Once a year, December gives us a license to wind down and step back from our day-to-day responsibilities. Unfortunately, financial obligations and needs never go on holiday, but digital banking has made staying on top of your finances simple, no matter where you find yourself.
There is no reason why a financial issue either at home or on holiday should cause alarm as there is very little that you will be unable to do from your phone.
Sahil Mungar from FNB Digital Banking shares ways in which online banking can help you to take the hassle out of finances this December.
Take turns paying
Carrying a wallet can be a bother especially if you are anticipating a fun night out. Nominate one person in your group to carry a bank card and to settle the bills for the evening. Then send money to that person via your banking app.
Lost or stolen cards
With lots of social visits and various items lying around the house, two different bags being used for the beach or evenings out, it’s easy to lose track of where you have placed your cards and worse yet is having a card lost or stolen while on holiday and away from home. We have all lost cards, or have been the victim of theft at some stage and the feeling of helplessness can be devastating. Before going on holiday, familiarise yourself with what you have to do in the event that your bank card gets lost or stolen.
Some bank’s online banking options might allow you to cancel lost and stolen cards and order new cards with a few swipes and taps. This will give you the assurance that you can cancel your cards as soon as you realise it has been lost or stolen keeping the risk of being defrauded to a minimum.
Keeping the lights on and your accounts in good standing
There is nothing worse than realising that you have forgotten to load electricity or to pay certain accounts just as you put your feet up. The financial losses and implications of missing payments or having a whole freezer defrost could put you on the financial back foot in the new year. Check if your bank has the option of being able to buy prepaid electricity to keep the lights on while you’re away.
“At a minimum, mobile banking will let you stay in touch with your accounts and keep track of your spending by viewing account balances and transaction histories. Additional features have made banking on holiday possible, easy and convenient,” concludes Mungar.
