keeping track of money

**mmy2grls** · 12-03-2008, 01:57 PM

I have 2 debit cards that I have various money put onto. I can keep track online but writing stuff on paper everytime I spend when i'm out is inconvenient and I always lose my piece of paper. There has to be a way to keep track of debit card usage.

**vigilant20** · 12-03-2008, 02:09 PM

When I used the debit card from my last bank I didn't bother, because debits showed up in online banking within a couple minutes. Those were the days. My new bank shows them in 2 days, so I just live with the delay. I know myself better than to think I'll ask for or keep receipts for everything.

**Greebo** · 12-03-2008, 02:10 PM

That is what we do as well. We wait for it to show up on the online report, and then I put the data into Quicken from there.

**LynnLC** · 12-03-2008, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Greebo

That is what we do as well. We wait for it to show up on the online report, and then I put the data into Quicken from there.

This is also what I do.

**Izzy0906** · 12-03-2008, 02:20 PM

I keep a notebook (full sized) instead of a check book. I keep it at work (not too sure WHY). When I use my card, I enter the purchase in the notepad section of my phone (know I won't be losing my phone). I do this all weekend and on Mondays, enter the info in my notebook. I rarely use my card at night during the week but if I do, I just again enter in my notepad on my cell phone and then enter in my book at work the next day. I don't worry about putting it right in since I'm on a budget and know how much money I have for what.

**mmy2grls** · 12-03-2008, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Izzy0906

I keep a notebook (full sized) instead of a check book. I keep it at work (not too sure WHY). When I use my card, I enter the purchase in the notepad section of my phone (know I won't be losing my phone). I do this all weekend and on Mondays, enter the info in my notebook. I rarely use my card at night during the week but if I do, I just again enter in my notepad on my cell phone and then enter in my book at work the next day. I don't worry about putting it right in since I'm on a budget and know how much money I have for what.

I think this can work for me using a mini notebook.

**kittykatstrong** · 12-03-2008, 02:34 PM

I just keep track online. I know myself better then to write them down.

**vigilant20** · 12-03-2008, 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by mmy2grls

I think this can work for me using a mini notebook.

It might be worth stopping by the bank for some freebies then. One of mine (M&I) started providing tiny debit card registers.

**Denvergirlie** · 12-03-2008, 07:19 PM

When I buy something with my debt card when I put the card back in my walled I also put the receipt from the purchase in my wallet. Then when I get home I put those enteries into my checkbook, easy peasy.

I never carry my checkbook and honestly usually input purchases every few days into my checkbook.

**zakity** · 12-04-2008, 12:37 PM

I have a spreadsheet on my computer where I record all our purchases. The reciepts all go in my purse and when I get home that evening from running errands, I record them. I usually tally up what I will be buying so I have a good idea on where we are with our budget before I go.

**ladytoysdream** · 12-04-2008, 01:20 PM

We have a debit/credit card which is attached to our checking account. I carry the regular check ledger and checks with me in my purse. When I use the card, I use it as a credit card, so as not to get a processing charge on my statement.
So whether I write a check or use the card, I write it down right away in the ledger. So I have a running total of my balance at all times with me.