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How does paying with cash help me manage my daily expenses?

Often financial planners and debt management consultants will suggest using cash for a period of time to help manage your money. Often when you use credit cards and debit cards you don’t really see where your money goes. We just automatically hand over the card, sign, and take home our purchases. When you set the cards aside, and you start to hand over each dollar in cash, you’ll be able to ask yourself whether this is money well spent.

Have you ever heard the expression “knowing is half the battle”? Well in the case of money management – it really is! Once you realize how much money you are spending on snacks, lunches, and dinners at restaurants, you may decide it’s not worth it. It may be time to get a good cookbook from the library and learn how to cook at home.

Or maybe you already eat at home, but you have a different vice – CDs, concerts, going to the movies, always having the latest iPod, laptops and Blackberries, online shopping – whatever it is, when you pay in cash, you really see where your money goes and you can make a more informed decision about whether you want to spend your hard earned dollars that way.

Debt management companies suggest that you pay for all of your purchases with cash, even online. How is that possible? Well, the next time you’re shopping online, check to see if the online store offers the option of paying for your purchase directly through your bank account through eBillme, or shop their Debt Free Shopping Section.

Becoming aware of where your money is spent is only the first step to a successful money management strategy. Write down where all the money goes and you can use this as the basis for a budget. Then you can set some financial goals, reduce your debt, and plan for your retirement. It may seem like a lot to get in order, but take the first step today and see where it leads you!

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How can you create a budget?

You can create a budget easily when you know where your money is going. It can seem complicated if you’ve never done one before, but really it’s not. All you’re doing is making a list of your expenses and trying to figure out what you’ll spend in each area next month. If you’re not comfortable with spreadsheets, then just use a piece of paper and pen. The point here is to create a plan for how you’d like to spend your money.

When you’re budgeting: group things together. I start with the things that happen every month and what you can’t avoid – accountants call these your “fixed costs”. Then list all the extras.

Things you can’t avoid:

Rent or mortgage payment
Property tax
Car payment/bus pass/transportation
Tuition payments
Insurance payments
Phone
Heat (gas/oil)
Hydro (electricity)
Water/sewer
Internet connection
Cable/satellite
Mobile
Groceries

Extras:

Eating out (include all the snacks you eat while you’re out as well)
Entertainment (include nights out, iTunes)
Gym memberships/fitness classes
Gadgets (include iPods, Blackberries, etc.)
Clothes
Travel/Vacations
Others (include anything else that you spend money on)

Total (add all of the above up):

Just by writing out what all of these things cost, you may have learned that there’s something that needs to change. The next step to creating a budget is to make all of this balance with how much money you earn. Write down how much money you make each month and check where you fall:

Does your salary cover your total expenses? If so, lucky you! It’s time for you to retire your debt, and plan for your retirement.
Are your expenses higher than your salary? If so, how close are they? Are there small changes you can make to balance your finances? Try to figure out what you can change. Where can you save money? If you’re coming up short month after month, it may be time to get some outside help from a debt counselor or debt consolidator.

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How can you save more money?

You’ve tried only buying what you really need, but you just don’t seem to have the willpower to save money. You just keep spending and you’re not sure what to do about it. You are not alone. Many people are in the habit of constant spending, with the result being that there is no money in their savings accounts when they need it. Isn’t there an easy way to save more money?

Most people spend whatever money they have available. So, the easy trick to saving money is to change what’s “available”. To do this, you can set up an automatic savings plan – this can help you to save your money without always having that nagging feeling when you buy something. You can still buy and spend what’s available, but by automatically saving just a small amount, you can get ready to buy a car, to buy a house, to pay for tuition, or for your retirement. You can even prepare yourself in case hard economic times come your way.

How do you choose a financial planner?

Financial planning and debt management can be very complicated. A certified financial planner can definitely help you to set attainable financial goals, to reduce your debt, and to invest your savings. But your financial planner needs to be right for you. The idea of getting a financial planner can seem intimidating to people who have never consulted one before.

If you are generally very careful with your money, look for a conservative planner whose style you’ll be comfortable with. If you have a lot of money and are happy to take big risks with it in the hopes of big rewards (but understand that you could lose it too!), then look for a broker or financial planner who is known in the industry and is connected to people making those kinds of deals.

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards recommends that before hiring a financial planner you:

1. Find out what experience the financial planner has in your area of interest
2. Find out what qualifications the financial planner has with what you would like to change
3. Find out what services the financial planner offers, and which you need
4. Find out if their general approach to financial planning matches your needs
5. Find out which team members will be working with you
6. Find out how you will pay for their services
7. Find out how much their services will cost you
8. Double check if the financial planner has any conflicts of interest with you
9. Double check if the financial planner has been involved in any public actions for unethical or unlawful decisions
10. You need to get a contract in writing

If you’re interested in finding a daily money manager who is right for you? You should check out the AADMM.com might be able to help. Click here if you want more tips on saving money and reducing debt.

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How much and what kinds of insurance should you have?

Like most people, you will likely need insurance on:

Payday has come and gone, and once again you’re scratching your head wondering where the money went. Poof! It seems to disappear as fast as you get it.

If you’re thinking about your best debt management solutions, now might be a good time to really think about how much money you’re spending. The following debt management tips are designed to make you aware of where you’re spending your money.

