online shopping

5 Reasons Not to Use Debit Cards When You Shop Online

Holly Johnson — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 22:45:14 +0000

Many consumers use their debit cards for everything they buy. Using debit instead of paying with a credit card can help you avoid the potential for debt. The money is taken out of your bank account directly and immediately, so there’s little chance to spend more than you have, unlike using a credit card.

But when shopping online, there are reasons to consider using a credit card instead.

Using a debit card for online purchases can mean enduring greater losses if you're a victim of fraud. Plus, you're giving up valuable consumer protections and rewards each time you make a purchase with debit in a store or online.

Here are all the reasons you may want to stop using debit and use a credit card instead.

1. You may be putting yourself at risk for fraud

It's easy to assume you won't be liable for fraudulent purchases made with your debit card or checking account number, but this isn't the case. Where most credit cards come with zero fraud liability thanks to rules enacted in the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA), the same protections don't apply to transactions made with a debit card.

In fact, someone who finds your debit card number could wipe out all the money in your accounts. If you don't notice or report it in time, you won't have any way to get your money back.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), your level of liability depends on when you notice the fraud and report it. For example, if you report fraud within two business days after it's noticed, you're only liable for up to $50 in losses. If you report fraud within two to 60 days of your statement being mailed to you, you're only liable for up to $500. If you fail to report fraud once it's been 60 days from the date your statement was mailed to you, the FTC notes that you could lose "all the money taken from your ATM/debit card account, and possibly more; for example, money in accounts linked to your debit account."

2. You're missing out on rewards

In addition to putting yourself at risk for fraud, there are plenty of ways you're missing out when you shop online with a debit card. For example, you could be earning cash back or travel rewards if you made the same purchases with a rewards or travel credit card. These rewards can add up quickly, making it easier to see the world or splurge on merchandise, gift cards, and more.

While you can typically earn 1% to 3% back with a rewards or travel credit card, you can also double up on rewards by shopping through a cash back, travel rewards, or airline portal. You can also shop in portals with a debit card in some cases, but you'll mostly be limited to earning airline miles or cash back. (See also: How to Use Airline Shopping Portals to Cash In On Rewards)

3. You won't earn any sign-up bonuses

Using a debit card when you shop online also means giving up on the possibility of earning big sign-up bonuses. Keep in mind that many rewards credit cards offer consumers the chance to earn bonuses worth $500 or more when they meet a minimum spending requirement within a few months.

You may think you need to pay the annual fee on a credit card to qualify for sign-up bonuses or ongoing rewards, but this is far from the truth. The reality is, there are plenty of rewards credit cards that dole out sizable bonuses, ongoing rewards, and more without charging a fee each year. (See also: Don't Make These 6 Credit Card Sign-up Bonus Mistakes)

4. You're giving up valuable consumer protections

Another reason to use credit instead of debit is the fact that you could qualify for valuable consumer protections and free insurance. This can include travel protections like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, rental car insurance, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, and more.

Other protections that can apply to your online purchases include extended warranties, purchase protection, and guaranteed returns. Most of the time, you won't qualify for any of these perks if you pay for your online purchases with a debit card. (See also: How Credit Cards Protect Your Purchases from Damage or Theft)

5. You're not building credit history

The final reason you may want to stop using your debit card is the fact that you're not building credit history based on your online purchases and everyday spending. When you use credit instead of debit, on the other hand, you're making regular purchases and payments that are reported to the three credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

Having your credit usage and payments reported to the credit bureaus is huge because it helps prove your creditworthiness and gives them a basis to increase your credit score over time. Using a debit card certainly won't hurt your credit score, but it won't help it, either.

Considering a credit card? Here's a warning

While using debit online can be more risky and less rewarding, it's still important to figure out if you're a candidate for credit card use. While credit cards do come with better protection against fraud, the potential for rewards, and valuable consumer protections, they can make it easier to overspend and wind up in debt.

Before you sign up for a credit card and start using it for purchases, it's important to make sure you're committed to staying on budget and spending only what you can afford. If you wind up with a mountain of debt with the high interest rates most credit cards charge, the rewards and protections you receive won't be much help.

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This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

8 Ways to Keep Boredom from Destroying Your Budget

Paul Michael — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 10:00:05 +0000

Bored, bored, bored; most of us find those words repeating in our head at some point during the week. The trouble is, when you’re bored, you look for ways to relieve the boredom. And these days, that can lead to some poor money decisions. Here’s how to avoid the lure of blowing your monthly budget just to escape the monotony.

1. Find a go-to “boredom beater” activity

If you know you’re going to have spells of boredom in the future, put something together now to combat it. Make a list of books you want to read, and go get them from the library. Fill an empty drawer with cheap jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku books, and adult coloring books. Thrift stores can be a great source for many of these items (although you may be taking a risk purchasing a used jigsaw puzzle). (See also: 15 Frugal Ways to Battle Boredom)

2. Plan something you would like to do

Making plans is something we all enjoy doing. Whether it’s a weekend away, a trip to Europe, or figuring out your next home remodeling project, it’s fun to think about the future. You can keep it realistic, or you can put together your “dream vacation.” You can make a bucket list, featuring everything you want to try in your lifetime. Use the internet to research delicious foods and incredible restaurants. Search for “experiences of a lifetime.” Not only does this put you in a positive frame of mind, it gives you a reason to start saving for something special. And the best part is, planning doesn’t cost you anything.

3. Avoid any and all online shopping sites

“I’m really bored … maybe I’ll see what’s new on Amazon.” That’s a big mistake right there. Even if the initial intention was just to window shop, the prospect of instant gratification and enticing deals can lure you in. Before you know it, you’ve put a bunch of items in your shopping cart, searched for a few promo codes, and checked out with that “What just happened?” feeling. If you absolutely must go online shopping when you’re bored, keep a list handy that contains items you know you will need. A birthday gift for a friend or family member. Cleaning supplies. Household stuff. At least then, you’ll be checking a chore off your list. (See also: How to Prevent a Drunken Online Shopping Spree)

4. Don’t raid the pantry or fridge

You’re bored, not hungry, and there’s a big difference. One of the reasons smokers put on weight when they quit is not because they’re hungry, but because they feel the need to do something with their hands. When you’re bored, you’re looking for something to do to eat up some time and busy yourself, so you may think, hey … why not actually eat? But if you budgeted correctly, you’re using up food meant for a different time; like, an actual meal. Do this often, and not only will you have to spend more on food than you planned, but you’ll gain weight.

5. Don’t go to the movies

Who doesn’t love a night at the cinema? If you’re bored, the idea of getting out of the house to see a new movie may be very appealing to you. And, if you have money set aside in your budget for that, go ahead. But if you’ve already used that up, or there isn’t a movie you really want to see, don’t go.

The average price of a movie ticket these days is around $9, although it can be less at off-peak times, or much more for 3D and IMAX. Then you’ve got the snacks, which are very hard to resist. Throw in a small popcorn and soda and that’s another $11–$13. You’re over $20 in the hole for this boredom buster.

Instead, check out some of the new releases at the local library or Redbox. The library is free, although the newest titles are often reserved for months. Redbox costs between $1.50–$2 depending on your choice of DVD or Blu-ray. However, search online for codes that can get you a free night’s rental. Just remember to take the disc back the next day.

