1. Pay Bills Without Leaving Home

These days, you can take care of nearly all your banking from the comfort of your living room. Most companies offer secure online portals or mobile apps that make it easy to stay on top of bills and keep track of money coming into and going out of your checking account. You can also deposit checks using your smartphone’s camera without needing to visit a bank.

With tools such as online banking and bill pay, it’s simple to track your spending and investments, view account balances and manage your monthly expenses. Many banks and credit unions let you set up automatic payments so you don’t have to worry about missing due dates on your cell phone, credit card or utility bills.

Getting comfortable with online banking requires a small shift. It can bring peace of mind and save you the time and hassle of standing in line at the bank.

2. Order Groceries and Household Essentials

Grocery shopping no longer requires a trip to the store. Several grocery stores in Springfield, including Aldi, Hy-Vee and Costco, use online services such as Instacart and Shipt. Through these services, you can order groceries and household essentials from your computer or phone app. Your items can be available for curbside pickup or delivered directly to you.

Not only do these services make shopping quicker and more efficient, but they let you shop at your own pace, take the time to compare prices and avoid costly impulse purchases. You also get the ability to track your order in real time, so you know exactly when it’s ready for pickup or on its way to your doorstep.

3. Shop Online

Whether you need a few new articles of clothing or you’re shopping for birthday or Christmas gifts, online shopping is a great way to save time and money. Online marketplaces, such as Amazon and Etsy, carry a much broader selection than any department store, including unique handmade items. Alternatively, you can visit your favorite retailer’s online store for exclusive deals.

Shopping from your computer or mobile device means you don’t need to drive to multiple stores, navigate through crowds and stand in a checkout line. It’s also easy to compare pricing across multiple stores, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal. With the popularity of online shopping, most retailers offer fast shipping and generous return policies, making the whole experience even more convenient.

4. Stay on Top of Your Medical Appointments

Many health care providers have patient portals where you can do everything from scheduling appointments with your doctor to viewing test results and medical records. These online tools make it easy to keep track of your health without making multiple phone calls.

In some cases, you can even consult with your doctors or specialists from the comfort of your own home. Thanks to telehealth services, you can skip the doctor’s office visit for advice on minor health concerns, receive timely consultations and get the care you need without long wait times.

5. Enjoy an Endless Selection of Books, Movies and Music

While a visit to the Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library is always enjoyable, there are times when staying home and accessing books and movies online is more convenient. With the library’s digital offerings, you can instantly check out e-books and audiobooks across all genres and get tailored recommendations based on your reading history.

Several music streaming services give you access to millions of songs for a low monthly subscription. Find your favorite album from your teen years or discover what’s popular today without ever needing to buy a CD.

Whether you’re in the mood to read a new book, take a trip down memory lane with your familiar music or watch the latest blockbuster, digital entertainment makes it easy to enjoy what you love anytime, anywhere.

6. Keep in Touch With Family and Friends

Phone calls are a great way to stay connected with those you love, but nothing beats seeing someone face-to-face. With video calling services, such as FaceTime, Skype and Zoom, you can have a conversation and share moments with loved ones, no matter how far apart you are. Whether it’s a quick evening chat or a longer conversation, video calls bring that personal connection right to your home.

Texting is another convenient way to stay in touch throughout the week. Even if you don’t have time for a lengthy conversation, it’s the perfect solution for quick check-ins or sharing updates.

Either way, digital communication offers the best of both worlds: the ability to talk in real time when you want to see a loved one’s face while allowing for more relaxed moments of connection on your schedule.

Bring Digital Convenience Into Your Everyday Life

Embracing online tools can add ease, flexibility and fun to your day-to-day life. Whether you’re managing tasks, staying connected to loved ones or enjoying entertainment, these tools can help you make the most of your time and simplify everyday activities.

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