Online Bill Pay and Its Benefits

For every one of us, there are several bills that are paid on a monthly basis. The list includes rent or mortgage, electricity, credit cards, cell phone, internet and cable, among others.

Most people pay an amount in double digits. It is natural that at times, one of these bills slips their mind so they have to pay the late payment fee. A 2016 survey by a financial firm reveals that more than 1/3 of customers or 35% of respondents paid late in the past year, and 65% were charged with a late fee.

Most banks and credit companies that offer online bill payment make it easier to manage and pay bills to avoid extra fees. Besides paying bills from the convenience of their computer at any time, people can save on stamp costs and the trouble of traveling all the way to a mailbox.

It is not something new to pay bills online since it is done by a vast majority of Americans. However, most of them do it with the use of different websites and providers. So, there is a possibility of missing a payment.

As an alternative, wouldn't it be better to receive and pay bills via the bank with just one list in one place? Think of how this could simplify matters.

How the System Works

This is just plain and simple. The individual logs in to his bank account, then goes to the online bill pay platform. He chooses the bill provider and keys in the account number corresponding to each bill, then authorizes his bank to send the payment for him.

The bank can send the payments electronically or by a paper check in order for the individual to pay bills online, even though the biller does not have such an arrangement. He may either select a one-time payment or arrange a recurring one. Usually, he can choose to pay the whole balance, the minimum due or just a certain amount.

Aside from paying companies like electricity or Internet providers online, the bank can also send payments to individuals - like, for example, a landlord, to eliminate the need for a checkbook.

Setting up

Thought the initial setup is not that fast, it can save time and problems later on. These are the things needed to be done:

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  Bring together all bills, account numbers and addresses to where payments will be mailed.



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  Key in the information of each company into the online bill play platform of the bank.



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  Choose the date when payment will be sent.



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  Choose between one-time payment or recurring.



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  Set reminders of each bill's due date.

Most service providers and sellers provide the option of getting an electronic bill. Whenever an e-bill is available, the bank will often alert the individual. He can then choose whether to let the statement be sent to his online bill pay center or inbox/mailbox. E-bills usually take effect in a number of billing cycles.

Reasons to Use it

Online bill payment helps people manage their bills and be reminded of due dates. It is easier for them to see the flow of their money, making sure that there are sufficient funds to cover every payment. This is difficult to do if paying through several websites.

Metal Building Contractor: Right for the Job

A metal building contractor can be essential for pulling off certain types of projects. Whether your job involves prefabricated sheets of steel or a customized solution tailor to exact specifications, it can benefit from the help of a professional. Garages, barns, and warehouses are just three examples of structures that can be constructed quickly and cost-effectively with the help of a certified construction crew.

Separate Garage

For commercial or residential owners who are interested in a functional, utilitarian option for storage, a metal garage can be a great choice. Square footage can be expanded or contracted to meet your needs. For residential applications, they offer a washed workspace, which can give you extra room and quiet. In commercial settings, garages provide affordable storage for seasonal items or equipment. Best of all, these garages are completed about 30 percent faster than similar projects that use other materials, so you can be in your workshop or storage space that much sooner.

Barns

If you live on a farm or ranch and need a covered storage area, a metal building contractor can help you maximize the return on your investment. An aluminum or steel building can increase space and even include a second story. You can buy the sheeting and have a professional rivet the sides together. Not only is this type of building quick to put up, but it's also energy efficient. Certain metals, like steel and aluminum, are 100 percent recyclable, so it is environmentally responsible to use or to reuse these prefabricated materials. Red and wooden might be the iconic characteristics associated with barns, but new innovations have lead to cheaper and more eco-friendly designs.