6. Have a game night

Board games. Video games. Charades. As long as you already have free access to your choice of games, inviting friends or family over to have some fun is a great way to kill boredom without spending a nickel. If you don’t have any games in the house, or are bored with the ones you have, take a trip to the nearest thrift store. There is usually a huge selection of pre-owned games of all types.

If you go to Goodwill, look for color tags that give you either 50 percent off or the item for just 99 cents. Of course, it goes without saying that you should open the box and check the contents first. Make sure the game has all the pieces, but don’t worry too much about instructions. These days you can find them free online, ready to print out and use in an instant.

7. Go on free tours

Whatever town or city you’re in, you have access to tours of a wide variety of places. In some cities you can tour the United States Mint facility. You can visit local breweries or wineries, candy companies, and even car manufacturing plants. These free tours vary from state to state, but a great resource is FactoryToursUsa.com. On a tour, you'll go around in a group with a guide explaining the history of the company and the step-by-step process that goes into the products being made. Plus, many of these tours offer freebies at the end, or as you’re walking around. Free beer? Free candy? Now that’s not boring at all. (See also: 9 Free Things to Do in Any City You Visit)

8. Get out and do something that costs nothing

There are plenty of ways to escape the house and not open your wallet. For starters, a simple walk around the neighborhood can be a great way to relieve boredom. Grab your phone and some headphones, play some music, and explore your local area. If you’re feeling up to it, turn it into an exercise session instead. Jog, do pushups, run up and down steps. Find a way to turn that foray out of the house into something that will do you good.

If you’re in the right part of the country, you could try a hike, hit a bike trail, or maybe grab a tent and a few supplies and go camping. If you own a dog, take him or her on a walk. This is also a good chance to meet your neighbors. If you see one outside and you’ve never found the time to say hello, strike up a conversation. You may find you have a lot in common. Get inventive. Imagine you don’t have one penny to your name. Now, what can you do to entertain yourself?

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Stack Credit Card Rewards to Earn Even More

Jason Steele — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 09:30:14 +0000

Extreme couponers have long been fans of coupon stacking, which is when you apply multiple discounts to the same purchase. Some credit card users practice a similar form of extreme savings by including multiple discounts and reward programs when they make purchases with their cards. Here's how you can do it (and save big), too!

Use a shopping portal

The easiest way to earn additional rewards from your credit card is to use an online shopping portal. Many credit card programs offer rewards when you make purchases from an online retailer after clicking a link from the credit card's shopping site.

Also, many airline and hotel loyalty programs offer shopping portals that allow you to earn additional points and miles from your purchases. For example, United Airlines has MileagePlus Shopping and Hilton has the Honors Shop-to-Earn Mall.

Finally, there are portals like Ebates and Mr. Rebates that offer cash back. Unfortunately, you can only earn rewards from one portal for each purchase. It's not uncommon to earn three points or miles per dollar from major retailers, and much more from specialty stores. To find the best rewards for a particular retailer, use a shopping portal comparison site such as CashBackMonitor.com or evreward.com. (See also: 30+ Cash Back Sites to Earn You Thousands Per Year)

Earn sign-up bonuses from your credit cards

Another way to stack savings is to earn sign-up bonuses from new credit card offers. For example, say a card offers new cardholders $150 in cash back after spending $500 on new purchases within three months of opening the account. With this offer, you can think of your $500 of purchases as earning an additional 30 cents per dollar in cash back. These $500 worth of purchases are eligible for the card's built-in rewards program (cash back or travel points) in addition to bonus offers from shopping portals. One purchase could net you three different types of rewards points! (See also: Best Credit Cards With Bonus Cash for Sign Up)

Request targeted offers from your credit card issuers

The credit card industry is intensely competitive, and banks are always looking for ways to encourage customers to use their cards over others. One way is to offer bonus rewards for spending during a particular time period. For example, you could be given an offer of 5,000 bonus points when you use your card to make $1,000 of purchases each month for three months.

To find out if you're eligible to receive one of these offers, just contact your bank's customer service department and ask. Also, be sure to opt in for promotional emails and mail, as these are the kind of advertisements you want to see.

Make sure you use a retailer's loyalty program

Many retailers offer their own loyalty programs that allow you to earn rewards in the form of store credit. For example, Dick's Sporting Goods has a rewards program called ScoreCard that allows you to earn 3% back in rewards, and Costco has an Executive Rewards program that allows members to earn 2% back on every purchase. Likewise, nearly every airline and hotel chain offers some kind of loyalty program that's free to join. And when booking travel, the Expedia+ program lets you earn rewards on your purchases, sometimes in addition to any airline or hotel rewards you are eligible to receive from your reservations. Make sure to include your rewards membership number in your order. (See also: How to Score More Loyalty Perks from Your Credit Card Company)

How to stack these rewards

It might seem like a lot of trouble to jump through various hoops to make a purchase, but consider the savings you'd get, just for those few extra minutes. Instead of getting 1.5% cash back from your flat rate cash back credit card, you can get an additional 3% back by using a shopping portal, and perhaps another 2% in store points by signing up for a loyalty program. On a $300 purchase, instead of just getting $4.50 back, you could save $19.50. All it takes is a little dedication and organization.

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This article is from Jason Steele of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Effortless Ways to Prevent Budget-Busting Impulse Buys

Emily Guy Birken — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 09:00:06 +0000

I can remember a time when controlling impulse spending was relatively easy — if you avoided going into stores, you missed the vast majority of spending opportunities. Yes, there were the As Seen On TV products you could buy over the phone, as well as the occasional door-to-door salesperson or girl scout giving you a chance to fall victim to a spending impulse — but in general, pre-internet consumers had much greater control over their shopping environments.

Now that the majority of Americans have smartphones or tablets, you don't even have to get out of bed to have to spend money. That means you still have to avoid the types of impulse purchases that have been plaguing would-be savers for years — like the candy bars in the checkout at the grocery store — and beware of the more modern spending temptations — like shopping apps, targeted advertisements on social media, and freemium games.

However, even though impulse spending is effortless in the modern age, avoiding impulse spending can be just as effortless. Here are seven ways you can control your impulse buys without ever breaking a sweat. (See also: 10 Classic Impulse Buys We Need to Stop Falling For)

1. Remove your credit card information from online retailers

Every online merchant offers the same helpful "service," which is remembering your payment information so you don't have to enter it every time you make a purchase. But that service is actually only helpful to the retailer, since it makes it possible to buy something with a single click without giving the purchase a second thought.

It's a major bummer to have to get up and hunt down your wallet or purse to enter in your credit card information. But that "major bummer" of having to get up is the time that the angel on your shoulder needs to remind you that you probably shouldn't be spending any more money. And having time for such a mental reminder is a necessary part of keeping your spending in check. After all, retailers wouldn't remember your information for you if it weren't in their best interest. (See also: 8 Self-Destructive Habits That Keep You in Debt)

2. Block internet access to your favorite retail sites

I removed my credit card information from all of the usual retail shopping sites, but since I have my credit card number memorized, it did not slow down my impulse purchases a great deal. An easier way to keep me from surfing my favorite online retail sites is to install a web-filtering software to automatically block them for me.

