With the economy in the state it is in, now is the time to get your finances under control.  Start off with a budget; you can utilize several free online services such as:  www.Quicken.Intuit.com, www.mint.com, www.myspendingplan.com, www.BudgetTracker.com along with several others.  Look at their demo’s to see what works best for you.

Now that your budget is established let’s get your bills organized so you can pay them on time and avoid any late payment fees.

1.   Organize your papers in a binder or start with a filing cabinet. Using the hanging folders, separate all of your bills into a to be paid folder and a paid folder.  When the new bill arrives the next month take out the old bill from the paid file.  If you need the old bill file it, if not shred it.  Use the other hanging folders for insurance, home improvements, medical  etc. and whatever else pertains to your family.

2.   Place bills, statements and other important papers in each designated folder. Only place bills in this folder that have already been paid. Make sure to label the front of the return envelope of the bill with a due date so that you are not late with a payment.

3.   If your bank offers a free online bill paying this will help elevate some of the mail coming into your home.

4.   Balance your checkbook. This is extremely important and should be done on a daily or weekly basis. It’s very easy to lose track of how much money you are spending if you don’t balance your checkbook.

Author Michelle Lehman of Organizing Solutions “Clear the Clutter”

Michelle is a Professional Organizer in the Tulsa area. Her articles have been featured in the Tulsa World, The Oklahoman, Chicago Sun-Times, and The Chicago Post-Tribune.  Michelle appears on Tulsa’s Fox23 News DayBreak giving organizing tips and recommendations.
Photo Credit © Ron Chapple Studios | Dreamstime.com

Tags: budget, organizing, organizing finances, paperless