by Alden Smith
One of my most favorite things to do is keep things simple. I learned that from my Grandpa Jack, who was a master of simplicity. Because I am more than a little ADHD, it sometimes becomes hard for me to keep track of things in a meaningful and efficient way. Over the years I have developed system after system to remind me to pay my bills on time. Recent research gave me great ideas, and now my problems are solved. Here, we take a look at simplifying bill paying, and insuring that bills are paid on time.
Keep It Simple
A lot of times people depend on sophisticated systems to manage their bills. Complicated software and shuffling accounts around like a deck of cards only leads to inevitable trouble. One thing is for sure – if you rely on memory to pay bills, it won’t get done.
I have a Palm Pilot V, but it is a pain to use, with synching it, creating entries, and the whole mess and bother of an electronic device. Now, I use the Hipster PDA. It consists of a series of 3 X 5 index cards, held together by a binder clip. As each bill comes in, I add the bill to the card, along with amount due and due date. A check box allows me to record that it was paid on time.
To simplify things even further, I got the free D*I*Y Planner 2 Hipster PDA Edition, a series of 34 organizational and planning templates designed for printing onto index cards. Based on David Allen’s book, Getting Things Done, it gives you a choice of different styles, layouts and options. Allen’s book is readily available on Amazon.
The simplicity of this system is this – you carry it in pocket or purse, it goes with you anywhere, and is an invaluable aid for paying bills. Because I am a road warrior, traveling and working through most of the summer, I find this little system invaluable to me. I don’t need to plug it in, find an internet connection, or worry about anything except finding a pen.
For The Home Office
To keep track of things in your home office, nothing beats a large grease board. Mine is hanging in front of my computer, with a calendar superimposed on it. As a bill comes in the mail, it is written on the calendar with the amount due. When it is paid, I check it off. This system, along with my Hipster PDA, works better than anything I have tried. The whole idea is to keep it simple, and keep it in front of you at all times. A quick run through of your Hipster each morning gives you a good overview of what you need to accomplish that day. Bills get paid on time, are recorded and your memory won’t be taxed trying to remember if a bill was paid or not.
Give this system a try – you will be amazed how it simplifies your life.
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