paying bills

[purest]

my flatmates and I sometimes dissagree or get confused over bills. this is because we all pay different bills and some of us don't keep proper records.

I wanted to set up a flat bank account that we would all pay into and then all the bills would be paid from this. Unfortunately all the banks I asked said this was not possible. I'm sure it must be, anyone know?

R

[brian]

Why not simply split each bill equally, with each person as the named payer on a different bill - ie, one for gas, one for electric, etc. That's what we used to do.

[Munro-Price]

Do not put your name on all bills and expect all housemates to pay you. As Brian suggests you are best to split all bills and have one in each name.

[brian]

Otherwise one person gets lumbered with all the ills while the friends suddenly disappear.

[chris-sussex]

Yes, definitly put both names on the bill, money does funny things to anyone and everyone. Both names on the bill and a 50/50 split, simple.

[canton]

Chris sussex - Good Answer! the problems with "Shared" bank accounts is that if "Somone" dont pay in and a DD goes out (no money in account!) someone has to pick up the tab!

[jodieB]

Well me and my friends went through exactly the same problem what we found best was to nominate one person (the most organised) to set up a bank account and we would all have access to it so we could put the money into it and because we new we would be living all together for two years this made sense and did work for us..

[New Homes Expert]

You can set up a bank account. Simples.
Then make everyone pay a set amount each week or month towards eventual bills.