Warehouses

Many companies with large storage needs are turning to pre-engineered structures. A metal building contractor can assist your project in a number of ways. For one, there may be provisions in your local building code that outline the height, the number of undertakings / exits, and other requirements. A professional can help you navigate these regulations to ensure compliance. You may also benefit from professional advice when it comes to roof pitch. In places that experience heavy snow, you need a steep pitch to ensure that the snow does not gather on the roof and create weighed pressure. Alternately, in sun-drenched parts of the country, like the Southwest, a slight pitch might be all you need. Certain pitches are ideal for solar panels. You can even receive a referral to make a solar panel installation cheaper and easier.

These are just three of the options of steel and aluminum buildings available. Working with a professional metal building contractor can add value to your project and save you time, money, and hassle.

Pros and Cons of an Electronic Payment System

During this highly technological age, cash is trying hard to compete with electronic money, since nowdays a lot of people choose to use their virtual wallets. Here, you will read about the pros and cons of using an electronic payment system.

It is plain to see that electronic payment systems have more advantages than traditional banking services. Let's see:

• Saves on time

Money transfer from one virtual account to another may only take a few minutes, whereas a wire or postal transfer may take a number of days. Beside, you have to spend some time to go to the bank or post office and wait in line.

• Controls expenses

Even if a person is willing to control his disbursements, it can take a lot of patience to jot down all the expenses, and this takes up a huge part of the total amount. On the other hand, the virtual account combines the history of all transactions, including the store name and amount spent. Best of all, you can check it whenever and where you like. In this case, an electronic payment system works to your advantage.

• Reduced loss and theft risks

You will not make the mistake of losing or leaving your virtual wallet behind, and it can never be taken by robbers.

• User- friendly

All services aim to reach out to a greater number of audiences and so, their interface should be easy for users to understand. Moreover, users can always ask help from the support team since they work 24/7. You can receive an answer by means of the forums as well.

• Convenient to use

As long as you have access to the Internet, you can carry out transfers anytime, anywhere.

After discussing the advantages that come with using an electronic payment system, it is essential to talk about its disadvantages as well:

• Restrictions

In every payment system, there is a limit with regard to the number of transactions you can do per day and the maximum amount you can withdraw.

• Risk of Getting Hacked

Risks can be reduced when you follow the security regulations. This is comparable to the risk of being robbed. The situation can get worse when the company's system breaks down, since this may lead to the leaking of confidential information on the online cards, as well as its owners. Although some electronic payment systems do not launch plastic cards, they can however be involved in Identity theft scandals.

• The problem of money transfer from one payment system to another

Most of the time, electronic payment systems do not cooperate with one another. If that is the case, you can use e-currency exchange services. However, it can consume a lot of time when you do not have a service you can trust for this purpose.

• Lack of Anonymity

Since the database of the payment system stores all your transactions - like the name of recipient, amount and time - the intelligence agency can access all your information. Decide on whether that is good or bad.

• The Need for Internet Access

When you have no Internet connection, you can not transact on your online account.

Planning A Birthday Party For Your Child

Many people worry about the same thing when their children's birthday is coming closer, they worry that no one will show up to the birthday party. When choosing the different colors for the birthday make sure you choose the colors that match the birthday boy or girl. Customized invitations can cost a pretty penny. When sending out the invitation these show your guest what to expect with the party. Your invitations should include the basics, location the theme of the party, contact information and directions. Have fun and be creative with your invitation.

Many people will theme their parties around the entertainment they have planned. There are so many ideas out there today, especially the internet; just search for party themes and hundreds of ideas are presented to you, there are toy parties, movie, bowling and dress up party ideas. Birthday party themes come in all shapes and sizes, from sports to theater to Barbie and super heroes for children's parties the possibilities are endless and a good theme can really help pull your entire party together.

How many kids will there be. Plan your party games in 15-20 minute intervals. If you find the kids are happy playing a particular game let them carry on.

Properly planning the party is the key. Add small personal touches that link in with the theme. Planning can make your kid's party perfect. Do not forget the decorations for the party, there are balloons, streamers and wall decorations to get, and these decorations will not break the bank. Birthday party cakes are another thing you should check on. Character birthday cakes can be incorporated into the party theme very nicely.

