You know how it is: It’s the start of a new month and suddenly your bank account takes a huge hit from multiple automatic payments on the same day. Rent, utilities, subscriptions, loan payments — all at once, it’s a devastating blow. Instead of draining your bank account all at once, a better system is to spread out your automatic payments throughout the month.

First things first: If you haven’t already, automate your finances. Credit card payments, rent, retirement contributions, the works. Make a list of all your automated payments and when they typically hit your account each month. Note essential expenses like rent and car payments versus more flexible subscriptions like your streaming services.

Mark fixed expenses that have a due date, such as rent, mortgage, car payments, and minimum loan payments. These are due at the beginning and middle of the month.

Now, schedule your more flexible bills (utilities, Netflix, gym membership, etc.) evenly throughout the rest of the month. Most companies let you pick a payment date, so take advantage of that. Here’s a sample schedule so your bank account doesn’t take a big hit on the first of every month.