How to Pay Bills During an Extended Absence

It's important to find someone who is organized and trustworthy to assist you in paying bills while you're away. Your credit rating depends on it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Checkbook Wallets
• Calculators
• Postage Stamps
• Envelopes
• Notebook Papers
• Pens

1. Call all credit-card companies, insurance companies and other creditors that bill you monthly. Have all bills forwarded to a trusted family member or friend during your absence.
2. Make a list for your family member or friend of all creditors who must be paid monthly.
3. Make sure that your checking account has sufficient funds. Write one check to each creditor for each month that you'll be out of town. Postdate all checks accordingly, and leave them with your temporary bill payer. Supply envelopes and postage as an extra courtesy.
4. Log all postdated checks in your checkbook register so that you can balance it later.
5. Call all creditors once you return to have your address reinstated.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask that your temporary bill payer keep all bill receipts for your records.
• If you don't have direct deposit at work, arrange for someone to deposit your paychecks during your absence.
• Make sure that all checks are thoroughly filled out, except for the amount. Blank checks are an invitation for fraud.