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Friday, April 17, 2009
Paying bills online saves
I’m not a huge technology junkie, but there is one Internet-based operation I have come to rely upon and absolutely love — Internet banking.
Most banks now offer customers the ability to pay bills, manage accounts, receive statements, transfer funds and apply for loans, all from the comfort of wherever their computers happen to reside.
One of the nicest features is access to my accounts whenever I need it. If I remember I need to pay my American Express bill at 11 p.m., I can log on and the funds will be delivered in no more than two business days.
You can also keep the majority of your money in a savings account and instantly transfer only what you need to cover your bills, further reducing the temptation to spend.
By paying online, you can ensure delivery and save money while you pay your bills. On May 11, the price to mail a first-class letter via the U.S. Postal Service will increase by 2 cents to 44 cents. So, if you mail, oh, let’s say 15 bills per month, you can save almost $80 in a year.
And I can think of lots of things to do with $80 that will make me much happier than mailing bills.
Personal checks are expensive — a reasonable estimate is about $15 per 200 — so cutting your use of paper checks is another savings. Out of the approximately 225 payments I’ve made from my checking account in the past six months, only about 50 have been actual paper checks. That’s a cost savings nearly equal to the cost of a box of checks and less paper heading to a landfill.
Using a debit card for in-store purchases can also cut your check costs. One point of caution: be sure retailers process your transactions as credit even though you are using a debit card. Many banks will charge the same transaction fee on debit purchases that they do on out-of-network ATM transactions. Don’t pay the bank for letting you use your own money.
Even though Internet banking is a plus, users need to be mindful of the less-than-honest people out there trying to take advantage.
The biggest concern for many people, both users and nonusers, is theft. To safeguard your information, never share passwords or account information with anyone.
Watch out for fraudulent e-mails — commonly known as phishing — that appear to be from a legitimate bank requesting any personal information. It is not a common practice for banks to seek information from clients via e-mail, so don’t hesitate to contact your bank with any questions.
And, banks have security measures in place to keep potential problems to a minimum. I recently tried to access a credit card account online, but realized I had forgotten my password.
I was locked out of the account and received an e-mail telling me someone had unsuccessfully attempted to gain access to my account. I was thrilled at the security and only a little embarrassed that the potential hacker was me and my failing memory.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Consumer interest, Helpful information, Savings
Closeout sale at Whispering Winds; everything at least half off
Whispering Winds Creations is having its final sale today and Saturday, April 17-18.
The store at 6139 Dog Leg Road in Dayton is closing after 28 years, although it may reopen at a later date at another location, according to owner Sandy Nickley.
“Everything must go,” said Nickley, adding that everything in the store is on sale for at least half off.
The store sells gift baskets, home and floral decor, furnishings, Mariposa platters and much more. Display pieces and antiques also will be sold.
“We just want to thank our customers,” Nickley said. “Our customers became our friends. We look forward to the future.”
Whispering Winds Creations will be open from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. today and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Savings
Free Dunkin’ Donuts coffee pack, dog treats
If you like Dunkin’ Donuts coffee or if you have been meaning to try it, this first offer is for you.
Dunkin’ Donuts is offering a free sample of their coffee grounds delivered to your door for your home-brewing pleasure. You just need to visit the site and fill out their little form.
Then, submit and, as the site notes: “begin unbearable anticipation.”
It looks like the Dunkin’ Dark blend is already sold out, but the original blend is still available.
Another freebie worth noting today is that the Walmart site is giving away free samples of Better Than Ears dog treats.
The coffee and the dog treat offers are both available while supplies last.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Free stuff
Bally, Everlast among fitness balls recalled
Fitness balls made by Bally Total Fitness, Everlast, Valeo and Body Fit were recalled Thursday, April 16, by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The balls, made by EB Brands of Yonkers, N.Y., when overinflated, can unexpectedly burst while in use, causing the user to fall to the floor.
EB Brands has received 47 reports of fitness balls unexpectedly bursting, including reports of a fracture, and multiple bruises, according to the CPSC.
The fitness balls were sold at department stores and fitness retailers nationwide from May 2000 to February 2009 for between $15 and $30.
Consumers should contact EB Brands to receive a copy of the updated instructions on how to safely inflate the ball.
For additional information, contact EB Brands at (800) 624-5671 or visit www.ebbrands.com.
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Outlet mall sets job fair; site lists many ways to work from home
The outlet mall set to open in Monroe in August announced Thursday, April 16, that it will hold a job fair June 9.
At least 18 tenants have reportedly agreed to be a part of the mall, including adidas, Banana Republic Factory Store, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Calvin Klein, Gap Factory Store, Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth and Tommy Hilfiger.
In all, there will be 100 outlet stores at the Warren County site.
Also, About.com made note of several ways you can work from home in industries such as health care, entertainment and information technology.
The site provides a long list of contacts that can get you started in a new, home-based career.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Employment
