Now that you are all set up for online banking, you need a way to keep track of it all. I have tried several versions of doing this. The simplest method is just checking your monthly statement and balancing your checkbook like always. I was never one for balancing a checkbook, so that method never really worked for me.
The next option I have found is to be OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) about checking your online accounts. I used to do this, but moved on. Not that much will change in your accounts within a day, and not much will probably change day to day. I would advise against this one. That is unless you are really, really board and have nothing better to do.
Another method is to use desktop based software to track everything. Packages such as Quicken and Microsoft Money allow you to download, track, and budget all in one place. This is a great tool and many people would never move away. If this works for you, great. I always found the programs to be a hassle, however. A newer option has emerged online.
A newer, and my favorite, method of tracking your finances is using online account aggregation
software. You can use sites like PageOnce to track your balances in one place. I prefer the more in depth option though. Wesabe offers a desktop based client (for security) attached to a community of savers. Quicken Online offers the name and power of the Quicken family in an online setting (for a fee). Yodlee offers aggregation services to other businesses, such as Bank of America, so they can offer a service as part of online banking. I prefer and use Mint.com.
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