Payment methods to control your spending online
Spending money and shopping online is a very different experience from shopping in person. As a result, it can be more difficult to conceptualise what is being spent. Instead of handing over cash or a card and receiving a receipt, shoppers are just clicking a button and waiting for an email. The remoteness and ease associated with online shopping have led many people into trouble: it is easy to spend more than was intended.
As online stores increasingly replace bricks-and-mortar retailers, it is becoming more important than ever to become a responsible online shopper and consumer. Below are a few payment methods, tools, and techniques to help take control of spending online and keep funds safe from hackers.
Budgeting apps
One of the easiest and best ways to control online spending is through the use of budgeting apps. There are many different budgeting apps available that can help track and manage finances in one convenient place. You Need a Budget (YNAB) is an American app that helps users to sequester different funds for specific uses. If a user overspends or underspends for a particular category, funds can be transferred between the different sections.
Another app to help manage finances is Wally 3.0. This personal finance app gives users the ability to track their spending according to locations and amounts, and helps them track how much money is being saved versus spent. The app also includes the option to take pictures of receipts to save for later.
There are dozens of money management and personal finance apps on the market to choose from. Anyone who has never tried using a personal finance app to manage their money before should try out a few different apps and then stick with one that’s easiest to use and most effective.
Deposit by phone bill options
Another option for individuals who are looking to manage their online spending is the use of deposit via phone bill options. Deposit by phone bill is typically something used by the online gaming industry, and it can help users to add funds to their accounts directly, without having to input any sensitive personal or financial information online. This is an ideal option for gamers who are concerned about their online security. It’s also much easier to track finances when all of the charges are streamlined.
Protection online
It is equally important to be protected when shopping or making payments online. It is becoming increasingly easy for hackers to break into accounts, steal personal and financial information and then either sell it on or use it to steal funds. Although hackers are always finding new, innovative ways to sidestep security measures, there are a number of steps that can be taken to better protect finances from cyber attacks.
The risk of hacking and unauthorised charges can be reduced by avoiding making payments through public Wi-Fi networks. It is very easy for thieves to hack into public Wi-Fi networks and steal information, so online payments or purchases should be made at home.
With the use of any credit or debit card, it’s always a good idea to also enquire about the security features and policies associated with the account, and learn about the company’s protocols for handling such incidents. If the security measures in place are unimpressive, there is no reason not to walk away and shop around to find the best fit. Finally, when using payment services like PayPal, passwords should be kept secure, and a two-factor identification, where possible, will add an extra layer of protection.
The editorial unit
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