When you can see in black and white where those dollars are disappearing it’s easier to come up with a smart debt management solution that works for you.

Keep track of every cent you spend for one month. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but you only need to do it for about a month. That means keeping track of every cent including the money you spend on all of those little extras like gum, magazines, newspapers, coffee, donations, gas, etc. Don’t forget to include the big stuff like mortgages and car payments.
Immediately stop using your credit card for everyday purchases. Shopping online? Look for shops that offers a secure cash payment option where you can securely pay with cash instead.
Your bank can help you get a personal line of credit as a way to consolidate your debt and better approach your debt management issues. They typically have lower interest rates than other loans. You can use them to pay off your high interest rate credit cards and then work towards staying out of credit card debt going forward.
Find a debt counselor or debt management company. Some won’t even charge for their services – see if you can find a free one. They can look at your personal situation and try to figure out the best approach for you.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Remember, it can feel overwhelming to be in debt, but you can take steps to get out of it. It takes strength and courage to ask for help when you need it, but debt counselors spend all day helping people in exactly the same spot as you are – they know what to do and can often be very helpful very fast.

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How can you manage all of your credit card bills?

Anyone can get into debt - impulse shopping, trying to keep up with your wealthier friends and family, and sudden emergencies can easily rack up huge debts on your credit cards - but with a little bit of work you can dig your way out to the point where you don’t owe anybody anything. What a relief to stand on your own two feet!

Instead of this feeling of freedom, most people are deeply worried about their finances. The average American family has over $8,000 in credit card debt. If you owe that much to credit card companies with high interest rates, you might think that debt management is pretty much impossible. You might find yourself scrambling to meet the minimum payments, or using one credit card to pay off your other one.

Before you panic, there are a few things for you to consider:

Visit your bank or credit union for help. Chances are that they can consolidate all of your loans into one – sometimes as a line of credit. You still have the debt, but it’s probably at a much lower interest rate than all of your credit cards combined.
Work at paying off your line of credit. Show your bank that you’re serious - Get rid of all of your high interest credit cards and keep one for emergencies only.
Seriously, it’s for emergencies only – don’t use the card unless it really is an emergency.

Once you decide on a new career, talk with your friends and colleagues to see if they know of any companies that are hiring for that type of role. There are lots of internet sites that cover how to write your resume, get an interview, prepare for an interview, accept or decline a job offer, and start a new job.

It can take a while to make a career change, but the time and energy are well worth it when you secure a better job.

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What do you need to know to find a good credit card?

With so many bank, store brand, and other credit cards on the market, it can be hard for you to pick the right one. Here are some tips for making the best decision for you and your family.

You should compare the APRs of at least 3 credit card companies. An APR is the annual percentage rate. This is the interest you’ll pay over the course of a year if you carry a balance. So, a daily interest rate is just the APR/365. Be sure you are comfortable with this. It’s worth your while to do some shopping around to find the best one since there is a wide range of APRs out there.

How many times do you go to the mall with a fistful of personal identification including your social security number, credit card numbers, home mailing address, and bank account information? When you’re at the mall, do you post all of them on the bulletin board for everyone to see before spending the afternoon shopping? Probably not.

Instead, you probably try to keep all that information hidden in your pocket or purse. You know that if all of those cards were stolen, you’d have a hard time proving who you were, and someone might be able to steal your identity. The same is true online. If you’re not protecting your personal information, you are putting yourself at risk. See below for more information on how you can improve your chances against these criminals.

There are many strategies you can implement quickly and easily to protect your identity both online and offline:

Do you really need all those cards in your wallet? Check whether you really need to be carrying all of the cards you have in your wallet around with you everywhere – do you need to have your social security number (SSN) with you? Are you carrying your passport around? If you don’t need it, don’t carry it. Find somewhere safer for the cards you don’t need. That way if your wallet is stolen, at least you’ll have some identification cards to be able to identify yourself.
Do you carry your personal identification numbers (PINS) in your wallet? You know you shouldn’t, so try to memorize these, and throw out the little reminders! Little notes with PIN numbers can give criminals easy access to your accounts – and some banks aren’t very sympathetic if they hear that you gave the criminal your pin.
Do you have photocopies of important identification cards? It’s a good idea to take photocopies of important identification cards when you get them and keep these photocopies in a safety deposit box, or hidden at home. That way, if your identity is stolen, at least you will have some proof of who you are. These can help you re-establish your identity a little bit faster. If you don’t have access to a photocopier, you can just write down all of the numbers on these cards. Be sure to store this information in a very safe place.
Do you pay by cash? Using cash to pay for items instead of using credit or debit cards helps to keep your identity safe. By leaving your credit and debit card numbers in your wallet instead of on receipts and registers, you reduce the chances that someone will see these numbers and try to take advantage of you. Paying by cash also helps with money management. Use a service like eBillme when you are shopping online – this service allows you to shop online and pay by cash.
Do you shred papers that contain your personal information? The average home shredding machine costs under 50$ (eBillme recommends: Buy.com Shredders). Shredding old credit card statements or receipts that contain credit card numbers is easy and ensures that criminals won’t be able to gain access to your identity by rooting through your garbage (AKA dumpster diving).
Do you know your card company’s policies on identity theft? Check with your credit or debit card company – Some good questions to ask are:
- Who is liable if your card is stolen?
- What sort of policies do they have in place to protect you?
- Will they call you if they suspect someone has stolen your card and is putting unauthorized transactions on it?
Make sure that you are comfortable with your credit or debit card company’s policies. If you aren’t, it may be a good time to start shopping around for a new credit card.

