I thoroughly enjoy skimming through women’s magazines in my leisure time and between the fashions and food sometimes discover some meaningful consumer information.
Such was the case when perusing the July 23 edition of All You in which I came across a way to help organize a sometimes disorganized financial life.
While these ideas aren’t new (and, frankly, many of us already practice some or all of this routine), financial issues aren’t nearly as likely to occur if we apply these exercises to our own lives. So take note, dear readers:
* Buy a “bill book.” Each December, I purchase an 8-by-11-inch hardback composition book in which I write all monthly bills for the coming year (one month per page). I include each bill, its due date, amount owed, amount paid and the date of payment.
Many of the debts are the same and even fall due at the same time each month, such as utilities, phone or credit card payments. As I pay each bill, whether by written check or online banking, I mark it paid in my bill book and the