How to: Pay Bills When You Aren't Home

Have you ever lost a raffle drawing because you weren’t “present to win”? It’s pretty frustrating. But whether we like it or not, our presence often determines if we win or lose. And when it comes to being a trucker, not being present at home to physically pay your bills on time often results in a loss.

Trucker Financial Advice: Create a Mobile Strategy

When you’re mobile and “on the road,” your strategy for paying bills needs to be mobile too. If you don’t account for this, your financial life can quickly become a disaster. And the most most frustrating part? You have the money to pay the bills, you just don’t have the mobile strategy. Watch my video below, and keep reading for more of my financial advice on how to pay your bills on the go.

So, let’s put together a strategy that fits your on the road lifestyle. Here are the steps you should take…

Step 1
First, make a list of your monthly obligations. Rent, mortgage, water bill, cell phone bill – whatever.

Step 2
Next to that list, indicate whether you receive a physical bill in the mail for this obligation – or if you receive an electronic bill via email.

Step 3
If you travel with a laptop, smart phone, or tablet, then you should strongly consider making your financial life mobile. This means switching all your bills to paperless statements. It’s much easier to pay bills on time when the billing statement is in your email inbox.

Step 4
Set a day of the week to deal with your “financial stuff.” Me? I like “Financial Friday.” Every Friday, be sure to look at what bills are due and pay them. It’s simple and it will prevent late payments. If you happen to have partner at home that can pay the bills, that can work too. But YOUR credit is at risk, so YOU should take the responsibility to pay the bills on time. Simply keep a list of your bills’ due dates on your smartphone’s calendar or on a piece of paper in your wallet.

Whatever your technique, just make sure that it’s systematic. The quicker you form good financial habits, the better.