There are some great games that you play at the party, dancing to music and "freezing" when the music is stopped to see who looks the silliest (this is a great game and everyone should win a party favor). Hire a fantastic DJ or live band to provide entertainment for your special evening. Watch the dance floor come alive when fun songs are played. Most DJ's will come with different musical games to keep the kids entertained.

Do not forget the birthday party activities. Coloring books, bubbles, and other activities can work for youngger children. While activities are for the kids, adults will have to assist. Depending on the age, the guest list, and the appropriate activities will vary.

Its better to have the birthday party table at the center of the room so that the guests can surround it and everyone can see it. Have a birthday party table or counter space available for the presents. Many people opt for pizza as the main dish, if you order a pizza make sure you keep it in the oven to keep it warm. When all families bring their one child to the birthday it is not a big deal entertaining the one, but when they bring more than one this is when it gets tricky and your plan for the birthday needs to be solid.

When your child's party is over it is now time to clean up but your tired and worn out from the day, so take time and rest before you start the clean up process.

Benefits of Electric Cars

Electric cars are the new addition to the automobile industry. With technology taking up a pace in today's era, the automobile industry has also accentuated the electric models of the car. Although these are not mostly used today since hybrid cars are also available which work both with electricity and gas. The biggest advantage of using these cars is that they are entirely eco friendly as the carbon emission from vehicles deteriorates the atmosphere by producing greenhouse gases. So, these cars are an excellent choice for stabilizing the environment. Opting for an electric car also begets government subsidies for being environmental conscious.

The very first question which pops up is that what are actually electric cars? Then, these cars are specially designed and installed with rechargeable batteries for functioning. Here are some points you should consider before buying one:

1. No need of gas:

Electric cars run entirely on the rechargeable batteries. So, saves you from gas requirement. Fuel based cars sometimes are not pocket friendly due to the fluctuating fuel prices but with electric ones there's no need to rely on the fuel at all.

2. It causes saving:

The fuel costs are reduced and so the money can easily be saved. Additionally, government rewards with incentives for going green which can also help you with savings. Most of the vehicle expenditure is unduly on the fuel and electric cars surely rescues you from it.

3. Zero emissions:

As discussed earlier, the carbon emissions are not only harmful for environment but also hazardous to our health. The carbon is major contributor in deteriorating the ozone layer and hence electric cars are environment friendly. With the use of these cars, you will be contributing to going green.

4. Cost effective:

It is believed that electric cars are expensive and cause a lot on your pockets for the overall maintenance but on the contrary these are wholly cost effective. The mass production of batteries and incentives have lowered down the maintenance of such cars.

5. Low noise pollution:

Electric motors which are used in these cars do not produce any noise and tread smoothly on the road. The noises are not produced even at higher acceleration rates. This is a huge benefit because fuel based cars cause a lot of noise pollution as well.

There's no need to fret over buying one or not. Electric cars are the new generation cars which are loaded with benefits and you can definitely give one a try.

The Deposit

Purchasing a home involves making many important financial decisions. Once you find the right home, you will quickly realize the financial implications involved. Once you have signed on the dotted line, you will have to provide the seller with a deposit. The deposit plays an important role in every residential real estate transaction. This column attempts to answer some common questions about this important, albeit often misunderstood concept.

When an offer to purchase a home is made, the purchaser will provide the seller with a deposit towards the purchase price of the home. This deposit assures the seller that the purchaser intends to complete the transaction if their offer is accepted. The amount of the deposit will vary and is usually determined by negotiation between the real estate agents.