Are all of your cards signed?

Sign all important identification and credit/debit cards on the back as soon as you get them. If you notice that your signature has worn off, get the card replaced as soon as possible.

Do you reveal important numbers over the phone?

A popular new scam is for thieves to call you posing as your credit card company. They often have some information about you, but not all, and they ask if you can fill them in on the rest. You should know that no legitimate credit card company will ask you to reveal the 3-digit security code on the back of your card – if someone calls asking you for this, you should hang up and report the phone call to the police.

Do you have identity theft insurance?

Identity theft insurance attempts to protect you from the financial difficulties incurred while re-instating your identity. It generally costs between $20 and $100 per year. According to consumer reports though, identity theft insurance is generally not worth the cost because there’s really not much these insurance companies can actually do for you if your identity has been compromised. You need to do most of the work to reclaim your identity yourself.

Some credit card companies include this type of service for free – ask yours how they will help you if your identity is stolen.

Do you shop only at secure web sites?

You can tell if a web site is secure by:
- Looking at the top of the screen where you see https. The “s” means that the site is secure. You might not see it until you actually get to the page where you make your online purchase though.
- Look for a closed padlock at the bottom of the screen. If the lock is open, the site isn’t secure. If the lock is closed, the site is secure.
- If you see an unbroken key at the bottom of your screen, that also indicates a secure site.
- Do you use a personal firewall?
If you’re shopping online without anything to block the rest of the world from seeing your personal information, you are opening yourself up to becoming a victim of identity theft. There are all kinds of software programs available at different costs designed to prevent identity theft by putting up a “wall” or a “firewall” as it’s called. When someone tries to hack into your computer, the software program identifies the problem and blocks it from happening.

If you don’t use one of these programs, you might not be protected against the latest Internet identity theft threats. That’s the same as leaving your back door wide open and all of your personal information on the back porch. People can then come and go as they please, using your information for whatever they want.

Do you know what a phishing email is and do you know what to do if you get one?

Everyone has heard of fishing, but have you heard of phishing? People are really creative and can, unfortunately, create emails that look just like letters or notifications from your banking institutions, government agencies, or legitimate businesses.

They’re called phishing emails and they’re usually written in a way that alerts you to a possible problem with your account. What they want you to do is click on a certain link where you’ll be asked to type in your account information. It’s like taking candy from babies.

As soon as you hit “send” some criminal has instant access to your bank account. The next thing you know, you’ve become a victim of identity theft. There are ways to protect yourself from this kind of email scam though. It’s easy - if you receive an email from a bank you don’t even use, delete it.

If you receive an email that seems to be from a company you’ve recently used or your bank, don’t respond to the email in any way. To protect yourself from identity theft, contact the company or your bank to find out if the email is real.

If it isn’t, banks usually provide a dedicated customer service phone number or email address where you can send fraudulent emails. If you suspect that you have a fraud email, cut and paste the email and send it to the bank.

The best secure socket layer certificate, or SSL, in the world can’t protect you from this type of fraud. Just remember that any legitimate bank or company won’t ask for you to send them personal information through email.

You can also report phishing emails here: AntiPhishing.Org.

If you think you or someone you know has fallen prey to a phishing scheme, you should always report identity theft to your local authorities.

For more information about identity theft, and in particular identity theft when you’re traveling overseas, see AboutIdentityTheft.co.uk.

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Where can I find an identity theft prevention checklist?

Check your wallet and if you don’t need all those cards, don’t carry them. Find somewhere safer to store them like a safe in your home or at your bank. If your wallet is stolen, you will still have some pieces of identification to help prove who you are.
Check your wallet and remove any notes containing personal identification numbers (PINS).
Photocopy important identification cards when you get them. Keep the photocopies in a safety deposit box or hidden at home (if you don’t have a photocopier available you can just write down the numbers).
Pay by cash. Paying with cash (and leaving your credit and debit cards at home) is a great way to assure your privacy. It also helps with money management.
Know your credit card or debit card company’s policies on identity theft.
Sign all of your cards. If you notice that your signature has worn off, get the card replaced as soon as possible.
Don’t reveal important numbers over the phone. No legitimate credit card company will ask you to reveal the 3-digit security code on the back of your card – if someone calls asking you for this, you should hang up or report the phone call to the police.
Shred papers that contain your personal information before throwing them out.
Investigate whether identity theft insurance is right for you.
Shop only at secure web sites.
Use a personal firewall.
Don’t reply to or click on links in emails asking for bank account or credit card numbers. Delete them instead.

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How can I tell if a web site I'm shopping at is safe and secure?

