Can You Afford to Throw Away $15.00?

Late Fees!!!

I can't either.....but that's what used to happen before I began paying my monthly bills online. It seems as though I'd have those moments where I'd remember on Saturday afternoon that a bill was due on Monday or Tuesday and I was all out of stamps. Or, I was sick and couldn't get to the post office. Or, nuts! I used my last check and forgot to submit my re-order form to the bank. And while I had every intention of paying what was due WHEN is was due, sometimes I just missed - or spaced out. And it cost me. I would get so upset with myself because those late fees add up.

So, for the past almost three years, I have been utilizing my on-line bill payment service from my bank. And I've said it before and I'll say it again: I love, love, love it! Why?

*On-line banking and bill pay is a FREE service that is offered by my bank.

*It is safe and secure. How many of you have your address, phone number and maybe driver's license and social security numbers printed on your checks? On-line bill pay keeps your personal information private.

*It saves an average of $80.00 in postage per year. No more scrounging up change for a couple of stamps and having to be at the post office before it closes. And a stamp is 44 cents apiece!!

*On-line banking provides you with access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays! You can also make transfers between accounts without having to go the bank.

*Saves paper by providing you with your monthly statement on-line instead of having to wait to get it in the mail.

*Is a great budgeting tool. Schedule your monthly payments the day you receive them. This helps to make sure your balance is where it needs to be in order to meet your monthly expenses and helps to show you how you can put any "extra" funds in an emergency fund or savings account.

I share this information because it has been instrumental in helping me be a good steward with the income that is provided to us. I hope that it may be helpful to anyone who is looking for ways to save money or help streamline their time in keeping track of expenses.

Do you do on-line banking?

Thanks for checking in.....

--Liane