A Simple Bill Paying System - Pay Bills on Time and Avoid Late Fees

There is little in this world that can make one feel more frustrated than paying a bill late and getting hit with late fees simply because you forgot to pay the bill. I've done it more than once myself, and every time I kick myself and swear I'll never pay a bill late again. I have tried numerous methods to remember to pay bills on time and this is the one that has worked the best for me because it is simple, straightforward, and easy to use.

Step One: Create a Bill Payment Chart

Create a very simple chart with four columns. In the first column, write "Bills", and in the next three columns, write the next 3 months at the top, so your initial chart should look like this at the top (of course, with different months depending upon when you start your chart):

Bills |Oct|Nov|Dec

Notice that the "bills" column is wider than the rest, since you'll be writing the names of your bills in rows beneath the "Bills" heading. Write the names of your bills in the order in which they are due each month. Make Lines going across so there are empty boxes underneath your month headings. You can use graph paper or a spreadsheet program instead of handwriting your bill payment chart if you prefer. Don't forget to include bills that are quarterly and/or sporadic on your chart - just X out the boxes for the months you know payment isn't due.

Your bill paying chart is now complete!

Step Two: Pick a Place for Your Bill Payment Chart and Your Bills

I strongly suggest putting them somewhere where you'll have easy access and visibility so you don't forget to pay your bills. I keep my chart on a sticky note on the table next to my computer, and set my bills beside my computer since I use online bill payment to pay all of my bills.

Step Three: Choose a Day of the Week to Pay Your Bills

The easiest to remember is your pay day, which is what I use. If you are self-employed or otherwise have sporadic pay days, just pick a day of the week and stick with it.

Step 4: Once a Week Pay Your Bills and Check Them Off Your List

It's that simple. Once a bill is paid, check off the box under the month in which you paid it. At the end of the month, if you have any boxes unchecked, investigate why and remedy the situation.

And that's it - simple yet very effective. I've never paid a bill late since creating this simple bill paying system.