Secure online shopping is possible! Look for a secure shopping cart – To tell if a web site’s shopping cart is secure:

When you look at the url of the site, you should see https:// instead of http://. The “s” means that the site is secure. (Note: Some sites only move you over to a secure server on pages where you are giving them sensitive information – so you might not see https:// until you actually get to the page where you make your online purchase).
Look for a closed padlock at the bottom of the screen. If the lock is open, the site isn’t secure. If the lock is closed, the site is secure.
If you see a key at the bottom of your screen, that also indicates a secure site. The key needs to be complete (with no breaks in it).
Some sites may have logos that show you which SSL (secure-socket layer) provider the site uses. These logos often contain today’s date (to let you know that the ssl is current) and when you click the logo, a screen should appear giving you more information about the ssl provider. One example of this is Verisign.
There are also newer tools to help you identify sites that take your privacy and security seriously. If you see a current Hackersafe logo on a site, it means that Hackersafe thinks that the site you are on is doing a good job of protecting your information.

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Is Internet identity theft all I have to worry about?

The short answer is NO. Identity theft can happen offline as well.

While you probably get many pop-up windows while surfing the Internet with offers of rewards, gifts or extra-special deals on 5-star vacations, you probably also get several phone calls offering you “the deal of a lifetime” - How often do you find out that you have to provide personal and financial information in order to receive the deal?

Don’t fall for it.

When shopping online from a shared computer (such as one used at a library, school, or Internet café) try to make purchases from stores that offer alternative payment options like eBillme. With eBillme, you can place your order now, but pay cash for these purchases later from a computer that is not shared.

If the store will only accept credit card payments online, look for their customer service phone number. Give them a call and see if they’ll accept a check payment. It will take longer to receive your order, but at least you won’t have to enter credit card information into a shared computer. The risks of making an online credit card payment using a shared public computer include:

The risk of someone looking over your shoulder to get your personal and financial information.
Forgetting to completely log off. We’re a busy society and in a rushed world, it’s really easy to jump up from the computer terminal and head out the door without completely logging off. The next person to sit down could easily log in as you and take advantage of your credit card information.
When using your own computer, you probably have a good idea of the security installed on it. When using a public computer, unless you take the time to search the system, you may not be as well protected as you are at home.

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What is a phishing email?

A phishing email is an email that has been made to look just like a letter or notification from your bank, government agency, or some other business. They are usually written in a way that alerts you to a possible problem with your account. The email says that they want you to click on a link where you’ll be asked to type in your account information. As soon as you hit “send” some criminal has instant access to your bank account. The next thing you know, you’ve become a victim of identity theft.

There are ways to protect yourself from this kind of email scam. It’s easy - if you receive an email from a bank you don’t even use, delete it. If you receive an email that seems to be from a company you’ve recently used or your bank, don’t respond to the email in any way. To protect yourself from identity theft, contact the company or your bank to find out if the email is real.

There are many different ways that criminals and fraudsters can steal your identity.

The most common forms of identity theft are:

58.9% of all victims experienced the misuse of an existing credit card
48.6% of all victims experienced the misuse of existing accounts other than existing credit card accounts
21.9% of victims had their personal information used to open a new account or commit some other kind of fraud - for the victims, this type of identity theft can be the hardest to recover from.
For 38.1% of all victims, the misuse of an existing credit card was the only form of ID theft suffered.

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How common is identity theft?

According to surveys by the Federal Trade Commission, a total of 3.7 percent of survey participants indicated that they had discovered they were victims of identity theft in 2005. That translates to approximately 8.3 million U.S. adults who were victims of some form of identity theft in 2005.

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What are the costs for victims of identity theft?

A 2006 survey revealed that the average loss for victims of identity theft was $371. The median value of goods and services obtained by the identity thieves was $500. Ten percent of victims reported that the thief obtained $6,000 or more, while 5 percent reported that the thief obtained at least $13,000 in goods and services.

In more than 50% of identity theft cases, victims incurred no out-of-pocket expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses include any lost wages, legal fees, payment of fraudulent debts, and miscellaneous expenses such as notarization, copying, and postage.

10% of all victims reported out-of-pocket expenses of $1,200 or more.

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What other problems could I face as a victim of identity theft?

37% of victims reported experiencing problems other than out-of-pocket expenses or the expenditure of time resolving issues as a result of having their personal information misused. The problems they reported include, among other things, being harassed by collections agents, being denied new credit, being unable to use existing credit cards, being unable to obtain loans, having their utilities cut off, being subject to a criminal investigation or civil suit, being arrested, and having difficulties obtaining or accessing bank accounts.

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How much money do thieves make from identity theft?

It is estimated that the total losses from identity theft in 2006 was approximately $15.6 billion.
The following breakdown shows the median amounts lost to the different kinds of identity theft:

New Accounts & Other Frauds: $1,350 (victims in this category were 3 times as likely to report that thieves obtained more than $5,000 when compared to victims in the other two categories of ID theft)
Existing Non-Credit Card Accounts: $457
Existing Credit Cards Only: $350

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How does the way I’ve paid for an item impact how I’m protected?

That stunning, but mildly overpriced designer handbag you bought online last week is now on sale for half price and you forgot to check if the store offered any sort of price guarantees! What are your options? If you paid for your online purchase using eBillme, relax! You’re covered by a comprehensive Buyer Protection program that includes a hassle free Best Price Guarantee.

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How do I make a Best Price Guarantee claim (I ordered with eBillme)?

If the lower price is advertised in a Printed Advertisement:
Email within 90 days of purchase to request a Sales Price Protection claim form. Upon authorization, you will be instructed to mail in a claim form, along with the following information:

Your original itemized and dated Product receipt;

A copy of the Printed Advertisement or signed letter from the store (on store letterhead including the phone number of the person who prepared the letter) which shows the date of the advertisement, Store name and location, the currently in-stock Product (including make, model number, and year), and price;
Any other documentation We may request.

