finances
One of the best ways to combat a lackluster decision-making process is to remove any need to make a decision. That’s where automation comes in.
You’re busy. Luckily, you don’t have to spend much time on financial chores compared to what was needed in the past. Nearly every step can be automated.
Put your paychecks on automatic deposit. Most people have been doing this for years. If you haven’t, get with the program.
Put all your bills on automatic payment — mortgage, utilities, insurance payments, credit card payments (for the full amount each month I hope), student loan payments, child support, alimony, and car payments (if you must buy a depreciating asset on credit).
Put your investments on autopilot. You can have your 401K/profit-sharing plan contributions automatically deducted from your paycheck before you ever see it. IRA contributions can also be taken out of your checking account each month automatically.
Get a checking account that allows you to deposit at home. Any physical checks I receive are scanned at home and deposited directly into my checking account on my bank’s website. Most banks will also allow you to make deposits from anywhere using your cell phone.
Use credit cards instead of cash. Now, I only advocate this if you have the discipline to pay off your credit card every month, and you should also be aware that there are several studies out there that show you actually spend more when using plastic instead of cash. But this can really simplify your finances.
Pay your kid’s allowance with automatic transfers. Again, saves a trip to the ATM each month. Your bank’s bill pay function can be used for this if needed.
Pay your taxes automatically. W-2 employees have taxes withheld, but even independent contractors can set up quarterly estimated payments to come out automatically.
Gifts and payments to friends can be paid with your Paypal account or a free digital wallet like Venmo. There is no additional fee and it comes directly out of your checking account (or can be transferred directly into your checking account) without the hassle of using checks.