The first thing you will need is some file folders which you will label in the following manner. The first one will be labeled "DUE NOW." I would suggest that you highlight this one in red. The next file should be labeled "30 DAYS." Label the next folder "60 DAYS," the next one "90 DAYS," and the last one "EVERY MONTH." Now you have the entire system which consist of these five file folders. No computers are needed, and batteries are not necessary. Let's see how it works.
First of all, I believe that you should pay bills only twice per month. It does no one any good to get depressed more than twice a month. This system will keep you from handling a bill more than twice a month, once when it arrives and then when you pay it. When a bill comes in now, what do you do besides panic? You throw it on the "pile." That "system" just doesn't work. This is what you are going to do from now on. When that bill arrives, first check to see when it is due. If it's not due for 60 days, put it in the file folder marked "60 DAYS." If the bill is not due for 30 days, and they won't charge you any interest for another 60 days, put it in "90 DAYS." File all your bills when they come in according to when they are due so you won't pay the "wrong bill" at the "wrong time."
At the end of the month pay only the bills in the folder labeled "DUE NOW." When you have emptied the "DUE NOW" file, move all bills forward to the next file, thus the "90 DAYS" bills become the bills in the "60 DAYS" file, and so on. Make sure as new bills come in they are filed in the proper file. If a bill comes in with no interest charge, guess where you file that one? That's right, in "90 DAYS." Bills such as mortgage payments and car payments will go in the file marked "EVERY MONTH."
Never "browse" through your files unless you are glutton for punishment. That's too depressing. You should only look at the "DUE NOW" file when you are ready to pay bills. No peeking allowed.
There are many good systems out there for all of you who have computers. "Quicken" is a program that people swear by. It will not only give you a system with reminders when to pay bills, but it will also keep your checkbook up to date and make the task of balancing it a piece of cake. It has saved many a marriage. "Quick Books" is another program you might want to check out. There are many others that will do the job, but this simple system is for all of you who just want a system that is simple and easy to use.
Sound too simple? Try it -- you might like it. It beats playing "Bill Solitaire."
Your comments and inquiries may be directed to:
Stanley Greenfield, RHU
125 Crofton Hill Lane
Rockville, Maryland 20850
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