I recently received a replacement card for a lost debit card. This morning, I spent a few minutes, logging into my various online accounts, and updating my debit card information.
I have all of my online accounts listed in a ‘bookmarks’ folder. Using my browser (Firefox), I can open all of the accounts at once, each account in a separate tab. Within ten minutes, I was able access all of my accounts, change the debit card information, check for any irregularities, and log out.
I also use this ‘tabbed’ system when paying bills. I open all of the accounts, check the balances, login to my online checking account, and make payments. In less than five minutes, I can view and pay all of my online bills.
I also have folder for all of my investment accounts. I can open them all at one time, each in its own tab, and in less than five minutes, I can view all of my balances.
This super-simple system allows me to view a ‘snapshot’ of all of my accounts, in less than 15 minutes, at any time.
What about you? How do keep track of all of your accounts? Do you use money-management software? A website? Pen and paper?
I got rid of all accounts, 1 credit card, 1 local bank, 1 online bank and 2 investment accounts at differnt companies….
too many accounts cause too many problems
Great idea! For me, I have Bank of America and they offer this ‘My Portfolio’ option. I have everything set up in one place and it even does my net worth calculations for me!
Great idea! For me, I have Bank of America and they offer this ‘My Portfolio’ option. I have everything set up in one place and it even does my net worth calculations for me! Did I mention it’s free?
That’s genius. Not sure why I never thought of doing this. Setting it up right now!
Great idea! Thanks so much… I really need help on this.
First I cut down my number of accounts to minimum: 1 checking, 3 credit cards, 1 brokerage account. Then I use Microsoft Money. Two clicks download them all.
I just have everything bookmarked under a financial folder and then further categorized by banking, investment, utilities and credit cards. It’s not that complicated but I can streamline it a bit.
Yodlee.com its what I use and its what most banks use like BofA.
Its nice to have all your accounts showing on one screen.
Coincidentally, I use a system very close to yours. I open my budget spreadsheet (in Excel) and my accounts (in Firefox) using the different tab feature as well. I only have a few accounts so it doesn’t take me long. I make sure everything is how it should be, update my budget and log out for the evening.
I really like what Mint.com has done so far – Ive been using it and it does a pretty great job of keeping track of everything.
Microsoft Money. I’m sure Quicken or any other software tool is just as good, but I personally prefer Money. Any time I shop, go thru the drive-thru, ATM machine, really anything, I ALWAYS GET THE RECIEPT. I put the reciept in my pocket. When I get home, I drop all of the reciepts on my desk next to my computer. On Sundays and Tuesdays (I get off work early on Tuesdays), I sit down and plug in everything off the reciepts into Money (with the respective caegories). After doing so, I log on to my banking website and mark the items that have posted/cleared. Now, I have a snapshot of all my accounts and up to date balances (not having to worry if I forgot about a transaction that hasn’t posted yet that affects my available balance). If there is anything fishy going on, I know right away.