Paying bills is an inevitable part of life, but doing so strategically can set you up for financial success.
While it might seem like enough to simply meet your deadlines, paying certain bills ahead of time can help ensure you crush your debt and get ahead financially.
By staying proactive, you avoid late fees, improve your credit score, and create breathing room in your budget. Here are 16 bills you should prioritize paying early to build strong financial habits.
If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources
Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.
How to become a member today:
- Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
- Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
- Start enjoying your discounts and perks!
Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.
Mortgage
Your mortgage is likely your largest monthly expense, and paying this bill before the due date can be one of the smart homeowner money moves.
Early payments reduce the risk of forgetting about this bill. That helps you avoid owing fees and seeing your credit suffer. You might even save money in the long run and potentially pay off your home faster.
Making payments early also boosts the odds that you never face the risk of foreclosure.
Rent
If you rent, paying early can help you avoid late fees and reduce the risk of eviction. Some landlords may even offer discounts for early payments.
Building a habit of paying rent ahead of time can improve your standing with your landlord and reduce the stress of last-minute payments.
Court judgment debts
If you have court-ordered debts or judgments — such as fines or restitution — paying them should be a top priority.
Failure to pay these debts can lead to serious legal consequences, including wage garnishments or further legal action. Always pay such debts as soon as possible to avoid complications.
Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt
Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.
National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1
How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.
Car payment
Paying your car loan early helps you stay ahead and ensures you never face repossession.
Additionally, paying extra on the loan principal can shorten the loan term and reduce total interest paid over time if the lender calculates interest on a daily basis.
Home security services
Your home’s security is crucial, and falling behind on payments with a home security service can leave you vulnerable. Stay ahead of this bill to ensure uninterrupted protection for your home and family.
Additionally, some companies offer a discount if you choose to pay your subscription fee yearly instead of monthly.
Trending Stories
Utilities
From electricity to water, paying utility bills is essential to maintaining your home’s comfort.
Missing payments can lead to service interruptions, which are not only inconvenient but can also potentially come with costly reconnection fees. Paying utilities early ensures you will always have the services you need.
Criminal justice debts
If you owe debts related to criminal justice fees — such as traffic tickets or court fines — prioritize these bills.
Ignoring such obligations can lead to additional legal troubles, including jail time. Ensure these bills are paid before the deadline to avoid serious penalties.
Insurance premiums
Whether it’s auto, home, or life insurance, paying premiums before they are due helps guarantee uninterrupted coverage.
Missed payments can result in policy cancellation, leaving you without essential protection. Paying early might even qualify you for loyalty discounts with some providers.
Student loans
Student loans can be a significant burden, but paying them ahead of time can help you chip away at the principal and reduce the overall interest paid.
Early payments also protect you from late fees and damage to your credit score.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Personal loans
Similar to student loans, personal loans benefit from early repayment.
You can reduce interest, shorten your loan term, and build good credit when you consistently pay more than the minimum, or pay before the due date.
Credit card bills
Credit card interest rates are notoriously high, so paying off your balance before the due date can help you avoid costly interest charges.
Aim to pay more than the minimum and settle the full balance whenever possible to prevent debt from snowballing.
Subscriptions and gym memberships
Many people overlook recurring subscription fees, but failing to pay these obligations can result in disruptions to services.
Paying these bills ahead of time ensures you won’t lose access to valuable services. It can also help you avoid the stress of tracking multiple due dates.
Health insurance premiums
Health insurance is essential for covering unexpected medical costs. Paying premiums early ensures that you remain covered and avoid any lapse in coverage, which is especially important if an emergency arises.
You don’t want to risk losing coverage when you need it most due to a missed or late payment.
Child care bills
Child care is a critical service, and paying these bills early ensures your child’s care remains uninterrupted.
Early payment also can ensure your child’s place is held at the day care center.
Taxes
Failing to pay taxes can lead to steep penalties and interest charges. If you can, make estimated tax payments or set aside funds in advance to avoid scrambling at tax time.
Paying early also helps reduce the risk of owing a large sum when you file a return.
Medical debts
Medical bills can pile up quickly, especially after a significant procedure or illness. Some providers offer interest-free payment plans, but falling behind can result in collections.
Stay on top of these bills to protect your credit, and negotiate a payment plan early if necessary.
Bottom line
Paying your bills ahead of time doesn’t just help you stay organized, but can also help you get out of debt, boost your income by avoiding late fees, and improve your credit.
If you want to get ahead financially, the key to success is proactive planning. Paying bills early could give you peace of mind and more control over your finances.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.