Bill Clutter —
Could Be Time to Ax It

Got some bill clutter you're sick of looking at? Then maybe you've come to the right place. Because we don't like that stuff either.

So here's a suggestion: whatever your feelings about your bills—positive or negative—you’re almost always better off if you take an organized approach to the whole operation. As opposed to the widely employed avoidance method. Here's an easy way to go with that.

A special folder, box, or drawer will keep these hombres well out of the way until you’re ready to deal with them.

Hands-down, that beats tossing your bills (unopened) onto the closest surface and then maybe forgetting or even garbaging them by mistake. It also beats putting them in a spot where everybody piles papers and magazines, jackets, or wet swimsuits. Besides contributing to general clutter, the burial method ranks high as a late-fee generator.

So, if you’re not doing it already, start putting your bills in a specific place. That way, nobody gets overlooked or lost, and you get to avoid The Fees. Simple, yet effective, and a great operational model. Out of sight does Not have to mean out of mind.

The Tickler
If you’re afraid that out of sight really does mean out of mind for you, try this. During the month, sort your recurring bills as they come in; group them according to whether they fall due during the first or second half. Then make a tickler sheet that lists due dates and amounts, including auto-drafts (a great way to ace late fees, by the way.) That way you can tell at a glance what’s due and what can wait.

Even without a list, though, if you pay your bills at least twice a month, you can probably accommodate their various due dates. But the list shows you in black and white where your money goes, which can be a sobering and occasionally shocking exercise. Click on the link to download a sample tickler. (Say good-bye to bill clutter.)

You might also consider paying certain bills through auto-drafts drawn on your bank. Upside: bills get paid on time and with no effort from you. Also, they're not kicking around in your home. Possible downside: your balance needs to stay high enough to cover the drafts.

So, if you shave the margin now and then, such an arrangement might create more problems than it solves. Handy when it works, though. And it can sure keep your premises looking neater.

Bottom line? It’s a lot easier than you may think to get bill clutter out of your life. And just keeping those bills in a designated spot is an excellent first step, possibly all you’ll really need. If you want to add a safeguard, create your tickler. End result: bill clutter gone; you feeling better about your environment. Win-win all the way.