@jerv The ledger-book idea is a good one. I would probably use a debit card more often if the one that I had worked. I use a credit union, and the “debit” card they provide doesn’t work the same as debit cards I’ve had from regular banks. This is fine though because my checking account is (low) interest-bearing, and I get 1% back from cc purchases in the form of a visa gift card, whenever I choose to redeem one. This also means that the amount in my checking account doesn’t change unless I visit the ATM or make an online payment or transfer, and I’m aware of my balance when I do those things. Actually, I don’t even have checks; I pay my massage therapist every month by account transfer so I don’t have to worry about having cash on-hand. :)
@NaturallyMe If there was one thing my father would have wanted for me (besides enjoying life in general), it would be to avoid credit card debt, and he stressed time and time again that you can’t spend what you don’t have, even if you can get something without having the money for it. I agree, it’s a huge problem with a lot of people. Unfortunately, I think the problem is pretty deep-seeded in our culture because many people seem to buy stuff they don’t really need. They buy into marketing and think something will gain them status, popularity, happiness, etc., and although that may be true temporarily, the amount that is paid for it is usually more than the actual value it has.
I apologize for a tangent here, but as an example, someone recently made the statement that when people buy clothes, they don’t really need clothes. Taken as a general statement, this is pretty true, but people like the idea of having new clothes, and wearing a certain style. I’m not opposed to personal expression, but it’s my opinion that many people have a skewed perspective of what is really important, and this affects their ability to manage money. (I’m guilty to a degree as well, but I try to be as conscious as possible.)
@Seaofclouds I also have a cc with a pretty big limit that I don’t use but have in case of an emergency. It sounds like the tool at USAA is similar to Yodlee.