For instance, programs like Optenet Web Filter PC completely block users from accessing entire genres of internet sites. You can pick what types of sites you want to block (such as shopping, games, social media, etc.), which you then password protect. Either let a friend choose your password to keep you from disabling the block, or choose a random string of letters and numbers for your password, and store the impossible-to-remember password someplace difficult to access. If you have to get a ladder to get the password down from the very top shelf of your guest room closet, you're less likely to disable the block when you're in the mood to shop.

3. Remove shopping apps from your phone

You may love scrolling through the apps for your favorite retailers, but they are just another path to impulse spending. There is no reason for you to invite these temptations into your life!

4. Unsubscribe from shopping emails

Along the same vein, it's a lot harder to succumb to the temptation to shop if you aren't reminded of the opportunity. Unsubscribe from any retailer emails you receive — or if going through the unsubscription process is too much of a hassle, then simply filter those emails to go straight into the trash. That way, you won't see them before they get trashed. (See also: 5 Easy Ways to Declutter Your Digital Life)

5. Use gift cards for mobile purchases

Deciding to download your new favorite song from iTunes seems like a no-brainer, since it only costs 99 cents. But it's surprisingly easy to spend a small fortune on songs, apps, and in-game upgrades on your mobile devices, since each little purchase doesn't seem to be worth worrying about. Unfortunately, you might find yourself staring down the loss of big bucks if you let yourself click-to-buy any kind of mobile purchase that tickles your fancy.

To protect yourself from wasting more money than you can afford on mobile device purchases, pick up a gift card to iTunes or Google Play each month. That works as a natural limit on how much you can spend on mobile purchases. Once you've reached your limit, you'll just have to wait until the following month before you can start buying again.

6. Make it easy to get entertainment for free

I'm an avid reader, and I'll often receive emails or ads that suggest books that I might be interested in reading. On the plus side, the algorithms that Amazon and Audible use to recommend books are top-notch, and I love the books I end up reading or listening to. However, it's very easy to spend more than I can afford on these books.

That's why I have my local library's website bookmarked on my computer, and its app installed on my phone. When I learn of a book that I want to read, I immediately log onto the library and put a hold on the book. I feel the same sense of instant gratification I would experience by buying the book, without having to spend a penny.

While it may take a little longer for me to receive the book than it would if I bought it, I'm putting holds on books at least once a week, so I consistently have a new book or audiobook waiting for me at the library through this system. This method could work just as easily for movies and music, or any other entertainment you can find at your local library. (See also: 5 Easiest Ways to Score Free eBooks)

7. Have a snack

There is definitely something to the age-old advice about never going grocery shopping on an empty stomach: according to a 2007 study by Matthew T. Gailliot and Roy F. Baumeister, your ability to exert self-discipline depends partially on your blood-glucose levels.

This is pretty obvious when you are hungry in the supermarket, since you're feeling tempted by the very thing you lack. However, the relationship between self-discipline and blood-glucose levels is also behind your struggle to avoid other types of temptations. That's because, according to the researchers, "self-control requires a certain amount of glucose to operate unimpaired."

This means that an easy way to control your impulse spending is to have a piece of fruit or other complex carbohydrate when you're feeling tempted to buy something you don't need.

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This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Stay Safe While Shopping Online

Amy Lu — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 08:30:06 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found articles on online shopping safety tips, diet foods that actually make it harder to lose weight, and simple ways to make your home more cozy.

8 Items You Should Never Buy Online

Sarah Winfrey — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 09:00:09 +0000

Online shopping makes life easier. There's no doubt about that. But what about when it doesn't? Depending on the retailer, returns can be a huge hassle, and some make it difficult for you to prove that an item was received in poor condition or wasn't what you ordered.

With most purchases, the reward outweighs the risk. However, when online shopping, just because you can buy an item without leaving your home, doesn't mean you should. Here are a few things that aren't worth buying online.

1. Cars

There's no way to tell if a car, or any vehicle, actually works unless you drive it. Since you can't test drive a vehicle online, purchasing that way is risky. Also, most used car-buying advice tells you to have a mechanic look at the car before you buy it. There's no way you can do that without having access to the car in-person.

Besides, what's more fun than a test drive? How else will you know that you enjoy driving the car, that it is comfortable, and has the features you want? (See also: 5 Times You Can Score a Great Deal on a New Car)

2. Pets

With all of the places out there that treat animals terribly — think puppy mills and unlicensed breeders — buying online is a huge gamble. After all, if you don't see where the animals were raised and get a clue as to how they were cared for, your sweet ball of fluff could arrive with a terrible and costly disease.

Plus, meeting a pet in-person helps you determine if their personality is a good fit for you and your family. The only way to find out about that is to see the animal before you buy or adopt. (See also: The 8 Best Pets for Frugal Animal Lovers)

3. Real estate

Buying any sort of property should be done in-person, even if you have to travel to see it. Unless you view the property, you'll have no real idea of its condition. If you've seen any real estate photographs lately, you know that they can make a home or a piece of property look drastically better than it actually is.

Looking at property in-person also gives you a much better idea of its size, shape, and suitability for your life than you'll get if you just look at it online.

4. Prescription medication

There are many reputable pharmacies that sell prescriptions at discounted rates, but there are also many that aren’t. While these may make some effort to get you the right drug at the right time, you won't really know what you're getting. And you won't know if the place is inspected and regulated, either.

The only exception to this would be purchasing from an online pharmacy that you have access to through your doctor or insurance company. These are much more likely to be reputable, because they have to prove themselves to get that sort of professional affiliation.

5. Name brand knockoffs

It's tempting to buy designer knockoffs online, but the truth is that it's not worth it. Many of the sites that sell these items are not secure, or are located in countries where online security, overall, is lax. You can never know what might happen to your credit card information once it's out there.

6. Large appliances

There are great deals on large appliances online, but what happens if it doesn't work out? They can be impossible to repackage, and then you have to arrange (and sometimes pay for!) the item to be picked up again. Besides, who can tell if the color is actually going to match and be perfect for your home unless you see the item in-person first. Save yourself a massive potential headache and buy these in the store. (See also: 4 Questions to Ask Before Buying Refurbished Appliances)

7. Furniture

This is similar to the discussion of large appliances, above. While it's possible to get a great deal on an item when you purchase online, the potential return process makes the whole thing less desirable.

In addition, you need to make sure that your furniture is comfortable and that you like the materials. Unless you can sit on that couch or open and close the drawers on the dresser, you won't know that until the item is delivered.

8. Mattresses

There are some mattress companies that only sell online. While some people swear by these products, it seems dubious to me. After all, we spend about ⅓ of our lives asleep! You need to know that you'll be comfortable, and the best way to do that is to try out a mattress in a store, and then to check that it comes with a warranty. Most companies will take your mattress back for a certain number of days, so you can try it out first. If you do purchase a mattress online, confirm that it comes with a reasonable trial period.

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Boost Your Savings by Making Your Money Harder to Spend

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 08:00:09 +0000

When I left for my freshman year of college, I brought the graduation gift money I'd received with me. It was about $1,000, and I was carrying it in cash, intending to open a checking account. The cash never made it to the bank, however.