Once the required documentation is submitted and your claim is verified, You will receive a check for the price difference. Once we have all necessary information, it generally takes about thirty (30) days to process your claim and issue a check.

If the lower price is advertised in a Non-Auction Internet Advertisement: Email within 90 days of purchase for a Sales Price Protection claim form. You will be asked to provide the Internet address where the advertisement appeared. Upon authorization, you will be instructed to mail in a claim form, along with the following information:

Your original itemized and dated Product receipt;
A copy of the Non-Auction Internet Advertisement which shows the date the advertisement was posted, merchant name, Web site address, customer service telephone number, the Product (including model number), and sale price;
Any other documentation We may request.

Once the required documentation is submitted and your claim is verified, you will receive a check for the price difference. Once we have all necessary information, it generally takes about thirty (30) days to process your claim and issue a check.

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When I buy something online, is my Satisfaction Guaranteed?

One of the main reasons that people avoid online shopping is the fear that the item they’ve bought won’t be exactly what they wanted. They worry that the return process will be complicated or that the merchant won’t be willing to refund their money. Who wants to be stuck with a pair of designer jeans that just don’t fit, or a credit at a store you’ll never use?

The secret to finding peace of mind with every purchase lies in ensuring that your order is covered by a buyer protection program BEFORE you take your virtual secure shopping cart through the checkout.

One of the problems with shopping online is that you can’t actually see the item you’re buying at the time you make your purchase. You can’t try it on, feel the quality, or test the functionality. For this reason, the majority of online retailers will accept an item that you wish to return. For those retailers who won’t accept returns, it is a good idea to pay for your order with a payment option that includes a Satisfaction Guarantee and a guarantee protecting against shipping damage like eBillme.

What is fraud protection?

Fraud protection safeguards you from unauthorized transactions. If you use your credit or debit card to shop online, you might be covered by your card’s specific corporate policy in the event that you find yourself a victim of online fraud. However, if you want to mitigate the risk of having your personal and financial information compromised, you can opt to use an alternate payment option, such as eBillme.

The eBillme Buyer Protection program is truly unique since it allows you to pay cash for your purchase, but you’re still covered by a zero fraud liability policy. This is an enhanced service typically offered for a fee by premium credit card companies. When you checkout using eBillme, your peace of mind is guaranteed.

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What does zero fraud liability mean?

If you find yourself the victim of online fraud, knowing that you’re covered by zero fraud liability is essential to protecting your peace of mind and finances. What this means is that if your personal or financial information is used for unauthorized purchases, you are 100% covered. Shopping with eBillme ensures that you receive the maximum protection against online fraud.

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Why would I use an alternative payment method?

Originally, the only way shoppers could pay for their online orders with cash was by mailing paper checks. But the delays waiting on the mail and waiting for the check to clear often caused backorder situations and disgruntled customers. Checks have quickly become obsolete online.

The second generation of cash payments arrived with online debit. Faster than paper checks, debit quickly gained traction. Many consumers switched to this payment method but found they were concerned about the security, liability and hidden fees. They started to look for a new, safe and free alternative.

The evolution continued and other types of payment methods evolved to replace online debit, credit card and check payments. Some of these new alternatives are cart based, some are new forms of credit, and others are new forms of debit like eBillme. eBillme was created as a secure debit option that resolves all of these issues by providing secure debit with comprehensive buyer protection and no hidden fees. The next generation of cash payments online is eBillme.

Many online retailers are moving quickly to integrate these alternative payment technologies into their checkouts – so that they’ll be ready for you as you shift the way you pay for things online. According to a May 2008 survey by First Annapolis Consulting Inc., “41% of the merchants surveyed reported accepting at least one alternative payment form, and nearly half of those accept at least two payment forms.“ As alternative payment options become the standard offering online, many consumers like you are becoming more and more comfortable placing orders online using these methods.

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What are all the different ways that I can pay for purchases online?

With concerns about security, and high interest rates, many Americans are investigating how alternative payment options can help them when they’re shopping online.

Cash Based Payment Options:
Cash based payment options let you pay for your online shopping orders with cash. One popular option called eBillme allows you to shop and pay cash with online banking. When you’re shopping online, at the retailer’s payment page you just select eBillme as your payment option. Then you get a copy of your bill on screen. You log in directly to your online banking and pay the bill.

Some other cash based payment options only work with a few banks, while eBillme works at any American financial institution that lets you pay bills online. You can pay your eBill at virtually any credit union, bank, and bill pay portal in the United States.

Checkout Cart Payment Options:
Usually, if you want to use a checkout cart payment option, you first sign up for an account with the payment provider. When signing up you will be asked to enter personal confidential information such as your credit card or bank account number and the payment provider will store that information for you. (Because you’re giving them sensitive information, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with a very reputable checkout cart provider.)

When you go shopping online you’ll see your payment provider’s logo on the cart or payment page at the authorized web site. When you select the payment option, you’ll be directed to a page hosted by your payment provider where you can login and verify your shipping and payment information. In some cases you’ll be redirected back to the retailer’s web site, in others you’ll stay at the payment provider’s until you complete your order. Either way, you finalize your order and it gets shipped to you.

