I wouldn't call voltmeter a cheaper alternative to a balancer, but it sure is handy having one around for all kinds of things, esp. when you're dealing with electric cars. It's probably good for other stuff around the house too.
Anyway, just be sure to set the correct mode (measure DC voltage, <20V) and carefully bring (so that you don't short circuit) the test leads to the individual pins on the balance plug on the battery.
Something like this:
