Paying your bills on time is one of the most important steps you can take to get your financial house in order. Not only does it help you avoid late fees, but it also helps boost your credit score and reduce debt.
It may sound daunting, but creating a system for paying your bills is easier than you think. Follow these tips to create a system that makes it easy to pay your bills on time and avoid the stress of late payments. A bankruptcy lawyer in Harrisburg, PA will tell you that paying your bills, avoiding late fees, and avoiding getting out of debt will be the first steps in having a start to financial freedom.
1.Avoid Late Fees
Paying your bills on time is one of the most important things you can do for your finances. It can help you avoid debt, boost your credit score and even save money on unexpected fees.
Those late fees can add up quickly, especially if you miss multiple payments in a row. And even if you don’t, they still hurt your credit and can make it harder to manage your spending and get out of debt.
But if you have a history of paying your bills on time, it may be possible to avoid late fees by calling your card issuer and asking for them to waive them. And WalletHub found that nearly nine out of 10 people who tried this strategy were successful.
You can also set up automated payment options, such as autopay, where you can make the minimum due or your total statement balance each month. You can even customize the payments, so they automatically come out of your bank account or the card issuer’s account.
2.Avoid Getting into Debt
Keeping your bills in order is one of the best ways to avoid getting into debt. Not only will you avoid late fees, but you’ll also help your credit score by keeping your balances low and paying them off in full each month.
Creating a budget is a great way to get control of your finances. It can also help you see where you can cut back or save more money.
It’s a good idea to make a list of all of your bills, including utility and credit card payments as well as any loans you have. Using a spreadsheet or app can help you keep track of them and avoid missing a payment.
Then, make sure to pay off the highest priority debts first – such as your rent or mortgage, council tax, and utility bills. These are the debts that will have the greatest impact on your financial stability if you miss a payment.
3.Boost Your Credit Score
Paying your bills on time is one of the most important things you can do to improve your credit score. Not only does it help build a strong credit history, but it also helps you save money.
Typically, your car payments, mortgages and credit cards count toward your credit score. But other billers, such as phone companies and utilities, may report payment histories too, especially if you’re late or miss multiple payments.
It’s also best to avoid opening new credit accounts too frequently, because this could negatively affect your credit score. This is especially true if you’re trying to get a mortgage or loan.
Using credit responsibly can help you open doors for financial and professional success in the future. But it can take time to see a positive change in your credit score.
4.Avoid a Spending Hangover
Keeping your budget in check during the holiday season can be tough, particularly if you find yourself dealing with higher than expected prices on necessities like food and gas. Paying your bills on time can keep you from paying hefty late fees, save you money in the long run and help you get back on track if you fall behind in the spending department.
It’s not uncommon for people to overspend during the holidays, whether it’s buying a few extra gifts for themselves or just splurging on things they may not have otherwise considered. A spending hangover isn’t something anyone wants to experience and can be a real downer on your finances. Luckily, there are a few savvy tips that can make the experience a little less stressful. It’s also a good idea to do a little research to find out what you are really supposed to spend your hard earned cash on. The more informed you are, the better off you will be.