How can I avoid credit card fraud?

The idea of having your personal information stolen through online fraud is scary for most people. However, in general, making purchases online is safe as long as you make sure that:

The online store is reputable (check with the Better Business Bureau if you’re not sure).
The online store uses a firewall for protection along with encryption software to protect your personal and financial information from getting into the wrong hands. Look for an unbroken padlock or key on your computer screen before making a purchase.
You never respond to emails requesting verification of your personal and credit card information. This is known as phishing. If you ever get an email that appears to be from your bank asking you to immediately verify your account details, stop! If you respond to this kind of email, you could find yourself a victim of online fraud. Once you click on the given link, you’ll be brought to a page where you’ll be asked to key in things like your bank account number, passwords, social security numbers, etc. Don’t do it!

Some people choose to have a separate credit card with a lower limit on it for their online shopping. This can be an effective strategy - but it’s a hassle to have the separate card, the separate bill, and sometimes clever criminals can use these cards to get access to more credit.

For those who want to play it safe, you can effectively mitigate the risk of credit card fraud by choosing an alternative payment method online like eBillme. That way, your payment is made through the secure bank-to-bank system, with no transmission of personal or financial information to unknown parties. The threat of credit card fraud online is thereby easily and quickly reduced.

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How can I protect a family member from credit card fraud?

Online fraudsters are counting on the average population to be naive when it comes to using the Internet. Unfortunately in this case, one of the most vulnerable segments of the population is the elderly. To protect their finances and peace of mind, there are a few things you can do to help elderly family members and friends:

Find a “Computer for Seniors” course where they can become familiar with computer terminology.
Help them set up a junk-mail filter in their email account to avoid phishing emails that could lead to credit card fraud.
Talk to them about the realities of Internet fraud to make them aware of the pitfalls.
Make sure their computer is set up with a firewall and virus protection.
Show them how to make online purchases using alternative payment options which do not involve using their credit card numbers online.

The AARP provides tips and suggestion to help prevent seniors from becoming the victims of online fraud. The FBI’s Tips and Suggestions Site is specifically directed at protecting seniors from fraudsters.

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Where should I report suspected credit card fraud?

Credit card fraud can happen online to even the most computer savvy among us. Scammers have become excellent at re-creating websites and emails that appear to be from legitimate banks and retailers. If the worst case scenario happens, and you believe you’ve become a victim of credit card fraud, don’t panic. The first thing you need to do is report it to your credit card company.

Do all banks offer the same services through online banking?

When you’re thinking of signing up for a new online banking service, most people tend to stick with the financial institution they’ve always used. While most of the major banks and financial institutions do offer similar services online, the differences can be quite surprising.

A few things to consider when searching for a bank online include:

Whether or not there is a fee to register for an online bank account, especially if you’re a new customer.
What types of free online banking services they offer (savings, checking, free bill-paying online, etc.)
Differences in online bank account interest rates.
Online theft guarantee. Many banks will offer protection or reimbursement for using their Internet banking service. Why? Because most well-known, established banks have very tight security and are confident that you, as a consumer, will be well protected.
Depending on your needs you may want to look for a banking service that also has a physical location, not just a virtual site.
Minimum deposits required. Some banks will require a minimum deposit or will only offer free online bank services if you arrange direct-deposit through them.

All online bank accounts are not the same, so take the time to figure out which one is right for you before signing up.

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Is online banking really that convenient?

Online banking is probably one of the easiest things you’ll ever do. It really will simplify your life. Don’t worry! You don’t have to be a computer expert to pay bills online. In fact, your bank will probably have a free technical support line in case you run into any problems. They can even guide you through the process of registering for an online bank account.

The majority of big-name banks offer great tutorials online, easy-to-find toll-free numbers if you need to talk to a real person, and the convenience of paying all of your bills online with just a few clicks of your mouse. To find out more information, read the information on your bank’s website or give them a call with your questions.

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Is it safe to do my banking online?

Banks, credit unions and financial institutions spend a great deal of time and money to ensure your safety while banking online. That being said, fraudsters can also spend a lot of time and money trying to hack into these systems.

Online banking is considered safe, but you should take steps to protect yourself from fraudsters who may be trying to steal your identity while you’re banking online.
To protect yourself from identity theft:

Install anti-virus software
Learn how to spot a phishing email and what to do if you get one
Only navigate directly to your online banking web site (don’t follow links to it)
Protect your online banking login information (don’t share your PINs or passwords with anyone!)
Be sure to log off the online banking web site when you’re finished

For more information on banking online safely, see GetSafeOnline.org.

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Is it safe to do my online banking at a public computer terminal?

If you have a choice, it’s usually much safer to bank online from a computer terminal that is not shared. However, sometimes you can’t avoid it and there are a few things you should keep in mind to protect your online banking security when using a computer that is not your own:

Always “log off” when you’re finished using your online bank account. Some computers are set up to allow users to automatically login without retyping usernames and passwords. For example, if you only return to the bank’s homepage without logging off completely, someone could come along behind you and easily access your online bank account because of the information you’ve left behind.
Make sure there are no prying eyes lurking over your shoulder. It’s the equivalent of someone looking over your shoulder while you key in your ATM number. As you access your account, stay alert to the people and activities going on around you.
Never leave the computer unattended without first completely logging off of your online bank account.
Clear your cookies when you’re finished. Cookies are used to track where you’ve been online and can often contain sensitive information.

