These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Gather the dates
Open the guide "Bill calendar worksheet: paydays and due dates". List rent, utilities, phone, debt payments and subscriptions. Mark amounts that change as estimates.
2Add money coming in
Write confirmed paydays and benefit-payment dates next to the bills. A payment due before payday still needs a plan even if the monthly totals balance.
3Choose a payment date
Allow the time the payment method needs to arrive. Set a reminder before that date. Ask the company whether it can move a due date; get the new date confirmed before relying on it.
4Check automatic payments
Autopay can help when enough money is available. If the balance is uncertain, ask about reminders, manual payments or a different date. Stopping an automatic debit does not cancel the underlying bill. Confirm changes with the company and bank.
5Review once a week
Example: A $75 phone bill due on the 10th and pay arriving on the 12th leave a timing gap. Contact the provider before the 10th.
Today: Add your next payday and next three bills.
6Use the arrival date and the send date
List the due date from the bill, the date you need to send payment and the date money should arrive. Mailing, weekends and payment-processing cutoffs can matter. Confirm with the provider rather than assuming a payment made late in the evening counts that day.
Example: if a bill is due Friday and your chosen service needs two business days, ask whether sending Wednesday is early enough. Use the provider's answer, not a universal two-day rule.
7Cancel or change autopay carefully
If you revoke automatic bank-debit permission, tell the company and your bank using their official process and keep written confirmation. Ask whether a stop-payment order is needed and what it costs. Watch the account afterward.
Changing the payment method does not cancel a loan, subscription or other contract. Arrange another way to pay what you still owe; do not deliberately leave an account empty to try to cancel a service.
Official instructions: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-stop-automatic-payments-from-my-bank-account-en-2023/
8Make room for the whole year
Add annual bills and installment payments to future months now. Mark the final installment so you do not keep budgeting a payment after it ends. Once a week, check the next two weeks and make one call before a timing gap becomes a late bill.
9Sources and more help
Reviewed November 1, 2026. General money education; individual circumstances differ.
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tool/your-money-your-goals/toolkit/
More help like this
Was scammed or had their identity stolenUse when someone lost money to a scam, someone used their name or card, or they are getting threatening calls about money.Needs help filing taxes or getting a tax refundUse when someone needs free help filing taxes, or may get money back from tax credits even with little or no income.Behind on debts, payday loans, or getting calls from debt collectorsUse when someone is overwhelmed by debt, has payday or title loans, or debt collectors are calling or suing.Federal checks went electronic: set up Direct Express or direct depositUse when someone gets Social Security, SSI, VA or another federal payment and still got paper checks, lost a check, or has no bank account. Since Sept 30, 2025 most federal payments must go to a bank account or a Direct Express card.Money basics: choose a starting pointStart here for budgets, bills, banking, saving and debt. No paid app or bank account is needed.Not enough money to get through the monthUse when food, medicine, housing or transportation money will run out before the next payment.
See all guides in Money and benefits →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
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Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.