Thank you, @simplynoir ! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I kind of knew I was making it more complicated than it needed to be! 
As we have been digging (clawing!?)our way back to "normal", we have been extra on top of things - much more than I needed to be. I have been having dreams about paying credit card bills on time...it's getting out of hand! I found some banking/credit agency errors along the way, which only reinfoced my brain to keep checking and obsessing. So, thank you! I needed to hear that it was ok to just "pay as normal" ! I just didn't want to miss any thing that might mess us up in the future - I'm anxious of messing up again. We have a bit of credit jenga going on with the cards, payments and trying to ensure utilization is low (less than 4% is my personal goal). I could pay it all but also taking advantage of the 0% financing promotion so we can juggle our sweet doggo's chemo treatments. The new goal for this month will be to get up and running with the cards, figure out how to optimize the cash back/rewards and pay them off, regardless of whether I do it in multiple or just once. That seems much easier...
Again, thank you! I hate the idea of a big chunk of money coming out, smaller dips into the bank account are easier to swallow!
@JM761 wrote:Thank you, @simplynoir ! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I kind of knew I was making it more complicated than it needed to be!
Again, thank you! I hate the idea of a big chunk of money coming out, smaller dips into the bank account are easier to swallow!
@JM761, we have a saying around here when one starts to obsess with their scores and how their use of cards will impact the bureaus and so forth:
"Finances before FICOs"
Essentially, one needs to protect their financial assets first before even considering how scores, credit bureaus, etc come into play. The only real time someone should actually concern themselves with their credit scores is during loan applications for a home, vehicle, personal loan, etc since that will impact their rates. Otherwise, a person's priority should be finances first and then they should be how to handle their financial products which in this case is credit cards and getting the maximum return while paying minimal/no interest as well
I would continue making payments on the promo offer on your Care Credit (hope doggy is okay!) and make no rush to pay it off but make sure it is paid off before the promo ends to avoid any issues there. If need be consider applying for a credit card with a balance transfer offer so you can continue making manageable payments. Your other cards can be paid in a timely manner that takes your cash flow into account. Listen, while it is not advantegous if you're unable to pay a card entirely (assuming no BT offers or cards) off it's okay to let the balance carry and take a little interest on the balance. It's great if you can pay it off completely but if it's not feasible at the time the payment is due pay what you can but just make sure you don't let it go past due. Perhaps pay 2x-3x the minimum that way you show the bank you're making payments and not just trying to squeak by persay. Utilization can be improved over time if need be so that way you two can settle and get back on your feet
@JoeRockhead wrote:Whole heartedly agree with Simplynoir above, don't over complicate it, but do what makes you feel more comfortable and enables you to sleep better at night. The only time I've made multiple payments to an account was if it started approaching 90% of the SL. I would pay it down to around 40%, spend a little more, then PIF before the statement closing date. I've read where AMEX likes it if you PIF (rather than leaving a bal) and I've yet to figure out Ms Disco... I did however get the apparently elusive auto CLI from SoFI, so I must have been doing something right.
Thanks, @JoeRockhead ! It helps to get advice from those who are familiar with the process. I will try my best not to over complicate things!
I'm planning on PIF for both cards - esp b/c I'm trying to do AZEO. The carecredit card will be my "one". I like the idea of paying in one lump sum, as you do. I am sure I'll be more comfortable with it as time goes on and our bank account fills up a bit (it's been a few rough months, esp with oil and electric going up..don't get me started!) We have enough to pay the bills and don't overspend but I also hate the idea of watching my account balance take a nosedive (even though the money is earmarked for the CC). The multiple payments are all a game to make me feel more secure and prepared for whatever comes next!
I appreciate the help...including the info on Disco. It seems she's a bit all over the place and no real rhyme/reason. That gives makes me feel better about making multiple payments.
Also, congrats on the SoFi CLI!! Not sure what you did but keep doing it For my husband's card, it was 2 months of 60%+ utilization that triggered it. I wish they just told us so we didn't have to keep guessing!