North Mississippi Delta / Alabama Gulf Coast | Same issue here.
What I do for those bills is determine approximately how much average cost is for utilities, etc.
Pay more to get a good credit balance. I use my online checking to mail a set amount automatically each month. Verify check sent and credit balance maintained. Never let a utility get access to checking account.
Some small amounts (water/garbage- $15/month ) is a yearly payment.
I have been dinged on credit by USPS delays. |