There are two different methods I use because I pay some bills with a check and others using my credit card. If paying with a check, when the bill comes in the mail, immediately upon opening it I write a check and get the envelope ready. On the inside of the envelope flap, I write the date it is to be mailed (allowing about 3-4 days mailing time) and put the stamp on the envelope. I place this envelope a plastic mail holder that has 31 different slots; one day for each day of the month (example: #25 for the 25th of the month).
When that day arrives, I know to mail that envelope, so seal it and mail it. I don't mail until then because I don't want the funds drawn out of my account until necessary, allowing me to draw interest on that money, not the company collecting my check.
If it is a credit card I am paying the bill with, I simply put that bill in the slot on the day I am to call and pay that bill. When the call is completed, I make a note on the bill of the day it was paid, the amount, and confirmation number along with the persons name that took payment. I then file the paperwork knowing it has been paid and it's out of my way! Works for me!
Source: Learned from lady I used to work for.
By Kathleen from Ft. Collins, CO
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Monthly bills are scheduled to for direct payment from my bank account, as are house insurance, car insurance, etc. Other bills are ppaid via credit card/bank over the phone. I rarelly use a stamp.
I find it easier to pay bills online. I am not crazy about using my bank's bill pay option. I prefer going to the individual website (utility company, credit card company, insurance co., Kohl's) and pay the bill with my checking account info. You have the option of a one-time payment or you can sign up for automatic payments, whichever you prefer. Cable, Verizon and insurance will accept credit cards online as well.
This eliminates the problem of checks getting lost in the mail or not being credited in time, and saves postage.
I love my bank's bill pay option. The only bill I write a check for is the water bill. The office where I pay this bill is just a block from my house so I can drop that payment off anytime.
When I receive my other bills, I log into the bank's web site, enter the amount I'm paying and choose the date I want it to be paid and I'm done. I never have to think about it again.
I've been doing this for almost 4 years and will never go back to writing checks again.
Microsoft Outlook Calendar reminders work best for me, as I have only one bill automatically paid at this point. I have one other set up so all I have to do is call with my account number, since they have my debit card on file.
I pay my bills (on-line) when they are due not ahead of time. Why should I allow the electric company to collect interest on my money when I could be doing that for another 2 weeks.
I pay some of my bills using my credit union bill pay option. I also discovered a site which pays several monthly bills. They have a list on their home page and will notify you when you have a bill coming due. It is called mycheckfree.com The only check we mail is our HOA fee.
Paying on-line. Rather than paying bills through the bank which charges you for the service, go to the actual website of your provider, such as your credit card co., or electric co. and pay there. They take your payment for free.
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