It wasn't stolen, nor did I lose it. In fact, I tucked the envelope of twenties away in a secure location in my dorm room — but I neglected to protect the money from myself.

From trips to the coffee shop to late night pizza delivery, I let that money flow through my fingers without paying any attention to where it was going or how quickly I was spending it. By the time I finally decided to open an account, there was less than $100 left.

My experience is hardly unique. Most people have a similar story of squandering money because it was too easy to access the cash.

The trick to being more careful with money is finding ways to make it harder to spend. If I had placed that cash in a checking account as soon as I got to campus, I would have had to walk to the ATM to make my unnecessary purchases — which would have been more than enough to prevent most of my spending.

These days, simply depositing cash in the bank is not enough to make money harder to spend. The availability of mobile banking, debit and credit cards, and one-click online shopping makes money even easier to spend than it was when I was a first-year college student. That's why it is so important to productively reduce access to your money. Here are five ways you can protect your money from your own worst spending impulses. (See also: 7 Bizarre Ways to Stay on Budget (That Actually Work))

1. Stop carrying credit or debit cards

Going out sans credit or debit card can feel weirder than going about your day naked, but it can be a very effective way to curb your spending. On most days, you probably don't actually need to have a card with you — it's just there in case you need it. Unfortunately, we then often "need" to stop for lunch, or in a favorite store, or meet everyone after work for happy hour rather than save the card for a legitimate need.

To make sure you are covered in case you need to fill up your tank on the way to work, or you encounter another true spending need, get in the habit of carrying $20 or so while leaving your plastic at home. This helps limit your ability to buy things while still giving you access to a little money in case you need it.

2. Move your savings to another bank

Trying to build an emergency fund or reach another savings goal can be difficult if access to your money is too easy. Having a savings account linked to your checking account in the same bank can often be too much of a temptation. It's so easy to dip into that savings account whenever your checking account is running dry or there is an incredible sale.

For many people, just making it slightly more difficult to access savings can be enough to stop this behavior. For instance, you can move your savings account to a different bank and establish a link between the two banks. While it's possible to move money between accounts in different banks, it generally takes two to three business days for the money to transfer, which can be inconvenient enough to foil your spending impulses.

3. Put your money in a restrictive savings vehicle

For some people, the inconvenience of separate banking institutions is not quite enough to stop them from accessing their savings when they shouldn't. Restrictive savings vehicles — accounts or assets that penalize you for early access — can be a great way to protect your money from yourself in that case.

Depending on your time frame, there are a couple of different types of savings vehicles you might choose.

Certificate of deposit (CD)

This is a savings vehicle that requires you to commit to keeping your money in the account for a set period of time. If you withdraw the funds earlier, then you will be penalized. You can generally expect to pay three-to-six months' worth of accrued interest if you access the money early, although some CDs also take a percentage of the principal.

Traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs)

Traditional IRAs offer tax advantages, which means there are penalties for dipping into them before you reach age 59 ½. Specifically, you will have to pay taxes on both the distribution, as well as 10 percent of the amount of the distribution, to Uncle Sam.

4. Enlist an accountability partner

While it's pretty easy to break a promise to yourself, it's harder to break one you have made to another person. One method of making your money harder to spend is to enlist a friend or loved one as your accountability partner, to whom you will set up a credit card or bank statement alert. Many banks offer automated alert systems that will email or text you when your available credit dips below a certain amount or when a large transaction clears.

This information is useful to the cardholder, but it can be a great way to keep you from spending money if you send that information to your accountability partner. Knowing that your partner will immediately know that you have broken your promise can be enough to keep you from whipping out your wallet.

5. Remove your payment information from online retailers

It is far too easy to buy something without really thinking about it when online retailers "helpfully" store our credit card or bank information for us. The minor inconvenience of having to get up and find your wallet is generally enough time for you to reconsider your purchase.

When you can go from not knowing an item exists, to coveting it, to buying it in under 30 seconds, having just a little bit of time for a gut check on whether or not you need this purchase is crucial. Because if you want to buy something, but getting up to find your wallet doesn't feel worth it, then it's probably not a great use of your money.

Save your money from yourself

You are not the same person at every hour of the day. You contain multitudes, and often your goals and your impulses cause you to contradict yourself. Making your money harder to spend will ensure that the high-roller part of yourself doesn't bankrupt the saver part of yourself. You'll thank yourself later. (See also: 9 Simple Ways to Stop Impulse Buying)

This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

4 Credit Card Transactions That Don't Earn Rewards

Holly Johnson — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 08:31:17 +0000

Rewards credit cards can be a great way of earning a little something extra for the purchases you make every day. Most rewards cards dole out 1–5 points for each dollar you spend. But there are a few transactions that never earn rewards. Keep these in mind so you don't end up disappointed when you look at your rewards statement later on (and instead try the strategies that follow to boost your rewards earnings).

1. Cash advances at an ATM

If you use your credit card for a cash advance at an ATM, you are running up a balance on your credit card. Unfortunately, that balance won't earn you any rewards points — or any love from your card issuer. Whenever you take out a cash advance from an ATM, you should plan on paying a higher interest rate immediately on the advance amount, as well as a cash advance fee of 2–5 percent and any fees that the individual ATM charges.

2. Cash advance checks you receive in the mail

Those cash advance checks you receive in the mail might seem like an awesome deal. You write the check out to yourself, cash it, and the money is yours. Unfortunately, that money will need to be paid back, along with fees, of course.

You can expect to pay the same fees as you pay for withdrawing cash from an ATM, except for the ATM fee. You'll still pay a transaction fee and a higher interest rate on your cash advance, though. There will be no grace period before interest starts accruing on the cash advance, either. And just like a cash advance from an ATM, you won't earn any rewards for the privilege.

3. Balance transfers

In a perfect world, we could all earn millions of credit card points by endlessly transferring balances. We could transfer the same balance back and forth for years, earning oodles of welcome bonuses and points for our spending.

But in this world, you never earn rewards on balance transfers. Banks would simply lose too much money if they offered this option, so they don't.

While you don't earn rewards with balance transfers, that doesn't mean they're not valuable. Many of the best 0 percent APR cards charge no interest on the amount transferred for 12–21 months. You can gain huge savings on interest while you pay off your debt.

And while it's usually best not to use a balance transfer card to make new purchases, if you do have to do that, some balance transfer cards offer rewards on purchases. (See also: 6 Hidden Dangers of Balance Transfers)

4. Purchases made with points

When your credit card has a rewards program, it's easy to conflate your cash spending with rewards purchases. But if you use points for a purchase (instead of cash), you won't earn any points when you buy. The bank only wants to reward you for spending actual money on the card.

Here's an example. Imagine you have a travel credit card and you decide to book an excursion through the card's travel portal. You set your sights on a snorkeling tour in Grand Cayman, and find you have the option to pay with points or to fork over $70 per person.

If you pay with cash, you'll absolutely earn rewards for the purchase. But if you turn in your points instead, you'll be out of luck. (See also: Once-In-A-Lifetime Experiences I've Earned With Credit Card Rewards)

How to boost your rewards over time

Fortunately, there are plenty of safe, reliable methods to beef up your point balances on your favorite rewards credit card. Best of all, nothing we're about to suggest involves paying interest or upfront fees at all.

