Summary: Find out how you two can stay on top of your money without stressing over every penny!<br> [smart_track_player url=”http://media.blubrry.com/couplemoney/traffic.libsyn.com/couplemoney/QA_Session_21_3_Minute_Guide_to_Automating_Your_Money.mp3″ ]<br> Easy Guide to Automating Your Money<br> Last show I talked about the <a href="http://couplemoneypodcast.com/automating-your-finances-money/">pros and cons of money and automation</a>. Some of you may have decided that it’s something you want to have and are ready to get started.<br> <br><br> Automating your finances can help you grow your finances with minimal maintenance, but If you’ve never done it before it can be seem intimidating.<br> In today’s episode we get into:<br> <br> * Finding the right bank or credit union for your needs<br> * Setting up accounts quickly and easily<br> * Taking care of bills, contributions, and savings<br> <br> Hope you enjoy!<br> Want to hear another episode about<a href="http://couplemoneypodcast.com/easy-and-effective-ways-to-budget-everydollar-and-502030/" target="_blank"> simplifying your money?</a> — Listen to episode about <a href="http://couplemoneypodcast.com/easy-and-effective-ways-to-budget-everydollar-and-502030/" target="_blank">budgets for couples who hate budgeting</a>! <br> <br> Subscribe to Couple Money Podcast via <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/couple-money-podcast-build/id924656111">iTunes</a>, <a href="http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/elle-martinez/couple-money-podcast?refid=stpr">Stitcher</a>, or copy <a href="http://couplemoneypodcast.com/feed/podcast/">this link to use </a>with a podcatcher of your choice. You can also find me hanging out on <a href="https://twitter.com/CoupleMoney">Twitter </a>and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/couplemoney">Facebook!</a><br> <br> Choose Your Banks/ Credit Unions Wisely<br> Before we begin on the nuts and bolts of this system, I want to emphasize the importance of <a href="http://couplemoney.com/banking/joint-banking-and-investing-accounts/">having the right checking and savings accounts for the two of you</a>.<br> There are plenty of options out there so don’t settle for sub-par service, unnecessary fees, or paltry interest.<br> When automating, you want to keep things flowing, so look for a bank or credit union that has quicker transfer times.<br> Your money should be working for you rather than being tied up in between accounts.<br> If your current credit union or bank does not, it may be time to make a switch.<br> Link Accounts and Schedule Transfers for Saving and Investing<br> Once you have the accounts set-up, it’s time to link them and set up the automatic transfers and payments. Usually it’s labeled transfers or external accounts.<br> Have your paychecks directly deposited into your joint checking. This will be your clearing house.<br> Go ahead and have your savings and investment contributions taken out sooner rather than later. You’ll be more likely to reach your goals AND once your bills are taken out, you know whatever is left over you can use for spending without feeling guilty.<br> Setting Up Bill Payments<br> Once your deposits, savings, and investment transfers are scheduled, you can go ahead and get your bills in. It took us less than hour to do and we only need about 15 minutes a month to review and tweak as needed.<br> Enter the bill payers, addresses, due dates, account numbers, and bill amounts. You can set the bills up to be recurring, where it will pay it automatically for you.<br> If a bill changes from month to month like your power bill, just enter the average amount. You can login and adjust as your bills come in through the mail.<br> Tweak The System as Needed<br> Keep an eye out on your accounts to make sure everything is running smoothly. You may have forgotten irregular bills like life insurance premiums or certain services such...
