Ways to Catch Up on Your Bills When You’re Falling Behind

If you are falling behind on your bills, then you can rest assured that you are not alone. Half of Americans are struggling with their bills.

There are several things that can cause you to fall behind. This includes things such as low income, unexpected expenses and bad money management.

The good news is that you do not have to struggle with your money problems for long. There are several things that you can do in order to catch up on your bills if you are behind.

Find Out How Much You Owe

If you do not know how much you owe, then it can be difficult for you to catch up on your bills. You need to know exactly how much you need to pay each month.

You will also need to write down all of the due dates.

The following is a list of the kinds of bills that you likely have to pay each month.

• Student loan
• Credit card
• Insurance (auto, home and health)
• Gym membership
• Rent or mortgage
• Utilities
• Pet Food
• Eating out
• Other debts
• Child Care

After you have added the cost of all of your bills, you will need to compare this to your monthly income. The average person spends $1,000 on their bills each month.

However, this can vary from person to person.

Decide What You Cannot Live Without

There are some things that you can probably live without. Shelter, food and clothing are the basic things that everyone needs.

One of the ways that you can have more money to catch up on your bills is to cut down on your expenses. You will need to label your expense. You can designate necessary and lifestyle expenses.

Gym memberships, gym memberships, Netflix and subscription services are some examples of lifestyle expenses. Utility bills and rents are examples of necessary expenses.

Prioritize your expenses and determine which ones that you can live without.

What is the Difference Between Your Needs And Wants?

It can be hard for you to determine whether something is a need or a want. However, if you want to catch up on your expenses, then you will have to get rid of a lot of your wants.

It is also important to note that what you consider a need may actually be a want.

For example, a cell phone may be a necessity in today’s society. However, that does not mean that you need to have the latest smartphone.

Netflix will provide you with good entertainment, but there are other ways that you can entertain yourself for free. You can go to the library and check out a DVD or book.

Be Flexible With Paying Bills

You may be able to make a credit card payment on time.

However, if making your credit card payment on time means that you can’t pay the electric bill, then you may want to pay the electric bill instead.

You do not want to be left in the dark. Paying your utility bill should be your top priority.

It is also a good idea for you to talk to your service providers. It may not be possible for you to pay all of your bills in full each month.

That is why you should ask your providers if you can change the due date. Most companies would rather you pay something than nothing at all.

Furthermore, you may want to get an installment loan. If you get an installment loan, then you will be able to make small payments over a longer period of time.

Installment loans are designed to help people with all of types of situations.

Increase Your Income

If trimming your expenses doesn’t help you catch up on your bills, then you may need money assistance to bring in more cash. You can bring in extra money by getting a side hustle.

There are several things that you can do in order to increase your income.

• Drive for Uber or Lyft. These ride-sharing companies provide you with a quick and easy way to make money.
• If you do not want to get a side hustle, then you can ask the boss at your current job for extra hours.
• Get an online job. There are several online jobs including virtual assistant and customer service. Sign up with Upwork and look for gigs for example.
• You can start your own business. You can do lawn care, pet sitting, or babysitting.
• You could borrow money against your car if it is paid off.

If you are struggling to find a way to make extra money, then you can make a list of your interests and talents.

You will likely be able to find a way to make money with your talents and interests. If you want to start a business, then you can ask your friends and family members to support it.

They will be able to promote your business to other people. You can start making money in no time.

Start Planning for the Next Month

If you are constantly finding yourself in a situation where you do not have enough money to pay your bills, then it is important to start planning for the future.

You should also have an emergency fund to cover the expenses that may pop up unexpectedly. Furthermore, you should plan to have a budget that will help you handle your bills.

It can be stressful to constantly have to worry about being evicted from your home, getting your car repossessed or getting your utilities turned off.

You can avoid this if you focus on narrowing down your bills. You will also need to find more ways to earn extra money.

If you can take those steps, then you will be in much better shape financially.