Here are four ways to earn more rewards over time.

1. Use your rewards credit card for everyday purchases

The best way to earn more rewards isn't complicated. By simply using your card for all your regular purchases (think gas, groceries, and miscellaneous), you can earn a ton of points over time. If you spend $1,000 on your card every month and earn an average 2 percent back, for example, you'll rack up $20 per month in rewards — or $240 per year. (See also: How to Save an Extra $1,094.86 a Year)

2. Pay all your bills on credit

Another strategy to boost your rewards is to put your regularly occurring expenses on your credit card. Think of anything you have on automatic payments — life insurance, cellphone bill, utility payments. If they're currently set up to be paid via debit automatically, you could earn more rewards by setting them up on your favorite credit card instead. Just be sure to check with the provider to make sure you won't have to pay a fee for using credit. (See also: Paying Your Bills With a Credit Card)

3. Shop through online portals when possible

Many rewards card issuers offer their own online shopping portals that make earning rewards even easier. You'll need to log in to the portal, then you can click through to major retailers to earn extra points for every dollar you spend. Options vary and deals change often, but you can usually earn at least one or two bonus points for every dollar you spend on that card.

Sometimes you'll see deals for as many as 30 bonus points. Merchants include online stores like Kohls, Best Buy, Macy's, and many others. (See also: 5 Ways to Earn Cashback Rewards Without Extra Spending)

Of course, if you want to make your rewards card work for you, avoid running a balance. While earning 1–5 percent back on your purchases is certainly appealing, those rewards will disappear quickly if you're forking over the average credit card interest rate.

When it comes to credit, tread carefully and only charge what you can afford to repay. If you wind up in debt in pursuit of rewards, you'll regret it.

This article is from Holly Johnson of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Prevent a Drunken Online Shopping Spree

Emily Guy Birken — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 09:00:10 +0000

It used to be that drinking and shopping took some effort on your part, since you had to get yourself to a brick-and-mortar store in order to actually make purchases. It wasn't really a situation many of us would find ourselves in. But online shopping has made it possible to shop while buzzed.

Browsing Amazon or eBay after a night of drinking may not seem like a terrible habit to indulge in. You're safe at home, after all, and you can crash in bed after your wine and shopping binge — and there's always that hilarious moment several days later when your purchase finally arrives and you get to open the mystery box. But drunken shopping sprees aren't cheap. According to a Finder.com survey, the average amount of money that drunk shoppers spend in a single evening of tipsy debauchery is $206.

While having a funny souvenir of a memorable night may be a justifiable use of your money the first time it happens, making a habit of drunk shopping can throw a major wrench in your financial plans. Here are six ways you can keep your wallet safe from your worst shopping impulses when you are tempted to drink and shop.

1. Carry cash

While most drunken shopping sprees are now happening online, in-person tipsy shopping is still a problem. This tends to be more of an issue when your drinking venue is close to a shopping destination — like when you are on vacation and can drift from the bar to the cute boutiques without having to set foot in a vehicle. There are also plenty of opportunities for you to spend your money in person after a few drinks have loosened your purse strings, including "Sip and Shop" events set up specifically to encourage that behavior.

The easiest way to thwart yourself from making unnecessary purchases is by carrying cash for the evening. That helps you to reduce the potential damage you can do to your finances by limiting the amount of money you can spend in one evening. (See also: Is an All-Cash Diet Right for You?)

2. Post sticky notes everywhere

Believe it or not, sticky notes can be a form of time travel. Your past self can use the sticky note to remind your future drunk self why you don't want to waste your money on more iTunes purchases or cute shoes. If you know you're likely to shop under the influence, write out notes to yourself about why drunk shopping is a bad idea. Go ahead and list the reasons why you are going to regret your purchase in the morning.

While a single sticky note can get this across, putting additional notes so that your computer screen is covered with them will really force your future self to remember that your past self is serious about this issue.

3. Turn off one-click ordering

One-click ordering means you can go from being unaware an item exists, to coveting it, to buying it, all within seconds. Add some beer to that equation, and it's even more likely that you'll be scratching your head over a delivery in a few days while lamenting your lighter wallet.

Removing your credit card information from your favorite retail sites can help to curb your drunken shopping habits, since you will have to get up to get your wallet and enter in your credit card information in order to complete your sale. The work necessary to enter in your information will either sober you up enough to make you question your need for cardboard cutouts of the Golden Girls, or will be more typing than you can handle in your inebriated state.

This is also a good reason to remove your account information on any shopping sites, so that you are forced to type in your mailing address every time you shop. That can be enough of a barrier to keep you from recklessly drinking and buying. (See also: 39 Mindless Ways You're Wasting Money in Every Part of Your Life)

4. Block retail sites when you know you will be drinking

There are many apps and browser extensions out there to help force you to be productive when you are feeling the siren's song of your Twitter or Facebook feed. But these tools can also help you to manage your drunk purchasing behavior. Simply set your app or browser extension to block you out of shopping sites anytime you are likely to be drinking — such as on Friday evenings or after your weekly happy hour with friends.

5. Remove shopping apps from your phone

It's entirely possible to spend your rent money without leaving your house or even booting up your laptop, which means you will need to cut off this additional source of temptation: shopping apps on your phone. Not only do these apps make it far too easy to shop after you've had a few, they don't do you any favors while you are sober, either. These apps allow you to spend money without feeling any pain of payment, which makes them especially dangerous when you are drunk.

Remove those apps from your phone, and consider replacing them with apps that will also be fun to surf without spurring you to spend money. For instance, the Pinterest app can give you the feeling of virtual window shopping.

6. Be prepared to make returns

While opening up the mystery box you receive after a night of drunk shopping can be exciting, it's a much better policy to simply return your purchases without opening them. Go ahead and send it back rather than clutter up your home with a purchase that only seemed like a good idea when you were at the bottom of a glass of wine.

This article is from Emily Guy Birken of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Save on Christmas Shopping With This Clever Gift Card Strategy

Kat Tretina — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:00:08 +0000

Last year, the average American spent $882 on holiday gifts — and that amount does not include money spent on décor, meals, or clothes. Many people rack up credit card debt, and with high interest rates, that can make payments on their Christmas purchases for months after the holiday.

However, it doesn’t have to be that way. You can still celebrate Christmas with gifts and decorations without going into debt. Using discounted gift cards is an ingenious way to stretch your budget further and minimize debt.

Why So Many Gift Cards Are Available at a Discount

There’s a reason stores love selling gift cards. Each year, you likely receive gift certificates or cards for your birthday or other holidays. And while it’s the thought that counts, you probably tucked one or two away in a drawer and forgot about them. The average person has $300 in gift cards going unused, and over $41 billion in cards went unredeemed from 2011 to 2015.

Most of the time, cards are stagnant because the gift recipient does not shop at the selected store, or items at the location are too expensive to be covered by the balance of the card. Rather than let the card just sit in a drawer gathering dust, many people opt to get money back in their pockets by selling them.

Cheap cards are available through online sites that are 3% to 30% less than their value. From Sephora to Target, you can get a gift card at a significant discount, allowing you to buy more with your money.

