Me at the grocery line: "Uh, miss...Let me know if I've reached insert certain amount hereok?"

60 items punched later...

Cashier: "Ma'am, it reached the amount already. Should I continue with the rest of the items?"

Me: "Uh, just until that last clove of garlic...and oh, don't include that potato chips anymore."

That is always how my conversation with the cashier goes when paying for my groceries. Usually, the amount is within the range of 2,500.00 to 3,000.00 pesos, that is equivalent to approximately 58 to 69 US dollars depending on the exchange rate that day. When in the supermarket, I usually use credit card instead of cash for the reason that, I could save time tracking my expenses than encoding it on Microsoft Works program.

Every end of the month, I consider myself at the height day of my budgeting – I call it MY MONEY-CUTTING DAY for the following billing statements:

1. Four credit card statements of accounts;
2. Electricity bill;
3. Water bill;
4. Tuition fee, and the list just goes on.

I know some of you hated budgeting because it hurts both your brains and your pocket just by merely thinking about the word itself. But, spare me for that because budgeting is one of my favourite past time. As you can see my profile at wordsandpen.blogspot.com I work in a bank and my job generally involves financial matters which what I love most from my job because I've learned how to divide my expenses according to my financial capability. Well, assuming that all of us have plastic money inserted in our wallet and we need help to manage our credit card wisely - let me give you these useful suggestions:

• Check your monthly statement/s carefully. Always take time to review your statement/s every month carefully. If you notice any discrepancy, report it immediately. Most card companies consider the Statement of Accounts conclusively correct when no error is reported within 30 days from receipt of statement/s.

• Pay on time. By taking note of your due date, the last day for your payment, you could take time to preparing your budget intended for your payment due. On the average, due date is 21 days after your cut-off date. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, pay on the last banking day prior to your due date. Paying on time will allow you to enjoy benefits and privileges in the future as it will maintain your good credit standing.

• Never skip a payment. If you don't have enough money to pay the total outstanding balance, paying the Minimum Amount Due stated on your statement will avoid the penalty charges if you choose to skip a payment. Or, pay the highest amount possible. Otherwise, your outstanding balance will grow so much by compounding the interests charged to you.

• Save your receipts. You can keep track of your spending if you save your receipts. When the statement arrives, compare charges. When paying over the counter compare the amount on the transaction slip versus the amount that you purchased before you sign. Never sign on a blank slip.

• Live within your means. Stick to a budget so that you can keep your spending under control. Make second thoughts when purchasing. If you can't afford it now, chances are you may not afford it in a month when the billing arrives. Watch out for large impulse purchases as it is hard to pay off.

• Use cash as much as possible. Ok, I'm a little inconsistent here. But, using cash will psychologically help you how much money you have. Credit cards are not actual money. They only lend you a plastic card to charge your expenses. IT IS NOT FREE. Set aside money each payday for emergency purposes.

So, that's it! I hope I've helped you in managing credit card. I will post more about managing your budget soon. Happy wise spending!