also typically includes some sort of communications card or device 280 e g a modem or a network adapter for exchanging data with a network 290 through a communications link 295 e g a telephone line a wireless network link or a cable network other examples of system 200 include a workstation a server a device a component other equipment or some combination of these elements capable of responding to and executing instructions in a defined manner fig3 a illustrates information 300 typically downloaded from the financial institution and personalized transaction identification information 305 that a consumer may elect to enter and maintain on a host that is physically or logically distinct from the financial institution the information 300 includes for example the check number a generic description of the check and the amount of the check the personalized transaction identification information 305 includes for example the check number the amount of the check and a specific description of the transaction this personalized transaction identification information may be maintained locally or at a third party storage facility accessible by the host the personalized transaction identification information may be used to supplement the details of a particular transaction for instance personalized transaction identification information specifying the items purchased in a particular transaction can assist in record keeping such as for example annual tax preparation budgeting and monitoring of expenses other possible uses of personalized transaction identification information include verifying or monitoring account balances when a running balance is provided or obtaining a.