Bill paying - my method
I never pay bills early - the cash is worth more in my home equity loan, saving me interest which is calculated daily. As bills arrive I attach them to a clipboard next to my desk, in order, with the first one requiring payment on top. For all regular bills such as utilities, on the due date I pay on line or by phone using my credit card, (more cash left in my home equity loan!). Some monthly/quarterly bills such as insurances, subscriptions, union fees, etc. are also paid automatically by direct debit from my credit card - there is no charge for this. Random bills, such as tradesmen, I try to pay cash at the time, asking for a discount for cash of course! If there is no discount for cash I ask them to send me an account. Otherwise these are paid when due by credit card, if possible, or cash - cheques cost money! My credit card is paid monthly, (any charge which is due to accrue interest), by direct debit so I never pay any interest charges. I can't remember the last time I paid a bill by mail - if I had to remember to buy stamps and post a letter they would probably be late all the time! The only thing with this method is you have to remember to look at the clipboard - if you have a calender or diary you use daily a reminder in there would work just as well.
Regards
Jo
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