1. Purchase Money Management Software
   There are many computer programs designed to make your money easier to manage. Popular financial software includes Microsoft Money, Quicken and Moneydance. These programs will allow you to view all your accounts in one place, as well as remind you when something is due. Keeping your records updated with one of these programs will make your tax filing much easier, as well.


2. Use Only One Bank
   If you decide to change banks because you have found a better rate somewhere else, be sure to transfer all your accounts. It just isn't convenient to have a checking account at one place and a savings account somewhere else.


3. Close Old Bank Accounts
   As you grow older and possibly move from one location to the next, you may leave open bank accounts behind. Also, you may change banks when you are married. Go back and close any extraneous bank accounts, even if you haven't used them in years.


4. Use Only One Credit Card
   Credit cards can be a blessing or a burden, depending on how you manage them. In order to streamline your finances, only use one credit card account. Be careful in choosing which card that will be, however. You will want one with a rewards program that fits your lifestyle.


5. Destroy Extra Credit Cards
   If you have several credit card accounts open and decide to start using only one, destroy any extra cards. However, do not run out and close all the extraneous accounts. This will reflect poorly on your credit score, so just abandon the accounts once all of their balances have been paid off.


6. Leave Your Credit Card at Home
   Reduce the temptation to charge everything by leaving your credit card at home. If you are going out to specifically buy something with the credit card, only then should you bring it. Regard everything else as an impulse buy and something you don't need.


7. Pay Bills With Cash Whenever You Can
   Many of your monthly bills can be paid in person with cash, including car insurance, mortgage, phone and utilities. The fewer things you pay for with a check or credit card, the less managing you need to do later. In other words, it takes the guesswork out of what is in your bank account. Cash in hand is the real thing and it simplifies your financial life greatly. Always be sure to get a receipt, however, as you will leave no paper trail.


8. Balance Your Checking Account Online
   Your bank will probably have 24-hour access to an online account. There, you should monitor the account's deposits and debits, making sure everything looks good. This is much more accurate than balancing a checkbook by hand on a ledger. Also, you can catch any discrepancies sooner than if you merely waited for a monthly statement.


9. Self Employed? Pay Your Taxes Quarterly
   If you expect to pay taxes this year rather than receiving a return, you should pay your taxes quarterly. Consulting a CPA will ensure you do this correctly and it will make life easier on you. Rather than paying a possibly devastating amount all at once in April, you can spread out the dues over four payments.


10. Use Direct Deposit For Your Paycheck
    Don't depend on the postal service to deliver your paycheck without error. Not only is that dangerous, you also have to worry about your check being stolen before it reaches your hands. With direct deposit, your bosses will save money and you will safely receive your money on time. If your company doesn't offer direct deposit, request the service. Most employers are eager to implement the system.


11. Buy and Sell Items Online With PayPal
    PayPal is a secure third party that allows you to make safe electronic transactions. Not only that, PayPal will keep records of all these transactions where you can see them. This will help you monitor all of your funds, as well invoices for tax purposes. 


12. Pay Down Your Credit Card Debt
    This is easier said than done and credit card debt plagues far too many people today. However, you should make it a habit to always pay more than the minimum due each month. If you don't, you will never see that balance reduced to zero.


13. Keep an Emergency Fund
    Again, some people do not have this luxury, but setting money aside for a rainy day may save your life. Financial advisors suggest that you keep an emergency fund of six to eight months worth of income. This could be how long it takes to get back on your feet, should anything drastic occur.


14. Write Down Due Dates on a Calendar
    Keep a calendar in plain view that has all your monthly bills listed on the days they are due. This will help to prevent you from overlooking a payment. Also, it is good for everyone in the house to be aware of what is coming up. Staying on top of the bills makes life much simpler for all.


15. Request to Move Any Inconvenient Due Dates
    If there is one time of the month when all your largest bills are due, try to spread them out. You can call your bank, credit card company, etc. and request a new due date for your bill. This may mean paying in advance for a month to make it happen, but you will find it much easier to make payments on everything in the long run.


16. Keep All Bills in One Place
    Once your mail arrives, make sure all bills are placed together until they are paid. Alert anyone in the house that checks the mail that bills are serious and time sensitive. Your children might not be aware of this otherwise and might accidentally place something important out of sight.


17. Keep All Receipts in One Place
    A file folder is your best option when it comes to organizing receipts. You can divide them up by subject which will make them easier to retrieve later. Should you ever have to return an item, request a refund or prove a deduction to an auditor, you will be glad you kept your receipts in one place.

Simplifying your personal finances begins with just a few new habits here and there. Once you get the hang of keeping your money matters organized, you will probably find financial relief overall. No longer will bills be misplaced or checking accounts overdrawn. By following the above advice, you will be on the road to financial stability.