We all have that list. The seemingly endless tally of things that need to get done. Whether at home, at work, or in our community, we have tasks to complete, errands to run, and jobs to do. These five steps can simplify your money chores and make your life just a bit easier.
- Automate What You Can
Most monthly bills can be set up to be paid automatically via credit card. Eliminating the multiple steps of collecting the bills, writing the checks, and posting the payments in the mail, will save you time (and money, since you won’t need postage). You should still review the statements you get to make sure you know what you are spending and to ensure there are no mistakes.
- Pay Online
Set up your bank account for online access and the capacity to make payments via bank transfer. This will allow you to make one-time or even semi-regular payments to service providers without leaving your home.
- Scan What You Can
Digitalizing paperwork and storing it virtually (in the cloud, in your personal emails, or any other system you establish) is a game changer. Less paper means you won’t have to muddle through reams of documents when trying to locate something; it will all be at your fingertips. With less paper bills around, your home and/or office will be less cluttered.
- Consolidate Investments
By keeping most, or all, of your money with one or two institutions, you will have an easier time keeping the information straight.
- Keep Emotions in Check
Unplanned expenses, higher-than-usual bills, or complicated financial realities (i.e. divorce proceedings, unemployment, bad investments, etc.) can make dealing with money emotionally draining. Remember to stay calm and financially responsible. Avoid making decisions based on how you feel. Be guided by the practicality of getting things done and take pride in checking things off your to-do list(s).
Life has enough stressors in it. Anywhere that you can eliminate the stress and take charge of your day is a step in the right direction towards a stress-free, or at least less stressful, life. If you’re a busy mom, a divorcee, a working woman or all of the above, it’s time to consolidate and organize when and where you can.
- Automate What You Can
Most monthly bills can be set up to be paid automatically via credit card. Eliminating the multiple steps of collecting the bills, writing the checks, and posting the payments in the mail, will save you time (and money, since you won’t need postage). You should still review the statements you get to make sure you know what you are spending and to ensure there are no mistakes.