Reader Question
Switching to Paying Bills Online
Hi Maria,
I've been paying my bills the old-fashioned way with checks for years, but I'm thinking it's time to make the switch to online payments. However, I still prefer receiving my statements in the mail because I like to make changes gradually and I'm a visual person. Would you give me some advice on how to start paying my bills online? Thank you.
-- Tami in Des Moines, IA
Response from Maria Gracia
Hi Tami,
Great question! Here's a step-by-step plan to help you ease into online bill paying.
1. Start with One Company at a Time: Choose ONE bill to start paying online. This could be a utility bill, phone bill, or any other regular payment. Log in to that company's website and set up your online payment account.
Take your time getting familiar with the process before moving on to the next bill. This can be done over a process of weeks or months for all of your bills. Just take it slow.
2. Check Paper Statement Options: My husband and I like receiving paper statements too and have the ability to do
so with most of our bills. Most companies understand that some customers prefer to receive paper statements and will allow you to continue receiving them even if you pay online.
Look for this option in your account settings or contact their customer service to
ensure you continue to get paper statements.
3. Designate a Bill-Paying Day: Consistency is key to staying organized. Designate one day each week to pay your bills online. Choose a time that works best for you and make it a routine. This helps ensure you never miss a payment and keeps your finances in
order.
You can also opt for automatic payments if you so choose, but if you do this, you'll have to be sure you always have enough in your checking account to pay for those without your account getting overdrawn.
Once a bill is paid, mark
that bill with the amount you paid, the date you paid it, and the confirmation number. Keep track of all of your paid bills in a digitized system like Quicken or a simple paper tracker.
By following these steps, you'll find that paying bills online can be both convenient and quick. Plus, you won't have to buy paper checks very often...an added benefit!
