Money & finance #58: banking, budgeting & spending

My bank does offer free online banking, but I am not comfortable with using it. They use such security safeguards as Sitekey where you enter a passcode and sitekey image, and the bank will question your computer entries if they aren't the ones you gave them. I am sure that many people love online banking, and I think it is for the most part, secure. I think I won't ever feel comfortable using it, however, unless I am forced to go to it. I looked at all the budgeting sites, Mint.com; expensr; wesabe; foonance, but I think I would rather manage my budget the old fashioned way by putting it in a log. I'm afraid I'm hopeless. Ripplepay, spenji, and scred would help you track your budget I'm sure if you felt comfortable using these tools. I liked the ideas about saving money like buying store brands instead of name brands. Also, you can shop at Walmart and Home Goods which offer the same merchandise for cheaper prices. Ialso agree with using the burner on your stove which is the right size for your pot, and using your microwave because it saves energy. Overall, this was a very interesing and helpful program.