Paying Bills

Ensuring bills are paid is a fundamental part of financial stability. Staff can support families in navigating the bill-paying process and troubleshooting when paying bills is difficult.

Ideas for Action

1. Understand their bills and due dates.

Having a full picture of which bills are due when can allow families to plan ahead and prepare for upcoming expenses. Staff can support families in mapping out their recurring bills.

Start the Conversation

"What kind of bills do you have coming up?”
“Who takes the lead on paying bills in your household?”

Resources for Families

Bill Calendar (worksheet)
Prioritizing Bills (worksheet)

2. Set up automatic bill pay.

Automatic bill paying may be a useful tool for families in avoiding late fees or charges. Staff can help families learn about and set up automatic bill paying options.

Start the Conversation

"Can I share an idea that might make paying your bills simpler?”

Resources for Families

Increasing Income and Benefits (worksheet)
Cutting Expenses (worksheet)

3. Make budget adjustments to accommodate bills.

Staff can suggest families create a budget based on their income to determine strategies and timing for paying bills. Some families may find their income may not match the outgoing expenses. Staff can support families in discussing potential changes to spending or accessing supportive resources like public benefits or community food banks.

Start the Conversation

"I hear that you feel that you have more money going out than coming in. Would you be open to exploring other sources of income or resources like a food bank or public assistance?”

Resources for Families