Jamaica Public Service (JPS) bills. - WINSTON SILL

The end of each month inevitably brings a slew of mostly unwelcome mail, as the utility companies send in the estimated or actual charges for their services. In addition, those who have loan payments normally have to make payments at that time as well.

The monthly round of bills can be very stressful, but MBA student Richard points out that the householder has the same advantage as the corporation, in that there is a somewhat fixed schedule and, based on bills past, a rough estimate of what is coming can be made and therefore prepared for.

"What really throws you out is the unexpected expenses, like major car repairs and health issues," he said.

And he also points out that householders should take the same approach as most companies, putting payment of their bills first.

"No matter how high the bills are and how you feel as if you will not have any money left over when you have paid them, bills come first. They are not going to go away and, if there are disconnections, you will be inconvenienced, perhaps embarrassed and will have to pay a penalty before reconnection," he said.

'bills first'

Richard said no matter what, people will survive on the money that they have left. "It is a matter of live or die, and people will live. There may be severe adjustment of lifestyle, but come next month they will still be around and at least they will not have the same bill, plus another one, to deal with," he said.

The 'bills first' philosophy is one that 39-year-old teacher Janet firmly believes in, and has been practising for some time. So much so that, having a rough estimate of her regular costs, she makes a payment as soon as she gets her salary, whether the actual bill has arrived or not.

"If you have money you are going to spend it," she said. "Money that you keep with you goes just like that every time. When I pay my bills first I know that is off my head and if I have to tighten my belt I just do that," she said.

Wayne, in his mid 20s, goes one step further. After paying his bills in full and on time, he stocks up on two essentials. "Me jus' mek sure sey di cyar full a gas an' de house full a food," the taxi driver said. "De cyar a mi livity, but even if a neva dat me woulda still dweet 'cause when yu can move yu can do suppen. Yu go dung de road an' buy two food an' two drinks an is a gas money whe coulda move yu roun' fe a three, four day dat," he said. "Yu cyaan mek yu house no have food. A madness dat. It cut nuff cos' offa de road too, 'cause when you check it yu can carry out suppen," Wayne said.

Richard says that if the monthly commitments cannot be met, then people need to seriously examine their lifestyles. "If you cannot meet the bills, then you need to change how and maybe where you live," he said. He notes that many people wonder how those who work for very low wages live and says it is proof that survival is a must, no matter what.

"Anybody can live cheaper than they currently do," he said.