@800ficogirl wrote:
Hi,
I currently have 6 active credit cards, 3 with zero balances, 2 at under 2%, and 1 at 50% for a combined utilization of 9%... and total spending power of $10,000. I'm finding it increasingly hard to keep up with due dates, when I last used a credit card, and remembering log- in information for 6 credit card payment websites. I don't want to chance a credit card closing due to being inactive, or worst a Late Payment due to not remembering... is there a simpler way of managing my many credit cards? I hope to one day have 10 but at this rate I'm not sure.., I heard of the man who had 1,497 credit cards, he had to have a system or excel formula to help manage all of those... this leave me to ask,.. is there an App for that?
I use an app/website call manilla where you can get reminders and check how much is due and will keep track of due dates for you as well. It will work with both loans and credit cards. There also an mobile app for your smartphone/tablet.
Most cc website give you the cabability to send you reminders to your email (or better yet your phone). Reminders for due date, when new charges are added, when payments are processed, balance updates, etc. You can also set up your bank accounts to set up monthly payment and to process automatic payments on your debts so that you never miss paying at least the minimum. We live in an electronic age... let the computers do the hard work! Heck, that's why we invented them isn't it?
5 or 6 months of non-use? - I doubt very much that any CCC would close your account. I suspect that period is more likely to be 1.5-2 years of non-use but depends on the particular ccc policy. I normally spend a bit on every card at least every 4 months, just to let them know I'm interested in using them!
I just picked two dates, 1st and the 15th of each month and go through all 10 of my accounts. If anything has a minimum payment other than $0 I make a payment.
It's simple and effectively impossible for me to screw up as long as I hold to checking every account twice a month, and I've been all sorts of awkward managing my accounts with how absurd my employment has been for the last few months until drawing a line in the sand and implementing this. The other options vis a vis tracking via spreadsheet and otherwise didn't work well for me, though my USAA account can see all my balances other than the Walmart account for a quick glance at least and there's a bunch of services similar to that (Mint, think DCU now, many banks, etc).
Another option for trying to manage things at any rate.
Technology definitely has some advantages: if a lender doesn't have an online payment system, I simply don't do business with them.