Paying bills on time is a must. But if you’re in a dire financial situation and you cannot pay up everything on time, at least organize your bills in such a way that would put the most important ones on the top of the list, and the ones that can wait at the bottom.

Here is a list of the periodic bills that you have to take care of and where each one should be put in your list of priorities:

Real estate taxes

A home is an important asset and as such, it should be given utmost regard. Prioritize your real estate taxes so that you will not have to lose your home.

Car Payments

Next to your house, the next most important thing for you to keep is your car. This is one investment that you cannot afford to ignore. Remember that failing to pay your car on the due date could get your car towed.

Store credit card

Do not forget that a store credit card carries a high interest rate so it goes without saying that your failure to pay off this credit card will cause an upsurge in your interest and fees.

Other credit cards

Credit cards are the next on the list. Do not put off paying these or your interest and fees will also increase until you find yourself in deep trouble.

Student loans

This debt is a little easier to manage compared to the others because it wouldn’t harm your credit score. Sometimes, loan officers will allow you to defer payment if your finacial situation is really causing you trouble.

Utilities

Utilities are at the bottom of the list not because it is unimportant but because utility companies can be negotiated with. Anyhow, you are safe from this bill because utility companies will allow you some leeway.

Now that you know how the hierarchy of paying your bills should be, you can now start prioritizing the payment for each. Remember, each debt needs to be settled but not all at once. Otherwise, you’ll be in a more difficult financial position than you already are.