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Where can I use eBillme to pay for purchases online?

One of the best features of Internet banking is the ability to pay for things that you’ve bought online. Whether it’s a stack of new books to read, clothing, shoes or a new appliance, using a third party, like eBillme, is the safest way to go.

Not only do you avoid having to hand over your credit card number to a company that you may not be familiar with (risking identity theft), you’re also working toward better money management by only spending funds that you have available in your bank account. A lot of retailers are now offering eBillme.

To use eBillme, add your selected item to the online shopping cart. You’ll be asked to fill out your mailing/shipping address, phone numbers, and email address. You’ll have a chance to review your order in case you want to make changes, and then you’ll be directed to the payment window. This is where all of your payment options are listed. Select eBillme and then pay your eBill through your online banking bill pay – just like you’d pay any other bill through online banking.

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Does it matter where I bank if I want to use eBillme?

Where do you bank? It doesn’t matter. Virtually every bank in the United States that offers online banking offers online bill pay as well – and as long as your bank offers online bill pay, you can use eBillme. We’ve created a list of Banks eBillme Works With.

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What types of things can I buy online?

The Internet allows people all around the world to sell anything they can think of to anyone who might be interested. It’s truly amazing what you can find online. From clothing, to consumer electronics, to tools, to paintball paraphernalia – it’s all just a click or two away. The trick to shopping online is to carefully read the descriptions and critically view the photographs to make sure you’re getting what you’re paying for.

Computer electronics stores are often staffed with part-time or casual after-school employees who might not be as knowledgeable on computer electronics as you’d like. There’s usually someone around who can answer your questions about computer electronics, but they’re often busy with other customers, leaving you waiting on the side.

When shopping online for computer electronics, each item is usually displayed with a detailed description of the product including its uses, any extras or accessories that might be needed with it, what the item is compatible with, any warranties associated with it, etc. In fact, online shoppers have instant access to more information than the typical part-time store clerk is going to be able to offer.

Consumers who shop for online computer electronics have the benefit of doing quick comparison shopping for the best price along with a wealth of online information to help consumers make the best purchase.

Home furnishings are surprisingly popular online. All of a sudden you’re exposed to more outlet sites, clearance centers, and going out-of-stock sales than you ever realized existed. Finding the perfect online store is a lot easier than driving around the city for hours on end, and there’s no need to pay for parking! To find the best online shopping sites, do an Internet search for home furnishing clearance outlets or home furnishing sales.

One thing to watch for, however, is shipping charges. If you’re buying home furnishings from an online store, find out if there are any shipping charges and if there are, find out if they offer some sort of insurance should anything happen to your purchases during shipping. Compare the cost of full-price home furnishings to what you’ve found online (along with the extra charges like shipping) and decide for yourself if your online find really is a great deal.

What is a comparison shopping web site?

A comparison shopping web site automatically scours the web to find the best deals on products. If you search for a product on a comparison shopping site, what you’ll generally get is a lot of information about the product including a detailed description and picture, and then there will be a list of stores where you can buy the item. This list will show the price of the item at each store and sometimes will even show how much each store will charge to ship the item to your zip code. Comparison shopping Internet sites can really speed up your online shopping. If you’re in a rush, sites like eBillme’s Debt Free Mallare a great place to start.

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How can I find reviews about the product I want to purchase online to make sure it really is a deal?

Some things, like perfume or cologne, are hard to buy online unless you’re sure of exactly what you want. While most trustworthy online stores will allow returns and refunds within certain conditions, it might not be worth the price of shipping to order something you’re not sure you’re going to like.

Is it safe to shop online?

In a world constantly reminding us how vulnerable our identities and financial information are, it is understandable that people are concerned about whether there is such a thing as safe online shopping. Safe shopping doesn’t just take place in a physical store, but is also available to everyone who enjoys the convenience of online shopping. With a little common sense and basic knowledge of what to look for, everyone can enjoy safe shopping and secure shopping online.

The first question to ask before placing an order online is whether or not the site offers secure online shopping. How can you tell? A secure site will use encrypted software to protect any information you send over the Internet, including your personal and financial information. The site should have an easy-to-find privacy policy and you should see an unbroken key or padlock either at the top or bottom of your computer screen.

To make sure you get a secure online shopping experience, shop with online stores that you’ve heard of before. You should feel secure shopping with any of the big name department stores or chains online. While there is no guarantee that you’ll experience a safe shopping experience online, by shopping at companies whose names you know and trust, you’ll significantly reduce your odds of having a bad experience.

What kind of buyer protection do I qualify for when shopping online?

If you’re concerned about safe shopping online, it pays to understand the different types of online buyer protection that are available to you and how the payment method you chose can affect your level of online protection. While some credit cards offer limited buyer protection on items purchased online, alternative payment options such as eBillme raise the bar in terms of providing safe and secure online shopping by protecting both you and your purchases.

For example, where your credit card might offer protection from online fraud in the event that someone steals your number and uses your card without your permission, alternative payment options like eBillme protect buyers and reimburse the cost of damages done to products while in transit, ensure that you receive the best price for the item you’re buying online, and will even guarantee a full refund on selected merchandise. If you’re buying a big ticket item like electronics online, doesn’t it make sense for your purchase and peace of mind to be protected?

