Say the amount and the one thing to do
Vague reminders get vague replies. 'Hey, electric is $64, can you send it to Sam today?' is answerable. 'Can people sort the bills?' is not.
Remind early, before it's late
A reminder three days before the due date is a courtesy. A reminder three days after is a complaint. Send the first one and you will rarely need the second.
Keep it out of the group chat
Nobody wants their name next to an unpaid bill in front of the whole house. Message the person directly. The house chat is for pizza and plumbing.
Three messages that work
- Before: 'Internet's $20 each this month, due Thursday. No rush yet.'
- On the day: 'Internet's due today. You're the only one still open, $20 to me.'
- After: 'It's been two days on the internet bill. $20 to me when you get a sec. Want the link?'
Stop being the sender
The real fix is for the reminder to come from something that isn't a person. When the nudge comes from the system the house agreed to use, nobody is nagging and nobody is being nagged.