In today's world, it's easy to get caught up in the tangled web of work and family, television and Internet distractions. Pile on all those necessary errands we have to run, and paying bills can easily become just one more stressful and overwhelming task. As more and more tasks crowd into our lives, the easier it is to push items around and off our "to do" lists. Listen to anyone and the number one complaint is that we live in a world where we are constantly "on the go," barely able to find time to breathe much less relax.

We just don't want to deal with stressful things when we get home. We are tired, worn down and just don't have the wherewithal to put up with one more demanding chore. We just want to unwind, whether it's with a good book or a favorite television show, with our family at a quiet dinner or cheering on our favorite sports team over a microwave gourmet meal. We value our "down time" more with each passing year, as it becomes increasingly precious.

As integral a part of our lives as they are, bills remain one more thing to worry us. They turn our daily trip to the mailbox into a dreadful march, a pile of paper that we know just refuses to be ignored. Who doesn't breathe that little sigh of relief on the rare occasion we open the door to the mailbox and the only thing that's in there are magazines or junk mail? It's a feeling that there is just a little less stress to deal with in our day.

The drawback is that if we try to avoid that stress, the bills become even more of a problem. When we finally feel the crunch to get them in, the payments might be overdue. This can lead to late payments and marks on your credit report. Marks on your credit report directly affect your future finances since more and more companies look at credit scores and payment histories. Lending companies look at them to determine not just whether you will get that loan, but what interest rate you will get if you do. Credit card companies will look at them both to process applications and periodically reevaluate your interest rates, especially if your debt-to-income ratio is on the rise. Even employers are using credit reports in their background checks for prospective employees.

Once bills are paid late, it can be a downward spiral of catching up and falling out of synch with payment cycles. It is easy to fall behind more and more as the bills continue to come. Creditors expect payment by a certain time and they may charge late fees, which only add to your bill woes and make it even more difficult to get back to where you need to be. As things continue to snowball you may find yourself faced with collection calls, repossessions and law suits from your creditors.

Remember that you can't overlook the emotional effects that this stress will have on your life. Many people suffer from the symptoms of depression when it comes to their bills. As the collection calls continue and the late fees mount higher each month, there can be feelings of failure and despair. This just makes us want to hide even more so that we don't have to face those feelings. And as we continue to hide, the problems continue to mount.

With all of the possible life effects that late payments can have on your financial future, it is more important than ever to take control of your bills. Whether you're drowning in debt or living high on the hog, these simple rules will help you stay organized to avoid those monthly migraines when the mail arrives.