The internet makes it so much easier for us to spend money. With the click of a button, you can buy something without leaving the house. Or you can even make a purchase while you’re out and about on your phone or tablet. By hooking up your card or PayPal account, you don’t need to put in too many details.
Two or three clicks could take you from browsing to spending, and sometimes it only takes one. It’s so easy to get carried away and spend too much because you have easy access to your money. Online spending can take the form of shopping, gambling, or paying for services. If you want to ensure you spend wisely, you should follow these rules.
Use Safe Websites
Firstly, you always need to make sure that you use trustworthy websites when you spend money. Whether you’re buying shoes or playing a game, you don’t want to give your information to anyone who shouldn’t have it. If the wrong person gets hold of your card or bank details, they could steal your identity. Fortunately, there are several ways you can check if a website is safe. You can check for the padlock symbol in the address bar and look for an SSL certificate on the page. Of course, you can also check reviews to see other people’s experiences. If you’re unsure, it’s best to find somewhere else to spend your money.
Set Limits for Spending
Spending too much online is extremely easy. There’s one type of website where you need to be extra careful, and that’s with gambling sites. These include those big names, like the National Lottery. It’s easy to keep adding money to your account when you should really be spending it sensibly. If you use online casinos and gambling sites, make sure that it’s licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, like the Maria casino. Look for responsible gaming tools, such as deposit limits. These will ensure you can only deposit a certain amount and can’t keep putting large amounts of money into your account.
Avoid Browsing Stores for Fun
Many people find themselves bored and browsing online shops for fun. One thing then leads to another, and they’re buying something they don’t really need. It’s easy to make these impulse purchases. In fact, some people discover that they have made them after a night of drinking and don’t even remember. If you want to avoid overspending, try not to browse online just for the sake of it. It might be fun to look at clothes in the latest sale, but do you really need to buy anything?
Read the Ts&Cs
Make sure you always read the terms and conditions when you buy something. You don’t have to read through all the legalese. Most of the time, the important points will be highlighted for you. This is especially important for subscription services that draw you in with an introductory offer. At first, it might be free for a month, but once the trial is over it’s probably up to you to cancel it. If you no longer want the service, be careful of having your card charged before you have a chance to cancel.
Don’t use the internet as an excuse to throw away your money. It might make it easy to pay for things, but it’s still real money you’re spending.