Convenient secure online shopping has come a long way since the first days of online shopping. People are smarter and know what to look for. Legitimate retailers want to keep your business and will do whatever it takes to make sure you experience safe shopping online. No matter where you shop online, make sure to print a copy of your receipt and inspect your item closely when it arrives. If you have any problems with your order, make sure to notify the company right away. If they can’t help you, have another look at any buyer protection policy that you might qualify for.

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Is it safe to buy things from an online auction site?

It’s important to take some precautions before making an online payment to an auction merchant.

Do not email the merchant your personal information, no matter how professional or well designed their website or product appears to be.
Report any suspicious activity to the auction’s owners. There is usually a link to go to for reporting such activity.
If you’re not sure about an alternative payment option or online payment service, research it first. You should be able to easily find their website and get the answers you need within minutes. If not, reconsider using their services, especially if you feel uneasy.
Before going through any online payment options, contact the merchant by email and ask about extra shipping charges.

To protect your identity and finances, do not give merchants any personal information other than your mailing address and auction email. Paying for your purchases through a secure third party payment service like eBillme is the most efficient and safe thing to do.

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Is it safe to shop online?

In a world constantly reminding us how vulnerable our identities and financial information are to hackers and identity thieves, it is understandable that people are concerned about whether there is such a thing as safe online shopping.

The first question to ask before placing an order online is whether or not the site offers secure online shopping. How can you tell? A secure site will use encrypted software to protect any information you send over the Internet, including your personal and financial information. The site should have an unbroken key or padlock either at the top or bottom of your computer screen.

To make sure you get a secure online shopping experience, shop with online stores that you’ve heard of before. Make sure the store has an easy-to-find privacy policy and make sure you agree with how they intend to use your personal information. While there is no guarantee that you’ll experience a safe shopping experience online, by shopping at companies whose names you know and trust, you’ll significantly reduce your odds of having a bad experience.

Using a payment option that offers Buyer Protection will also ensure that your online shopping experience is secure and rewarding.

When shopping online from a shared computer (such as one used at a library, school, or Internet café) you are exposing yourself to additional risks including:

The risk of someone looking over your shoulder to get your personal and financial information.
Forgetting to completely log off. We’re a busy society and in a rushed world, it’s really easy to jump up from the computer terminal and head out the door without completely logging off. The next person to sit down could easily log in as you and take advantage of your credit card information.
When using your own computer, you probably have a good idea of the security installed on it. When using a public computer, unless you take the time to search the system, you may not be as well protected as you are at home.

If you have to shop from a public or shared computer, try to make purchases from stores that offer alternative payment options like eBillme. With eBillme, you can place your order now, but pay cash for these purchases later from a computer that is not shared.

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What are some tips for shopping online safely?

Whether you’re looking to do online clothing shopping or online computer shopping, make sure that the online store is reputable (check with the Better Business Bureau if you’re not sure). Do a little research to ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable, reliable online merchant that will offer you the peace-of-mind that you would get elsewhere.
Make sure that the checkout process is secure. Double-check that the online store uses a firewall for protection along with encryption software to protect your personal and financial information from getting into the wrong hands. Look for an unbroken padlock or key on your computer screen before making a purchase.
Check the return/refund, warranty, guarantee and other policies. If you’re using a payment method such as eBillme, you’re automatically covered by their Buyer Protection Program.
It doesn’t matter if they sell computer electronics or home furnishings, an online company that is concerned about security issues will post security and privacy policies on their site. Take the time to read these privacy and security policies to ensure that there will be no unpleasant surprises down the road.
Take the time to see what others have said about the online shopping store you’re considering buying from.
Understand the specific liability policies of your particular credit and debit card issuer. Be sure to read the fine print to see how you’re protected and what you’re liable for in the event that you find yourself a victim of online fraud or credit card fraud.
Beware of hidden shipping, duty and other costs. There is nothing more disappointing than being surprised after you’ve checked out at a secure shopping cart by hidden charges that were not clearly indicated. Make sure you understand all the potential charges before committing to a purchase and look for sites that clearly post such charges as part of the checkout process, or post the information elsewhere on their site.
Shop around. What might seem to be a bargain might not be once you factor in other costs, such as duty or shipping. Take the time to look at alternatives and do a quick Internet search. Or, to make sure you really are getting the best deal, checkout using a payment option that offers the Best Prices Guaranteed.
Keep your receipts and other documentation in case you have a problem after making your online purchase. Print a copy of your receipt when you’ve completed your secure online shopping transaction. Some payment options, such as eBillme, will conveniently send a copy of your bill to your email address.

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How can I make sure my personal information remains private while shopping online?

Before placing your order, have a look at the store’s privacy policy. Even though online store owners aren’t required by law to maintain your privacy, a reputable online retailer will do whatever it can to protect its customers. That’s why it’s important to understand the type of privacy policy the store has. If it doesn’t have one, find another place to shop.

You can usually find a store’s privacy policy right on the first page or homepage of their site. If it’s not right there on the first page, have a look under the “About Us” or “Contact Us” section. You should be able to find it easily with just a few mouse clicks. There are many safe online sites where you can enjoy safe and secure online shopping.