Using a Discounted Gift Card

Purchasing a gift card at a reduced price is like giving yourself a huge coupon. For example, you can get a $250H&M gift card for just $169.62, saving you $80.38. That means you can buy $250 worth of merchandise at a 32% discount. With that savings, you can buy more items within your budget — or save it.

Alternatively, you can gift loves ones a discounted gift card and let them go shopping themselves. Buying a gift card at a reduced price allows you to give a more generous holiday present without breaking the bank.

Where to Buy Cards

There are many sites that sell a wide range of discounted cards. These are three of the most popular.

Gift Card Granny offers discounted cards from hundreds of retailers, from large big box stores to niche chains. Discounts change each day, and you can find cards marked 50% under their actual value.
Cardpool sells cards up to 35% under value. They offer gift cards to stores like Lowe’s, Best Buy, Target, and more.
Gift card Zen is part of coupon site RetailMeNot. You can find cards for hundreds of retailers, including AMC Theatres, American Girl, and Macy’s.

Purchasing gift cards and using them for your Christmas shopping is an easy way to get more from your money. You can get a significant discount on your purchases, letting you celebrate the holiday without going broke.

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This article is from Kat Tretina of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Big List of Money-Saving Coupon Codes for Halloween 2016

Ashley Eneriz — Thu, 06 Oct 2016 10:30:14 +0000

Halloween spending will hit an all-time high this year. The National Retail Federation's annual survey reveals that consumers will spend $8.4 billion on Halloween purchases this year. That's a lot of pumpkins!

While Halloween is fun to celebrate, it shouldn't blow your budget, especially since the pricier holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, happen shortly after. Coupon codes are a great way to save money on Halloween purchases. Don't forget to shop through a cash back site, such as eBates, if you are shopping online. (See also: 30+ Cash Back Sites to Earn You Thousands Per Year)

All codes have been checked to ensure they work. Check back all month for updated coupons to your favorite Halloween stores.

Carter's

Carter's has incredibly cute costumes for babies and young toddlers. You can also score some Halloween festive wear for babies and kids up to size 8.

20% off $40 coupon online or in-store when you sign up for Carter's email notifications.
20% off $40: CART1016 (expires 10/31)
15% off your whole order: CART3230 (expires 12/31)
20% off $50: CAROCT20 (expires 10/31)

Spirit Halloween

Spirit Halloween offers 20% off one item when you sign up for their email notifications. Be sure to check Spirit's social media accounts for more online and printable coupons.

20% off one item: SPEN16 (expires 10/31)
20% off one item and free shipping: SPHN1629 (expires 10/31)
25% off one item: DONTLEAVE25 (expires 11/02)
$5 off orders $30+, $10 off $50+, or $25 off $100+: TIER2016A (expires 11/1)
$10 off orders $65+, $20 off $100+, $30 off $150+, or $50 off $200+: HIGHTIER (expires 11/02)
Free shipping on orders over $30: SHIP30 (expires 11/1)
25% off already reduced sale items: CLEAR25 (expires 11/1)

Halloween Costumes

Halloween Costumes offers price match and costume rentals. On select costumes, you can save 50% off the price by renting. Return shipping on rentals is free. They even have pre-owned costumes for sale and pay for trade-ins on certain styles.

Sign up for their email notifications and receive 20% off your first order.
Like them on Facebook for a $10 off $60 coupon.

Halloween Express

Halloween Express offers a 110% price match guarantee. If within 14 days of purchasing an eligible item from them online and then find a lower price for the same item on a direct competitor's U.S. website, they will refund the difference plus 10%. However, be sure to read all of the exclusions.

15% off when you sign up for Halloween Express' email notifications.
20% off your order: CYQJ328MZTE
25% off any order: SAVE25CJ
Free shipping on orders of $29 or more: FS2016ZLA
Get $10 off $65 or more, $25 off $125 or more, $50 off $199, or more: BIGSAVINGS2016

Costume Discounters

Costume Discounters currently has a 10% cash back offer through eBates.

25% off an order over $20: SAVE25 (expires 11/01)

Anytime Costumes

Anytime Costumes currently has an 11% cash back offer through eBates.

15% off an order over $25 and free shipping: SHOP15

Wholesale Halloween Costumes

Wholesale Halloween Costumes has a 9% cash back offer through eBates for a limited time.

Save 5% off your order: SAVE5
$10 off an order over $80: PTEN80
20% off of clearance: CLEAR20
Free shipping on orders over $75: SUMMER75 (expires 12/30)
Free shipping on orders over $40: FBLIKE

Party City

20% off all Halloween orders over $50 and free shipping: TRICK39M

Joann’s

For those who are ambitious enough to craft your costumes this year, here are coupons for you. Don’t forget to check out Joann’s fun Halloween décor.

40% off one online item: GFHV303 (expires 10/08)

More Ideas on How to Save This Halloween

The coupon codes above will help you get a discount on Halloween costumes, décor, and party supplies. For those looking for more money-saving advice, try these five Halloween saving's tricks.

1. Swap Costumes With a Friend

If you have kids that are similar ages/sizes, then you can trade costumes. Even if your children are different sizes, borrow the accessories and save.

2. Don't Skip the Dollar Store

Your local dollar store and .99-Cent Only Store can be great shops for affordable Halloween décor and costume props. Just be advised before buying candy there. It might cost you more than buying candy at a warehouse.

3. Wait to Buy Pumpkins

If you wait until the 30th to buy your Halloween pumpkin, you can save almost half the cost, depending on the seller. One year, at Trader Joes, I received a free pumpkin on the 31st.

4. Look for Free Activities

Most communities offer free fall activities to the public. Check with your city's parks, churches, and mall to see what is being offered.

5. DIY Fall Decorations

Pinterest is a well of good ideas for inexpensive DIY décor ideas. Also, check out 13 Scariest Halloween Frights You Can Make From Trash.

This article is from Ashley Eneriz of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Strange Ways Online Shopping Has Changed the World

Mikey Rox — Tue, 27 Sep 2016 10:30:06 +0000

If you prefer online shopping to in-store purchases, you're not alone. According to Business Insider, about 78% of the U.S. population age 15 and older fancies themselves a few clicks and a quick checkout when buying something new. While that's all well and good — and incredibly convenient — this new American pastime does have its downsides. Check out a few of these strange ways online shopping has changed the world — not necessarily for the better. (See also: 8 Ways Retailers Use Big Data to Track You)

1. Consumer Reviews Can Make or Break a Product

Before online shopping became commonplace, consumers had few ways to learn about the pros and cons of a product. They could rely on word-of-mouth if someone they knew had purchased the same item, or they could listen to what the media said about it, perhaps on consumer-related nightly news piece or in magazines, like Good Housekeeping. Because information on how well — or not well — a product worked was sparse, consumer unhappiness was limited. Retailers were relatively safe from gaining a poor reputation unless its products were outright duds that caught attention en masse. But that all changed with online shopping, which gave consumers the voice they had been looking for. Today, reviews of a product are trusted more than personal recommendations, according to research. In fact, a whopping 92% of consumers trust online reviews as much as they would a friend or family member, or perhaps even more.

