Use a money management program like Quicken or Microsoft Money to handle your personal accounting. Many financial institutions allow you to download your banking and credit card statements directly into your program so you avoid rekeying. If you haven t tackled a software program, many banks offer services that allow you to code your checks to help you keep track of your budget. Look into First Union s CAP account for more information on this type of account. If you re comfortable with the Internet try online banking.
Many banks now offer a wide selection of services over the Internet.
Most services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although it requires some up-front time invested, paying bills online ultimately saves you time and money on stamps, checks and late fees. Learn more about Online Services. If the Internet isn t for you try bill paying by telephone. Sign up for automatic withdrawal payments for repeat bills like mortgages, utilities, and tuition payments.