From our #lifehack file: Did you know you can change your billing dates?
Change your billing dates, change your life. OK, that might be a bit of a stretch, but getting all your financial ducks in a row can help you budget better.
This one is an easy hack but one many Kiwis simply don’t know about. Did you know that many companies will allow you to change your billing dates? Companies such as Powershop, Vodafone and Mercury are just a few that will happily let you move your payment date (within reason).
What’s the benefit? Well, it can help you in a few ways:
- Pay your bills as soon as you get your pay packet, so you know there’s definitely money there to make it through.
- Sticking to a budget – you’ll pay the essentials first, before you do anything else, so you can avoid spending on the wrong things (um, hello, fancy brunch out).
- Better money management. Knowing you’ve taking care of the basics in life will help reduce the stress of wondering if you can make it through the month.
- Keep your credit score healthy. With comprehensive credit reporting, your regular bill payments are now showing up on your credit history, so it’s important to make sure they’re sorted on time, in full, every time.
Changing your billing dates is great for almost everyone, whether you’re an Organised Ollie or a Hopeless Harry. It’s worth checking on the company’s website (and/or calling up to request a change of billing date) to get this particular duck in your row.
Love this life hack? Got one of your own to share? Let us know on our Facebook page and you could be in to win a gift card.
