Not only does this decrease the time I need to spend at the credit union, it also lets me access my money from home. I can then safely monitor my account balances and track my transactions with instant access from nearly anywhere. Online checking offers me the security of being able to see the checks I’ve written so that I can verify the recipient, date and amount in case there is a discrepancy between me and a company. This would also be useful if I forget to record the amount of a debit card or check purchase.

staying safe and secure

Just like everyone else, security is an important concern for me, especially when accessing my money over the internet. While studies show that the majority of identity theft still occurs when thieves obtain sensitive paper information by digging through the trash or mailboxes, there are still certain things I like to remember when I use my online banking so that I can safeguard my accounts.

• Come back soon! - I check my online account regularly to monitor against any unauthorized spending or transferring of funds. Since I can be forgetful, I have my credit union’s website set as my homepage so that I remember to check my funds whenever I open a web browser.
• Change your password - By changing my password frequently and using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, I avoid running into trouble if someone discovers my password. I also avoid using obvious passwords based on common information like my birthday or my mother’s maiden name.
• Watch out for fake e-mails - Sometimes I see fake e-mails in my inbox that ask me to respond with my account and password information. Well, even if I was good at responding to e-mails I would still avoid these. Why? Well, because this is a strategy called "phishing" that criminals use to steal my personal info and then my money. I also know that my financial institution would never ask for that information by e-mail or phone.
• Is the site secure? - When I'm using my online banking I make sure that all areas of the site are secure and that the web address of any area after I log in with my password begins with "https." There should also be a padlock symbol at the bottom of the web browser frame.

I’ll admit that the convenience of online banking is what drew me to it. However, the fact that this fast and simple system will not only help me break my procrastinating patterns but also keep my money safe and secure helps me rest easy. Now, if only they could invent a way to do my laundry online…