You may be used to paying your bills in cash or with money orders. This can be very time-consuming. There are faster and easier ways to do this.

Here are five ways to make bill paying easier:

1. Open a checking account.
This allows you to pay by check, automatically, or online -- instead of using money orders.

2. Pay online.
Online banking and bill paying, which most banks offer, makes bill paying really fast and easy.

3. Pay by phone.
If you have a checking account, debit card or credit card, you can pay utilities and other large service providers by phone or by providing your credit or debit card information and/or the checking account routing number and check number.

4. Pay bills directly at the retailer.
This is a commonly used option for cell phone services. Mobile phone companies operate a widespread network of outlets that not only sell the services but receive payments. These retailers are able to automatically credit payments to accounts. Payments are generally accepted in cash, check (with ID) or money order. If you do not have a checking account or debit and credit card, you may prefer this form of payment

5. Use retail bill payment services.
Bill payment services are offered at check-cashing outlets and general purpose retail stores. These services are linked into networks that receive money and make payment primarily for utilities, cable, phone services and rent payments for public housing residents.

These services accept cash and money orders and make large payments to the business. Prices vary quite a bit from location to location. However, the retailer is often free to decide upon their own rates to consumer. Most networks operate by making payments electronically, so unlike payment directly at the vendor (cell phone store), these payments may have a 1-3 day delay before payment is received and your account is credited.