Points question

[MiknMinMouse]

Now that we're back from this year's trip (and yes it was marvelous as usual, everything, except transport, was up to par . We're working on next year. What is the best way to find out my point situation, I don't keep good track of where I'm at. Will the DVC staff email me what I have left on next year's account?

 

[RobDoc]

A call to MS can answer your account status.

I usually request a written accounting from MS. The lengthy document is a bit confusing at first- as it lists all transactions according to date and by contract (if you have add-ons or additional contracts) and by use year. But is easily understandable once you figure out how to read it.

I don't think they will provide a full accounting by email. If all you want is a quick check, just call. I always ask for my totals with every reservation and then get the written accounting for my records. You can track your points easily on paper (do it like a checkbook) or by using a spreadsheet.

Enjoy!

 

[Dean]

They will mail you a complete accounting but I'm sure they'll be glad to give you the total by email.

 

[MiknMinMouse]

I had started out with the forms that came with my package but after the second vacation lost track . I need to set up a system so I can see at a glance what I'm working with. Thanks for the help )))

 

[Caskbill]

For Points Tracking, there's a nice program out there written by one of our members that will do this. Many use this and find it very useful.

Click here to go to DVC Point Manager download site

For Point <B>Planning</b> purposes, you can use the above program, or also use my <u>Planning Calculator</u> (Requires Excel to run at this time) to quickly compare point requirements for different dates, resorts, room type and views, calculate ressie windows, and print out a plan. This program does not track point usage at this time.

Click here to go to Caskbill's original post and subsequent download link

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc


I usually request a written accounting from MS. The lengthy document is a bit confusing at first- as it lists all transactions according to date and by contract (if you have add-ons or additional contracts) and by use year. But is easily understandable once you figure out how to read it.

Doc....I got a chuckle reading this....just imagining what your accounting statement would look like tracking your 5 or 6 (or more?) contracts on one document!

MiknMinMouse....I use the program Caskbill has the link to and it is easy to use, nicely formatted and will certainly keep track of points for one contract well. It may handle multiple contracts as well, but I only have one (so far ).

Whatever it takes, make sure you track those points. They are money, and you should be using MS to confirm your records. I'm sure they have a great computer tracking system, but so does my bank and I've caught them with a few mistakes over the years!

 

[RobDoc]

just imagining what your accounting statement would look like tracking your 5 or 6 (or more?) contracts on one document!

It's usually about 10-12 pages and does look a bit daunting, but the amount of information in the thing is incredible. It really gets confusing if you have made any changes to a reservation or have used different contracts for different days of a reservation, since every aspect of your contract history is noted.

Ahh, well! It does give one something to read in front of the fireplace on cold winter nights!!

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by WebmasterDoc
Ahh, well! It does give one something to read in front of the fireplace on cold winter nights!!

And you don't have to worry about running out of flammable materials to keep that fire going.

 

[MiknMinMouse]

I've downloaded the program to manage points (don't be surprised if I pop back up and ask how to find it ~ there are times I think I'm computer illiterate). I've decided to call and ask for the accounting to be mailed and from now on do better at keeping track of my points, which I should have been doing all along. My saving grace is that it's only our third year we've used points so I don't have that far back to go. Many thanks for all the help.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by MiknMinMouse
My saving grace is that it's only our third year we've used points so I don't have that far back to go. Many thanks for all the help.

Actually, I don't think you have to go back and reconstruct anything prior to 2000.

The only thing you have to know about the last use year is if you banked points to this use year. Any points unbanked would be in the "use them or lose them" (didn't use them and lost them?) category.

Of course, if you're like me, you want to have a record of all the trips anyway. Like you said, it shouldn't be difficult to reconstruct three years of activity on a single contract.

Good luck!