I’d get insanely upset at myself for forgetting to pay two credit card bills that were due two days ago. Now it’s late and I’ve racked up $90 in late fees plus interest. Whoops! There goes 3 cans of Costco sized formula.
Then I realize I forgot to move my car off the street and onto the driveway last night. It was Street Cleaning Thursday. The ticket was $45. That’s 4 bags of diapers. Sigh.
If you can relate to that story, then you can understand when I say: “It’s really the baby’s fault! I’m usually pretty good about that stuff!”
It’s frustrating to just “give” the bank that kind of money, isn’t it? A few months ago, I realized that a bit of organization really can put a few extra bucks in my purse! Here are a few simple suggestions to help manage your monthly bills:
- Use Microsoft Outlook. You can avoid late fees and accrued interest by setting monthly reminders in your Outlook.
- Many cell phones have a built in calendar with reminders. You’ve already paid for the phone and you’re already paying the monthlies so why not give your cell phones another function?
- If you’re like me and are more old fashioned, then you probably prefer to write down dates. In this case, buy yourself a day timer. Costco has great starter kits.
- Set up automatic payments from your bank account so that you don’t miss a payment. Just make sure you have enough money in your bank account so you’re not paying overdraft fees.
- See if the billing company has an email reminder option. They can send you an email a few days before the bill is due. This is usually a free service so use it to your advantage.
The catch to any of these suggestions is that you must use them. There is no point in setting up dates in Outlook if you don’t use your computer often.
Pick one way to keep track of your bills and stick to it. Just remember the 3 cans of formula or the 4 bags of diapers that you “gave” the bank just because you are not organized enough to pay your bills on time.
The truth of the matter is, it really is your fault
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