Let's face it - the pace of our lives is rapidly increasing.   We look for ways to save time and trouble.  We are using automation; bill-pay to our credit cards, bill pay using "ACH" to our checking accounts.   The convenience is wonderful!   But also dangerous.   

Sometimes we directly initiate these automated payments.  Sometimes the vendors we work with set up the automation.

Over time, we forget what's in our automated world.  We may accidentally pay something that we no longer need to.   Sometimes, the vendor that we are paying automatically no longer sends us statements in the mail. 

Solution:  There's no magic. You've got to monitor it.    

1) Keep a list - either hard copy or on an excel spreadsheet.  Keep it simple - Vendor name, amount and end date.

2) Use your preferred reminder system to "alert" you to check the list or end a specific recurring bill payment.

3) Awareness:  Is the vendor controlling the charge?  How did they set it up?   Is there an automatic end date built-in?  Make them communicate to you if they don't do it automatically.

4) Cost:   if there is a fee for this - it is worth the automation - that's up to you.

5) Each time you decide to automate a payment - take it seriously and make adding it your master list a part of the process!

One other area to consider:  paycheck stubs.   Is everything correct?  Do you understand each subtraction from your gross pay? I've seen companies sell unnecessary extra insurance that is not of value - and that is money that your household probably needs.