by S.Stillwell

Created on: February 14, 2009

It's easy to overlook bills and bill due dates if you don't have a system in place to keep yourself organized and up to date. This simple bill paying system is an easy way to make sure you pay all of your bills on time in four easy steps.

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. This can include seasonal bills, such as snowplowing or lawn care.

Your bill paying chart is now complete!

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

You'll want to put your bills and chart 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. If you are SURE you'll remember it, you can keep your chart as a spreadsheet on your computer, but I recommend a printed version as a visual reminder to pay your 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 Four: Pay Your Bills Once a Week 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. Anyone, regardless of age or occupation, will be able to put this simple plan into effect and never pay a bill late again.

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