It doesn't seem that long ago that the idea of banking via your own computer at home was the stuff of science fiction. And yet technology has changed at such a rapid pace that now it's more than possible - it's a great way to make life easier for yourself. There are times, certainly, when you will have to go to your local bank branch for something - I haven't worked out how to deposit cash into my bank account via my computer yet, although there's a CD drive that opens and shuts! Seriously, though, most transactions can be completed easily and quickly online, and you can't get anything more convenient than that. Sitting in the queue at the drive-through bank can be a thing of the past for most of us.

The first step is to talk to your bank about their online facilities. You will need to complete an application, but this usually doesn't require much effort. Now that you have access to your account 24 hours a day, consider the possibilities. For starters, why not get your pay deposited directly into your account? You can check online to make sure it's there. You also minimize the risk of something happening to your paycheck before you can bank it. It also eliminates waiting for your paycheck to clear, which is a hassle.

Have you ever taken money out at the ATM, assuming that a certain payment has already cleared your account, only to find out later that the payment bounced or your account is now overdrawn? That's easily solved with online banking. Login, check your account, and you'll know exactly what has gone through your account in the last few days. It's also much simpler to pay your bills online. No more mucking about with postage stamps or worrying that the snail mail might be a bit late delivering your payment. Online, you can enter the reference code for the company you need to pay, enter the amount, press enter and it's done!

I've been using online banking for many years now, and I just don't know how I'd survive without it. When I moved house once I was without a phone line for nearly 3 weeks, and had to keep visiting my sister so that I could access my online banking! It makes life so much simpler if you can have instant access to your account at any time you choose, and know exactly what's come in and out of your account. Visit your bank and sign up today - once you have, you'll wonder how you ever managed without online banking!

If you want to read more about managing your personal finances, click over to David's site at http://www.finance-for-everyone.info