How to Organize Your Bills, for Those That Hate Filing

So if you're like me you desk can look like this from time to time.

And if you're like me the thought of sorting all those bills by type and filing them one by one is too much to bear. Well that is where I'm gonna help you out. Maybe even make your day, who knows. This plan came from my preferred method of filling, which is to just shove things somewhere. Out of site, out of mind right? Well for a while I guess, but eventually if your measly little Internet bill is out of site for too long you will most likely have no Internet connection and a not so measly Internet bill to get it turned back on.

First up let's talk about supplies. I know, who wants to spend money on things to organize your bills? No one, but you only have to do this once, I promise.

Supplies:

• 12 folders (I got fancy ones, looking at finances suck so you might as well enjoy something)
• 2 Hole Fasteners (think doctors office, like this)
• A 2 Hole Punch
• A Hanging File Box (I used this one)
• Hanging Files (if your box doesn't come with them)

First we're going to set up our 12 folders. "But I have seventy million different bills I pay each month!" you say? That's fine, you still only need 12. Can you guess why? Because we're going to shove all your bills for each month into the same folder. Mind blown? I thought so. Now take your 2 hole punch and adjust the little slidy guide like this (8 3/4) so you can punch both sides of your folders and never move it again.

Then you'll want to put the fasteners in those perfectly spaced holes. Both sides please.

That was easy right! Now for the laborious part. Inside my folder I like to keep all the bills on the right side, and a little worksheet to keep track of them on the left. And since you and I have different lives (aka bills) I'm not going to make one for you. Infact I usually tweak it every year as things come and go in our lives. What I will do is tell you how I make mine, in hopes that you can make your own. So first thing first, go grab that ginormous pile of bills you've been avoiding from your desk, and if you've got a letter opener get that too. Open all your bills and sort them by due date. If its been a while sort them by month first, then due date. Once you have all your current bills in order plug them into excel. I've got a few columns, and like I said, yours might be a little different: what I'm paying, amount due, due date, balance, and if it has been paid. I also like to fill in as much info ahead of time, like anything that doesnt change, because I'm lazy incredibly efficient. Most due dates are the same, the mortgage and car payments don't really change, and things that are set to auto pay say auto in the paid spot. Now print out 12 of these bad boys and write each month at the top. Here's an example.

Now that you have all the stuff to put in your folders it's time to get to punching! The bills go on the right side and your fancy new worksheet goes on the left side.

After the time it takes to watch a forgettable romantic comedy starring Ashton Kutcher (coughNewYearsEvecoughcough) your bill paying and filing will be streamlined for the next year! I've been organizing our bills like this for the last few years and it's worked out pretty well.

What's your bill paying system? Do you have one? I'd love to hear your tips and tricks!

-Nikki

I'll be linking this post up to my favorite linky parties!