Tips I use to avoid over draft fees.

Move to a cash system for miscellaneous purchases. I keep an excel and a paper register. However, I sometimes forget small purchases here or there. Switching to this new system is less work in recording all my transactions. This past weekend's trip to PA was cash only.

Keep a larger buffer in my checking account. Under my old system my checking account would sometimes go down to a few cents between paydays. This was rather stressful and time consuming to keep track of. The buffer is now approximately $50 depending on what's going on.

Being more organized and keep better records. Last year while on vacation I was charged a NSF fee. Why? I wasn't organized enough. Plain and simple. I now keep better records and make sure everything is in the register.

Updates

The kids and I are on a two day trip to Pennsylvania. Cash is king this weekend. It took money out the atm before leaving NYC. Once that money is over, it's a wrap.

Went to Walmart last night and spend $100. I have no clue what I bought.

I finally received my tax refund. I was able to pay off my car and one other bill. I also opened a CD. This has given me a lot of relief.

After an escrow analysis my mortgage went down by $1.25. Any drop in my fixed overhead is appreciated.

I've done most of my school shopping for the girls. Target had a great sale on school supplies. I still have a few more things to get. This year is way better than last.