How to Save Money and Time While Paying Your Bills

Paying bills is everyone least favorite time to the week or month. For some its time consuming trying to find time to sit down, write the checks, and balance the check book. Others just hate the hassle of trying to remember what bills are due, and when they have to be paid by. Most people could probably come up with a reason why they hate paying their bills, but here are a few tips that will save you time and possibly some money when your paying your bills.

1) Go paperless. Did you know that most companies offer you the opportunity to pay your bills online or via direct pay? Did you also know that a lot of companies tag on a processing fee when the have to mail you a bill? If you didn’t know this, then you might look into one of these two options. Direct pay is where you allow a company to take the payment directly out of your checking account at the same time every month. They won’t usually send you an invoice, but you can usually keep up with it online or by calling to check in with them periodically. Companies sometimes offer the opportunity for you to receive your bills through email, and that will allow you to make your payments online. Most of the companies you do business with will offer secures websites, which make it perfectly safe to pay your bills online.

2) Consider paying your bills by phone. This will still allow you to receive a paper statement if you like being billed that way, but it will save you the hassle of writing out checks and allow your payments to post quicker. It also offers the convenience of letting you make your payments on the day its due, instead of mailing it days in advance to make sure it gets there on time.

3) Pay your bills in person. If some of your bills come from a local company consider dropping the check off in person instead of mailing it. This will ensure that it gets there on time, and may even give you the convenience of actually getting a receipt for your payment. This is a great idea for home loan or car loan payments to your local bank.

4) If you prefer writing checks, you can try to combine as many bills as you can. For instance, if your water and electric bill come from the same company you could consider writing just one check for the total amount, but be sure to specify both account numbers on the check. You can also mail both of them in the same envelope, but be sure to include both tear off portions of both invoices. This is another way to signal them to apply the amount to both accounts. This will save you money on checks, stamps, and it will also save you some time.

5) Consider investing in a Quickbooks program. If you hate balancing your checkbook, why not invest in a Quickbooks program to do it for you! These programs aren’t just for small businesses; they are also great for personal finances. If you want the program can even print checks for you. Quickbooks is a great way to keep your finances on track and save you time and maybe even some money, since it will eliminate checkbook errors.

A lot of people who do their bills don’t even realize these options are out there, even though everyone is always looking for a way to save themselves time and money. As with anything, the best way to save time and money is by taking the initiative to do so and possibly by applying some of these tips to your lifestyle. You will truly be amazed at the difference it will make.