The deposit is not paid directly to the seller, but is paid to the seller's real estate agent, in trust. The agent keeps this money in a special bank account until the closing date. On closing, several things will take place. The deposit is deducted from the total purchase price, thus lowering the final amount owed to the seller. As well, the real estate agent for the seller will typically take its commission for the sale from the deposit. The seller's agent will pay the purchaser interest on the deposit monies which have been in a special bank account. Because the money is not held for too long and the interest rate on the money is quite low, this will not amount to a great deal of money.

When purchasing a new home, the deposit is paid to the builder. To pay for building costs, the builder often requires a larger deposit than one made for a resale home. To protect purchasers from builders going bankrupt or failing to complete the purchased property, the Ontario New Home Warranty Program (now called Tarion Warranty Corporation) insures deposits on both new freehold properties and new condominium properties. Since deposit protection is limited, buyers should be careful when providing builders with more than the insured amount. Buyers should ask their lawyer about having a large deposit held in trust by the builder's lawyers or arranging for excess deposit insurance.

As a purchaser, it is best to provide the seller with the lowest possible deposit. The reason for this is simple: If an unforeseen problem arises and the transaction does not close on time, the purchaser stands to lose less if they have provided the seller with a relatively low deposit. On the other hand, if they provided the seller with a higher deposit, they stand to lose more. Remember that if a dispute between purchaser and seller arises, the seller may not release the deposit until the matter has been resolved. In such a case, the purchaser is in a very compromised bargaining position because the seller has their money. Moreover, the seller may use the deposit the purchaser gave them to force a settlement of the dispute.

The deposit represents a financial commitment to complete a real estate transaction. The seller should always attempt to extract from the purchaser the largest deposit possible, while the purchaser should adopt the opposite view. Normally, negotiating these terms of the offer are best left to an experienced real estate professional.

Most Common Types of Auto Repair

If you own a car, at some point, you are going to have maintenance. While some problems are more severe and not very common, other types of auto repair are far more common. When done periodically, these repairs can keep your vehicle operating for years.

Tires

Driving is hazardous to your vehicle's tires. Nails, pot holes, and even curbs can cause damage to the rubber, forcing you to have it patched or replaced. If you can have the tire simply patched, it is pretty inexpensive, and most patches can hold until the tread is too worn to continue using. However, if there is no repairing the tire, you could be looking at an expensive replacement, especially if you have to replace multiple tires.

Brakes

One of the most common types of auto repair will be the brake system. Over time, your pads will wear out, causing you to have to replace them. This can happen multiple times during the life of your car. While this is a fairly inexpensive replacement, if the drum or rotor needs to be replaced you could be looking at hundreds of dollars in maintenance costs. If you are having trouble stopping, it is most likely the pads are worn out, as the brake lines rarely need maintenance.

Oil Changes

Another common form of maintenance is having regular oil changes. While you may not see this as auto repair, it does keep your engine from being damaged. Fresh oil, with a new filter, every few thousand miles can make a significant difference in how your engine performances. Without this maintenance, carbon deposits can build up, wearing out your piston rings and even seizing up your engine. The cost to replace those parts and clean the block is far more expensive than the occasional oil change.

Fuel System

If you are someone who prefers to fill up their car only half way and then drive it until the warning light comes on, you may be doing more damage than good. Vehicles that are regularly driven with less than a quarter tank of gas run the risk of having their fuel filters clogged up. Additionally, you should have the injectors cleaned and fuel filter replaced by a professional on a regular basis.

Ignition System

Occasionally, your battery will wear out. Most are rated to last seven to ten years depending on the brand of battery you purchase. The price depends on the battery and the length it is supposed to last. You might be able to recharge your old battery for much cheaper. However, it will eventually need to be replaced.

Another part of the ignition system that commonly needs to be replaced is the starter. While it is not the most expensive replacement, it can be more expensive than a simple battery replacement. Usually, if you are having trouble starting your vehicle, it is either the battery or the starter. Your local mechanic can test them and tell you which part needs to be replaced before you are left stranded.

Auto repair is part of owning a car. If you take the time to maintain your vehicle, it will last longer than expected.