That way if there's a problem later, you'll have proof that you did pay it, and the situation should be resolved much more quickly. Just make sure you write down the confirmation number for each bill you pay online. Not only could it cut down on the clutter in your life, but it may also decrease the amount of time it takes you to pay your bills. Getting rid of paper bills can make a big difference. If one gets lost in your inbox and you forget about it, you could get hit with late fees. If you do sign up for paperless statements, be sure to create a folder in your email program where you can keep all your electronic bills. If you sign up, you'll receive all your bills by e-mail from that point on - no more paper mail to clog up your mailbox. If you do start paying your bills online, some companies may offer a paperless statement option. If you tend to pay all your bills online, keep reading to find out how you can stay organized as well. This will ensure that they get processed on time. Just make sure you know the due dates and mail your bills out at least a week in advance. For others it might be every Tuesday night before primetime television starts. For some people, that schedule might be every day after they check the mail. The basics of keeping your bills organized boil down to keeping them in one place and paying them according to a set schedule. Every day when you receive your mail, sort through it and pay any bills you receive. Once you've organized everything, use a filing system to keep it that way. The fourth and final D stands for due diligence. Get rid of everything you don't need to keep - start with the easy stuff like junk mail and credit card offers. Staple multiple pages of the same bill together so they don't get lost, and if you haven't paid something yet, write a check for it immediately and set it aside to be mailed. Start by dumping all your bills and paperwork out on the floor. On top of that, if you have roommates or a spouse who shares the responsibility of paying bills, things can get even more complicated.Īnother system uses 'The Four Ds.' The first D stands for dump. Your rent or your mortgage payment is likely due on the 1st, but if you have a car payment, it may not be due until the 7th or later. Similarly, the due dates are probably all different. You might get your gas bill around the first of the month and your cable bill a week later. For example, bills don't all come at the same time. In reality, however, it often proves more difficult. In theory, keeping your bills organized seems like an easy task. If you don't have a good system in place for keeping your bills organized and paying them on time, it could cost you a lot of money in late fees.

To make matters worse, bills often get mixed in with your junk mail or lost in the shuffle from your mailbox to the kitchen counter top.

Every time you get one in the mail, it's a reminder of the fact that even after you pay, 30 days later another will come. Paying bills can sometimes feel like fighting a never-ending battle.

How to organize your life and finances