2. There Are No True Holidays Anymore

Remember when we were kids and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas meant that virtually no retail stores would be open? We'd drive through town on the way to our relatives' house for supper and there was nary a car in any of the stores' parking lots. That's all changed thanks to online shopping, much to many people's dismay. Each year, it seems, Black Friday hours are pushed earlier and earlier, creeping into Thanksgiving, with some stores opening on Thanksgiving Day even. Last year, Kmart said to hell with the entire holiday and opened at 6 a.m. the fourth Thursday of November, the earliest among major retailers. It was beat out by one other chain, however, though not a competitor: Victoria's Secret opened its doors from 12 a.m. to 12 a.m. Thanksgiving Day (a full 24 hours!), because, ya know, who isn't in the mood for sexy lingerie after stuffing themselves silly with turkey and mashed potatoes?

3. Shopping Malls Are Becoming Ruins

Shopping malls were huge in the 1980s and '90s, so much so that they defined an entire generation. But by the 2000s, attendance at malls around the country started to dwindle. Many factors have contributed to the decline (not the least of which was that they had become locales of violence), including the rise of online shopping. Bustling hubs of commerce and social activity that once stood proud are now in ruin, relics of the past that serve as a stark reminder that American life isn't what it used to be.

"Dozens of malls have shuttered since 2010, with hundreds more on the brink," says Benjamin Glaser, features editor with DealNews. The few shopping centers that have been built in the last decade usually aren't traditional, enclosed malls, but larger complexes with a wider dining and entertainment options, and often open-air areas. To compete with online shopping, brick-and-mortar retailers are trying to create experiences.

This fate doesn't paint a pretty picture of what was left in the wake of the downturn or for current mall owners. Those that have already heard its final cash register cha-ching now look like sets for The Walking Dead, and those that still exist are being murdered by debt.

4. Dog Bites Have Increased

Family dogs and mail carriers have had a rocky relationship for decades, but recently our friendly canines have been acting out in droves — all because that pesky USPS employee is stopping by more often with your online packages.

According to AdAge, dog bites were up 14% last year, reaching a total of 6,549 incidents. The most attacks were in Houston, which had 77, while San Diego and Cleveland clocked in at 58 each.

5. Identity Theft Is Out of Control

Before online shopping became everybody's go-to method of buying everything from clothing to groceries, it was difficult for an identity thief to target a large amount of data. Sure, your credit card could be stolen by a single thief and charged up until the bank caught wind of suspicious activity, but the consequences pale in comparison to a million-accounts data breach that could throw your entire life out of whack. USA Today reports that credit-card data theft has increased 50% from 2005 to 2010, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Likewise, because your credit card numbers can be worth hundreds of dollar a piece to resellers — the number of malicious programs written to steal your information has grown from about 1 million in 2007 to an estimated 130 million today. So basically, no one is safe, and you should take even more precautions — like not storing your credit cards with retailers online — to avoid becoming a victim.

6. Some Online Orders Are Now Being Delivered by Drones

Future moving too fast for you? Then you won't be elated to hear the news that drones may start arriving at your home or office to deliver your online shopping orders. Yep, flying robots are entering the friendly skies all over the world, and they could be landing in your front yard soon if Amazon has its way. Its PrimeAir program is gearing up for its first consumer flights that promise to deliver packages in 30 minutes or less. China and Australia have already implemented similar services, which has its benefits, especially to those in hard-to-reach rural areas, or for medical purposes, but we can all probably agree that nobody needs their piping-hot burrito dropped from the sky.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

14 Secrets to Saving on Eyewear

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:30:29 +0000

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are a necessity for more than 150 million Americans. Unfortunately, eyewear is not a cheap purchase — so we've compiled some tips to help save you money on the cost of glasses and contacts.

1. Purchase Your Glasses Online

Along with enjoying huge savings on your new set of glasses, you can also take advantage of online services to ensure that the glasses look right with your style. This will allow you to casually try the glasses on at home so you can take your time choosing the right ones. Once you find the right pair, they will likely be shipped in no time (even faster than you would get them at the optician's office.)

If you have issues like astigmatism, you may not be able to shop online and it might more prudent to have your doctor custom fit you for the right pair of glasses. You may also want to have a professional help you at an optical store and once you find the glasses you like, you can search for the frames online for the best deal. (See also: Should You Ever Buy Eyeglasses Online?)

2. Purchase Your Contact Lenses Online

Websites like 1-800 Contacts can save you money on your contacts, compared to what you would pay at your optician's office. You can also often get discounts if you purchase more than one box of contacts at a time. Buying in bulk will also save you money on shipping and allow you to lock in today's rate.

3. Find Trial Offers

Certain contact lens providers, like Acuvue and Dailies, will offer free trial lenses, so you can try them before you buy them. This will help ensure that the contacts fit comfortably, so you know you'll get your money's worth.

4. Look for Online Deals

Take advantage of online coupons and deals from services like Groupon. This can save you quite a bit of money on glasses, contacts, and even your eye exam. Just make sure to read the details thoroughly as some coupons only cover the cost of the frames, and you will have to pay for the lenses out-of-pocket.

5. Ask for a Price Match

Many optical shops will offer a price match, if you ask. Some shops will even offer a price match and a rebate, so you'll actually spend less than you would online.

6. Keep the Same Lenses or Frames

If your lenses are still in good shape and you still have the same prescription, consider reusing them in a new frame. Many optical shops will help you find a similar style frame and can apply your old lenses so it looks like a new pair of glasses.

The same rule holds for your frames. If you like your frames, but your prescription has changed, take advantage of a prescription eyeglass lens replacement service that will replace the lenses in your existing frames.

7. Opt for Cheaper Glasses

If you tend to wear contacts and only reach for your glasses when you're home, then you don't need to spend a lot on designer glasses. Instead, opt for the cheaper glasses since no one will see them anyway.

8. Don't Replace Your Glasses Every Year

If you don't need to replace your glasses, then it's best to just keep the same pair for as long as you can. After all, it can take a lot of time and energy to find the perfect glasses, so why replace them after only a year?

9. Skip the Add-Ons

Unless your prescription is above +/- 3.00, professionals recommend skipping the add-ons like antireflective coating, light adjusting lenses, or high index or ultrahigh index lenses. Skipping these add-ons can save you quite a bit of money and won't really make a difference in the long run.

10. Shop at Costco

According to Consumer Reports, Costco received the highest overall satisfaction rating of any eyeglass retailer. Not only do they offer better service, but you can also save money on your favorite pair of glasses.

11. Take Advantage of Free Repairs and Adjustments

If you choose to purchase your glasses in-office, then take advantage of free adjustments to ensure your glasses fit perfectly. Inquire with your optician's office about whether they offer any free replacements or repairs.

12. Take Advantage of Insurance

Before you get started, it's important to find out if you're covered by insurance. Even if you don't have a separate vision insurance plan, you may be covered under your regular medical insurance plan. Many insurance plans include a basic eye or dental care plan, so you may be covered without even realizing it.

Before visiting your eyeglass store, first find out if they accept your vision insurance. If they accept it, find out what your insurance covers. Take advantage of whatever you can so that you get your money's worth every year. If they do not accept your insurance plan, inquire from your plan's administrator about whether they will offer reimbursement if you decide to pay out-of-pocket.

