Don't Be Afraid of Using Online Bill Paying

Still receiving bills in the mail and writing out checks? You may be paying more than you should. The push by both banks and billers is toward the use of electronic payments. Financial institutions want you to use their online pay services and they may be charging you for those paper statements you receive in an attempt to get you onto your computer.

Hassled by the idea of going to several Web sites to pay bills? Don't bother. Most banks have bill-pay services on their Web sites. You can pay all your bills directly from one site. Experts say online bill paying may be the safest way to bank since most thieves steal information from mailboxes and garbage. Also, be sure your bank's service is free. Some banks may charge a fee; however, most are moving toward free services to entice you to use them.