Paying your bills on time is a very important part of independent living.
If you routinely pay bills late or do not pay the full amount, you will have to pay a penalty, and your credit score will be impacted.
Bills today come in one of two ways: email or mail. Sometimes, you will get an email and a bill in the mail. If you get an email, it means you have an account with the company and can pay the bill online with a debit or credit card.If the bill comes in the mail, it means you need to write a check to the bill company.
All bills include a "Payment Due By" date. This is the date you must pay the bill by before it is considered late.
Once you get a bill, you should:
1) Look at your checking account balance. Do you have enough money to pay your bill?
Sample checkbook and checks.
2) Pay it right away if you have the money. IF NOT...
- Put the bill in a place where you put all your unpaid bills. If you do this, it is because you are waiting for your payday.
3) Balance your checkbook
Worksheet: Practice paying your bills.
If you don't have "bills" from your Independent Living class (rent, cell phone, cable, etc.) then look at this sample budget and write a check for anything that would be considered a bill.
