I don’t like to use automatic payment options for things like utility bills. I want to know how much my bill is and then I like to pay it manually, even if I am just issuing a check payment via my online banking account. I just don’t like the idea of it coming right out of checking when it varies from month to month. I feel too far out of control when it comes to my finances when I do that.

I do use automatic deductions for my car insurance, because it is the same every month and the company I use offers a pretty good discount if you pay in the manner. I know when it is being deduced and how much is coming out of my account. Aside from that, I still like to have a day-to-day hands-on relationship with my money.

My ex husband used to use automatic deductions for most of our accounts and he was forever juggling the ones that were different from month to month. Plus, one month one of the creditors deducted $10,000 instead of $100 and we bounced checks left and right. They were unwilling to make amends, either. That sapped my trust in automatic payments for the most part.

Heck, I would hand deliver my bills in cash if I lived close to all the companies.