- 1). Find a small envelope and keep that envelope with you, either in a pants pocket or in your purse. Keep this envelope with you whenever you shop and use it to collect credit card receipts. Transfer the receipts to a larger envelope when you return home.
- 2). Enter each credit card receipt into a spreadsheet program, or write it on a piece of tablet paper. Be sure to include the name of the merchant, the amount of the purchase and the date of the transaction. Keep a running tab on the total amount you've spent each month using each one of your credit cards, and the total you've spent using all your credit cards
- 3). Wait for your credit card statements to come in the mail, then mark off each transaction listed on the bills. Compare the amounts, dates and merchant names with the information recorded on your tracking spreadsheet or tablet. If you spot any unauthorized purchases notify the credit card issuer immediately. Pay off credit card balances each month, if possible, to avoid high credit card interest rates.
- 4). Continue to monitor your spending each month to track how you are doing. After a few months you should get a feel for your normal spending patterns, and this will help you budget more effectively.
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