend balancing your checkbook, preparing your spending plans, preparing net worth statements, and preparing other financial records, I think you will see that developing the skills to use a ten-key calculator is a valuable investment of your time.

However, just as there is a difference between “touch typing” and “hunt and peck” typing, there is a difference between poking the ten-key calculator one number at a time and using it like typing on a keyboard.

Used correctly, the fingers are placed over the pad with the middle finger over the number 5. The three middle fingers work each of the three main columns of three numbers and the little finger hits the enter key. Once you learn how type quickly with a 10-key calculator, you will start saving an immense amount of time on all your bookkeeping, tax work, and auditing. You will be able to enter numbers as quickly as you enter letters when typing.

To hone in your skills, keep a regular 10 key calculator or a 10 key keypad on your desk. Use your 10 key whenever you are balancing numbers, doing financial audits, or doing accounting work. Regularly use the 10 key rather number for other purposes in order to keep yourself sharp and more productive. Like any skill, it takes time and effort to learn, but the reward is well worth it.