This is what it looked like here on the 13th. The weather man just said that our yearly average snowfall is 7.2" and as of last weekend, we had already had 7.1". If it were the end of March, I wouldn't worry about it, but since we are still in mid-February, we stand the chance of more snow before the winter is out. At this point, I wish we lived in Barbados or St. Martin!
On the 13th, I was supposed to be at the flower shop at 10 a.m., but I called and went in late. According to the shop owner, the roads were clear enough that I should have been able to be there on time - since everyone else was. I didn't bother to explain, but having just come out of a wreck (in good weather), I hesitate to take any chance that might make another one imminent. Plus, our neighborhood is always more slippery than the main roads, since so many of our streets are shaded by pine trees. The half-mile between our home and the main road is often inaccessible or nearly so.
On the 13th, I was supposed to be at the flower shop at 10 a.m., but I called and went in late. According to the shop owner, the roads were clear enough that I should have been able to be there on time - since everyone else was. I didn't bother to explain, but having just come out of a wreck (in good weather), I hesitate to take any chance that might make another one imminent. Plus, our neighborhood is always more slippery than the main roads, since so many of our streets are shaded by pine trees. The half-mile between our home and the main road is often inaccessible or nearly so.
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Do you rely on invoices received in the mail for bills you owe? What happens if or when that piece of mail isn't delivered? Last week I got a call from the company that holds the loan on our heat pump. My January payment was late. I realized immediately that I had not received the invoice for that payment and explained that to the clerk who called. She asked that I mail it the next day - which I did - and told me I was responsible for the payment even if the invoice doesn't arrive here. So, I made a permanent note to myself of the amount and the due date, so that never happens again. I wish they would just send a payment coupon book and envelopes. I suspect it would be cheaper for that company to mail one coupon book per client per year than to generate an invoice each month. (And no, they don't offer on-line payments.)
17 comments:
I would set up a direct debit to my bank account every month. This is how I pay all my bills - otherwise I would forget.
Most of our regular payments are made by direct debit - can you not do that? Otherwise, I'm afraid its reminders in the diary a week before in red ink and capital letters!
Our road is never cleared of snow, so its slippery in snowy weather, like yours. Main roads are OK, but we don't all live on a main road!
A lovely, snowy picture.
Isn't it too bad that some people just don't - or won't - understand the possibility that others might have problems they know nothing about.
I have also run into the bill that never came. They didn't call me, they just added an extra to the next bill. Since our wonderful mailman retired last year, we have had very iffy delivery. And since the blizzards, I know a couple of bill payments will be late.
I keep a calendar with all sorts of payments written on it, crossing them out as they are paid. Avoids my own senior moments.
We broke a snowfall record here this year. I am not sure of the new total but the old seasonal record was 56 inches. The last storm was about 2 feet of snowfall. I don't blame you for being careful on the road. I am sure all the work got done. People have to keep things in perspective.
I do rely on the reminder, but had an experience recently that made me set up alerts on my online banking. My father's funeral was December 23 - the same day as the online bill from American Express arrived. I just never did get to the computer much that week and let that bill slip by. I was horrified to owe for two months and see the late fee in January. I simply forgot about it. They couldn't have been nicer since I had never been late before and they took off the late fee.
Yes, we have had more snow here than ever... since we are so close to the ocean. Four events in two and a half weeks.... the first was the largest... we had 10 inches.. the other three were just an inch or so each.
I was going to moan and say although the sun is shining here in Arizona it's a bit chilly this morning.
But I won't.....
I hate when I don't get paper statements. For those I don't, I have a notebook with all bills, due dates, etc. and I check them off when I take care of it. The only thing I hate more than no invoice is a late payment fee! Arrrggh!
I often think of the money they waste by not just giving payment books. I have a calendar I write everything on that is due and the amount.
Snow is beautiful to look at but a mess if you have to go anywhere!
Yes,Judy, I depend on my mail for quite a few things. Most of my bills are paid electronically by direct debit. But,every year our Local Fire Company -Which includes Ambulance assistance- sends an envelope for you to give a $35.00 donation and become a member.
Last year, through an oversight on their part, they did not send us an envelope. I never thought of it myself without the solicitation, so the donation was never made.
One day my husband who is Diabetic went into a "Low" that I could not bring him out of as I usually can so I called 911 and they sent the ambulance. The EMTs gave him an IV and brought his blood sugar up to normal and they left.
A week later I got a bill from them for $575.00. I called and told them I was a member. They said I had not given a donation that year.I asked them to review their records because I have lived in this house since 1965 and have given every year for 44 years. They said that yes, I had given every year EXCEPT this year and I owed them the money.
I asked the head of the Ambulance Service to look into the matter and he said that I had not donated for that year so I had to pay the full bill.
The only good thing that came out of this except that they helped us in an emergency was that I deducted the $575.00 from my Income tax as a donation to the Fire Company.
Now I have it written on my calendar to give the Fire Company the $35.00 every February with or without their envelope...
I am old school enough that I like the paper copy. I do have a particular company that emails me every month that I am past due but when I check my account, the bill was paid on time, weeks before they sent the email. It is hard to win isn't it?
I don't think Congress is the only thing broke.
I ask everyone if I can pay with my debit card or direct debit. I don't even get bills in the mail anymore very often. If I can get an ebill from them, I do it.
There is one bill we have....from an attorney....that sent us a letter in October telling us our last payment was made in April. I sent a not so nice letter back telling them unless they send me a bill, they get no payment. They hadn't billed us since April. There are some I pay online without an invoice...like the house payment and car payment.....
We ususally follow in your footsteps as far a weather is concerned. Not more snow!
It really seems to me that nothing works as well as it used to---I hear more story's like yours, Judy...(Invoice story's)...And the Mails are bad, and I think your idea is a great one. A payment book and envelopes! There is the other option of automatic payments---I had to do that with my Storage Bill because the Invoices rarely got to me, and IF they did, the Storage place often would not get my check....! The Auto-payment works GREAT!
I'm surprised your boss was so NOT understanding. With weather like you all have been having---And everyone's personal situation is different. How many years has he known you?? I don't think that was very nice of him.
So every one got to work on time except you. I can't believe this person wouldn't even ask for more information. Ugh, don't you hate being treated like some delinquent child.
I know you don't want to hear that the weather here is sunny and in the 70's. Remind me of this, please, when this summuer I am whining about 110 degrees.
Naomi, it was not my usual boss who said that. I worked in a shop that I only work in once or twice a year. I don't want anyone to think I'm referring to Mel! It isn't him.
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