13. Use FSA Funds

If you have an FSA (or flexible spending account), take advantage of this pretax money to pay for eligible medical expenses such as prescription glasses and contact lenses. Keep in mind that FSA funds might not pay for extras like extended warranties. The goal is to use up all of your FSA funds before the end of the year, but it's important that you don't wait until the last minute to use it or you may rush to pick your new glasses, even if they aren't the most flattering option or don't offer the best deal.

14. Do Your Research

Before scheduling your eye test, research the options available to you so you can determine where you'll get the best deal for your money. Call your eyeglass store of choice to inquire about whether they currently have any coupons or deals to cut the cost of your new glasses. If you know the glasses that you want, you can search online for the brand and model number to compare prices.

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Ways to Avoid Credit Card Fraud While Traveling

Nick Wharton — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 10:30:07 +0000

Credit card fraud is more than just a mild annoyance and risk when you're on the road — it can bring your travel plans to a halt. But you can outsmart thieves. By using one of these best travel rewards credit cards and following these seven tips, you can minimize the risk of fraud and better enjoy travel!

1. Get an RFID Blocked Wallet

Did you know that credit card thieves don't actually have to touch your wallet in order to steal your credit card? They never even have to see your card or your wallet. All they have to do is brush up against you with an RFID scanner and they'll have your full name, credit card number, expiration date, and even your passport information.

To easily avoid this, you can pick up an RFID Blocked wallet and passport case on Amazon for around $15. They look like normal wallets but they protect your cards and your personal information from would be identity thieves and credit card hackers.

2. Beware of Insecure Internet Connections

It's inevitable when you're traveling that you'll see this message on your screen at some point:

When you're using unsecured Wi-Fi connections at hotels, Internet cafes, restaurants, bars, and public parks, everything you type into your browser could potentially be monitored and stolen from you.

Whenever you see this warning before browsing, try your best to avoid entering passwords, especially those on your banking and credit card sites. Most banking sites will allow you to access their secure page. Make sure any URL is preceded by https:// rather than http://.

You can also get a plug-in for your browser like HTTPS Everywhere (available on Firefox, Chrome, and Opera), which will do this automatically. Another solution is SurfEasy VPN, which helps encrypt your data when you're using a public connection.

3. Clear Cookies, Passwords, and Browsing History

Make sure you log out of everything, delete your history whenever you access your email or other password-sensitive web pages from a computer other than your own, and clear cookies and caches on the browser. You want to leave no traces of your personal identification or password information on public computers. To prevent ever having to clear the cache, you can also browse "incognito" in Chrome or “private” in Firefox.

4. Never Let Your Card Out of Sight

In some places, it's very common to have your credit card information stolen by wait staff at restaurants when you give them your card to pay. If you can, always keep an eye on your card and never let it out of your sight. Consider going up to the counter to pay, rather than leaving it in the bill slip for the waiter to deal with.

5. Memorize (or Write Down) the Theft Hotline Number

The minute you notice that your card has been lost or stolen, you should report it. The sooner you can submit a claim to the lost or stolen card office, the more likely you will be protected against unauthorized charges.

6. Set an Alert

Many credit card providers offer email and SMS alerts that will beep at you when your balance goes over a certain amount. If someone does end up stealing your card and spends a bunch of money all at once, you'll be notified.

You may be surprised at how long it takes for people to realize that they've had their card stolen. It can be weeks or even months, depending on how many cards are in the wallet and how often the stolen card is used.

7. Monitor Spending Even After You Return Home

It's always a good idea to do a quick follow-up on your credit card history even after you return home. Smart credit card thieves will steal your credit card information, and wait until you’re not so on guard to use it.

For a couple of months after returning home, go online and check your statements to make sure that you can account for every single purchase. If there is one that you don't recognize, contact your credit card provider right away and start an investigation.

Be Smart... Not Scared

Credit card fraud is a legitimate worry while traveling, but with increasingly effective fraud protection programs and great credit card customer service lines, you really aren't at too much risk of personal loss, as long as you quickly claim any unauthorized purchases on your account. Travel safe, keep your card close, and be aware of your charges.

Have you ever been a victim of credit card fraud?

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Surprising Things You Still Can't Do Online in 2016

Sarah Winfrey — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 10:00:09 +0000

It's 2016. The digital age, right?

Well, that's mostly true. There are more and more things that we can do online. And it's nice. Who wants to spend time standing in line when you can take care of business from the comfort and privacy of your own home?

Still, every once in awhile, you run into something you can't actually do on the Internet. Here are the things I've found that you still have to do in-person.

1. Use Food Stamps

It has recently come to light that people using food stamps cannot purchase groceries online. This can keep those who live in food deserts from obtaining healthy, unprocessed food. There are some movements online to change this but, for the moment, you have to show up in-person to buy groceries via a government program. While it might be harder to eliminate food stamp fraud, allowing food stamp use online would allow many Americans to eat healthier.

2. Make DMV Changes

This can vary a bit from state-to-state, but many places will not allow you to do things like change your address online. While some states will let you fill out an online form to make the change, you will still have to print it out and either send it in or take it to the DMV to get the change into the system.

Since you can't usually change your address online, I suppose it follows that you can't take the written driver's test online. While this makes sense in terms of eliminating test fraud and cheating, it means that every single person who wants to take the driving test needs to make an appointment, making for crowded DMVs in many states.

3. Apply for a U.S. Passport

Similarly, you can input all of the information you need to get a U.S. passport online, but you can't actually submit the form. For that matter, you can't pay for it online, either.

When it comes to passports, you have to submit your old passport when you apply for a new one. This helps eliminate fraud and helps the government track the different passports you have had. Since you can't send your passport through the computer, the government asks you to send your whole application packet together, by old fashioned mail.

4. Vote

While you can register to vote online, you can't actually cast your vote that way. It seems like it would be a positive move: more people would participate in elections, and the overall cost of having an election would go down.

However, voter fraud is a real thing. While there are probably some ways to implement online voting that would at least make fraud hard, the government hasn't invested itself there yet. Some states, like Colorado, are starting to send every registered voter an absentee ballot, though. That way, you can vote from the privacy of your own home, even if you have to send the ballot through the mail instead of the wires.

5. Pay Some Utility Bills

I don't know about you, but I still have a couple of utility bills that I can't pay online. Instead, I have to either send a check or pay by phone. You would think that even small companies would permit online payment, but there are still those that don't.

It seems like this is more common with small utility companies, like the family-owned trash company that services my area, or rural ones. If you can't pay online, try giving them a call. Paying by phone is almost as easy, and many companies are more than happy to let you use your credit card that way, so you don't have to have checks in order to pay your bills.

6. Register a Birth Or a Death

While you can often request documentation of a birth or a death via the Internet, you can't actually register either online. Even U.S. citizens born in other countries have to visit an embassy (or have parents do so) before they can get an official U.S. birth certificate or passport. For children born in the U.S., it's usually enough to have a hospital verify the birth and submit the proper paperwork, so the family doesn't have to actually present the baby anywhere.

When it comes to birth and death, the chances for fraud are very high. Even with all of the cyber security that's possible these days, more birth and death certificates would be fraudulently issued if the process was available online. When someone is held accountable for issuing these certificates, fraud is less likely.

Have you run into anything you can't do online? Do you think that's a good decision or not?

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

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