Search Credit Card &
Finance Related Topics
 
Home > Credit 101 > Ten Reasons Why You Must Pay Your Bills On Time

Ten Reasons Why You Must Pay Your Bills On Time

Posted by: Staff Writer | Jul 21,2007

No one really realizes the effect that a bad credit score can have until they experience it first hand. People also don't realize the number of different causes that can lead to a negative credit rating. Even something simple like paying your bills on time each month can drastically impact a credit score in one direction or the other.

There are many important reasons to pay your bills on time and they aren't all financial. Paying your bills on time can have an effect in many different parts of your life.

Reasons Why You Must Pay Your Bills On Time

  1. Paying your bills on time reliably proves to your lenders that you can handle potential raises in your line of credit and is a big factor in increasing your credit score.
  2. Another financial reason is that by consistently being late every month with your payments, creditors can increase your interest rates, even if the account is with a different company.
  3. By always paying your bills by the due date you won't be subjected to fees and fines for purchases. 
  4. When you pay your bills on time every month you're more aware of your finances and what extra purchases you can make each month. You know exactly what you can spend and save and are more prepared for unexpected expenses.
  5. What would you do if you woke one morning to a policeman at the door with a summons to court? Depending on the size of the debt, unpaid credit card debts can reach litigation.
  6. What about reasons from the moral spectrum? Being responsible and paying your bills on time proves that you're an accountable, responsible adult and a person of your word.
  7. Having a stable financial future and paying your bills in a timely manner is the best possible way to teach your children to do the same.
  8. Your payment history is the biggest factor on your credit report. At nearly 35 percent of your FICO score, it is what creditors consider the most.
  9. Stress. It can be a killer and nothing is more stressful than having bills hanging over your head.  Studies show that significant financial stress can even lead to physical illness.  
  10. Avoid bankruptcy by paying your bills on time. Nothing ruins your credit worse than a bankruptcy. It's hard to get through for you and even harder for creditors to forget. Nip it in the bud by keeping all you payments up to date.
Making a payment even one day late can bring on a whole host of consequences beginning with more interest payments. Try keeping a calendar or planner solely for bills and payments. You'll have it all in one place and easily accessible. Also, try setting digital alarms on your phones or computer to remind you when to pay. If you have the option of setting up automatic payments, consider it. Bottom line: Paying your bills on time is essential to your financial future.  If you're having trouble with your current debt, try a service like the Debt Wizard at Lower My Bills. 
 




Specialty Articles Credit & Finance Interviews Recently Searched Credit Card Topics
Credit Articles Credit Glossary  
Finance Articles Credit Card Offers  
© 2006-2007 ExpertsOnCredit . All Rights Reserved.