Reply #30: I'm probably OCD about our cards

[Pithy]

We went from horrible credit to stellar credit in just under 2 years. I've worked my ass off and had the patience of Job as we slowly repaired the mistakes and rebuilt with new credit.

I check balances online every morning with my coffee. I have a spreadsheet that shows all our cards, what the balances and interest rates are, and when payments are due. I usually pay each card at least a week before the due date. I always pay at least 2 times the minimum on the cards I haven't yet paid in full. Several cards have pulled the due date switching on me, but since I check them all every day and pay so far in advance, I've always caught them in time.

The paper statements go in my filing system for future reference - I never rely on them or on the US Mail to keep track of amounts owed or to make sure payments get there on time. All our credit card companies provide the means to pay online - some credit your payment that day, and others need a 2-day lead time. I learned all this in my credit repair process and no longer worry about any of these issues, thanks to my handy spreadsheet and my anal-retentive obsession. You have to stay a step or two ahead of the credit card companies or they will getcha. Been there, done that and never want to experience it again. Hence the OCD about credit issues and my daily vigilance.