Keeping up with small everyday things like laundry and getting groceries can seem overwhelming when you’re working your way through an unexpected loss. But the time and energy required to keep on top of your bills can seem so daunting that it’s not uncommon for people who has experienced a major loss or life change to walk away from the task altogether. Especially now it’s important to take some time and maybe consider asking a trusted friend or family member to come alongside you and help you create a plan and a process to make your bill paying easier. Following are some suggestions of ways you could possibly reduce stress and keep on top of your bills during this difficult time:

• Organizing for Effectiveness

Designate one specific container for your bills – a file folder, basket or letter tray on your desk, etc. As soon as you get the mail, sort out the bills and put them in your designated place.

Create a convenient place to pay your bills. Supply it with everything you need -- checkbook, calendar, notebook, pens/pencil, stamps, etc.

Schedule a weekly time to do bills. Consider it a standing appointment that you keep, just like a doctor’s appointment or work meeting. It’s much easier to stay on top of your bills if you do it weekly

Set up a simple filing system to keep track of your bills and when/how you’ve paid them.

• Bill-Paying Tips

When you open your bill, circle or highlight the due date, and put it in an organizer or calendar to pay one week prior to the due date. Paying bills late can affect your credit history. Being tagged as a “chronic late payer” affects your credit score, which can mean you’ll be denied, or have to pay more, for a loan in the future.

After you’ve written the check or paid the bill (via money order or electronically), make a note on the bottom of the bill indicating the date paid and the check number. File the bill stub/receipt. Keeping a file of your paid bills will help you with budgeting and in the event you have disputes with creditors.

Consider setting up automatic withdrawal for as many bills as possible – including direct deposit for savings! Automatic withdrawal will save you time, ensure that your bills are paid on time, and will help boost your chances of maintaining a good credit history (or improving your current record).

If you have Internet access, look into online bill paying. There are three ways to pay bills online:
1) First, you can pay online through your creditors’ website (i.e. some utility, phone, and other companies will allow you to pay your bills by credit card online). If you choose to pay your bills online by using your credit card, make sure that you can pay the card off at the end of the month so you’re not accumulating more debt.
2) Second, you can use an online bank to pay your bills; or
3) Use an online bill payment system that charges a monthly fee to pay your bills for you.

Eager to eliminate the paperwork? Check out money management software packages such as Microsoft Money or Intuit’s Quicken. These programs can help you create an electronic budget, track spending by category, prepare for taxes, and print checks electronically downloaded from your computer.

Be kind to yourself during this process. It’s a difficult time. You’ve experienced a major life change and you shouldn’t begin blaming yourself now for getting behind or not having everything well-organized. Taking even one small step today can help you feel like you’ve gained a little control over your finances.