Expect the Unexpected

Utility bills are the bane of any budget's existence.  Every changing rates and usage patterns make them the most predictable part of any household.  And sometimes even the budget plans that so many utility companies offer can still hit you with that unpleasant surprise at the end of the billing cycle when instead of the credit you were expecting, there is an overage charge.   One of the best ways I have found to avoid that ugly budget surprise is to automatically figure in, not the average of your utility bill as most budget plans do, but the highest bill. Any surplus left over after paying the current bill can be put into a savings account as a hedge an unexpected utility spike due to fluctuating energy costs.