Bill Binder

A year or so ago I felt overwhelmed by our bills and all that I have to try to keep up with, so I created a Bill Binder. I took an ordinary 3 ring binder and put dividers in it. I have 5 sections:

• Living Expenses
• Medical (Joe, Jenn, & Bayley)
• Z (because we are required to pay half of all incurred expenses)
• Credit Cards
• Misc

I keep the original of all bills and write on them what I've paid, when, and how (check, bill pay, etc). I keep this in there and staple the newest bill on top and repeat the process until something is paid off (this applies to the big bills like hospital, etc). It goes to the back pocket when it's paid off. I keep that for a few months then retire it to a folder called "Paid/Completed Debts" that I keep in my desk drawer.

Even if I can only afford to pay $10 on a bill, it's nice to have it marked as paid and it shows me that I'm closer to paying something off. Keeps me motivated to get it paid off.

I have neglected my binder for a few months and am now back on track. It feels good.