Never miss a bill or payday.
Sometimes there's enough money for the month, just not on the day a bill is due. Lining up due dates with paydays prevents late fees and those stressful last few days before a check.
Why it matters
A missed payment can mean a late fee, an overdraft fee, or both. Paying on time is also one of the biggest factors in most credit scores.
The fix is usually timing, not more money. When you can see every due date next to every payday, problems show up days ahead instead of the morning of.
Four ways to stay ahead
See it on one calendar
Put every bill and every payday in one place, so you can see what's coming.
Find the tight stretch
Look for the days before payday when lots of bills hit and money runs low.
Move a due date
Many lenders and utility companies will change your due date if you ask. Try putting it just after a payday.
Get reminded early
A reminder a few days before a bill gives you time to move money. Autopay helps too, as long as you keep a small buffer.
Example
Someone is paid $1,600 on the 1st and the 15th. From the first paycheck:
- Rent, due the 1st: $1,250
- Phone, due the 5th: $70
- Groceries and gas through the 12th: about $250
By the 12th they have about $30 left, but their $350 car payment is due that day. That's a $320 gap, even though their monthly income covers everything.
They call the lender and move the car payment to the 20th. Now the second paycheck covers it, and the gap disappears without earning a dollar more.
Quick check
Your income covers all your bills, but your electric bill is due three days before payday and your account is usually low by then. What's a good fix?
Your next move
Add your bills and paydays to Important Dates. You'll see what's coming, and you can turn on reminder emails so nothing slips.
Finished this lesson?
Educational information, not financial advice. Examples are made up to show how the numbers work.