General housekeeping, found a little money

M5M

I took over responsibility for bills a year or so ago, credit cards and all. We have various loyalty accounts from banks, from credit cards, and from traveling, points with American Airlines, Southwest, etc. Over the past year I have combined/closed various accounts. Closed a checking account at a bank we no longer use. Closed an extra credit card that we had. Before closing anything, I made sure all the auto pay bills were covered from the remaining bank.

Along the way, I (thankfully!) remembered we had perks, points, credits on some of the dormant accounts. From a credit card that I ultimately closed, DH had accumulated enough points that I could redeem for $1200 in WalMart gift cards! Those have paid for groceries for months. I redeemed a small amount of Southwest Airlines points for $50 in fast food gift cards. I was able to transfer travel points with another airline to myself, perhaps someday I will be able to travel again. So, review your various accounts and cards and see what $$ you can find, as well as slimming down all the account details overall. Life is one tiny bit neater, and we have enjoyed a little extra resources along the way.