A Math Problem

Need help with the math here. Okay, paying the bills. I have a utility bill (natural gas) for $1.05. I paid two bills' worth last month. They think the $1.05 should be paid by the due date (which is the 23rd), or it will become $1.NINETY5. Nearly a whole nuther dollar.

Now - here's the dilemma; we write paper checks for this bill. I don't trust e-payment monthly withdrawals, and never have. So.

A stamp for the envelope is $.49. But what is the 'overhead' cost of sending this bill? How much did it cost to SEND ME THIS BILL? Or pay the person who organized the thing...or the paper supply or the ink from printers?

Which is a better deal? Send it with a stamp? Or let it go until next month.....what do you think will happen?



I want to talk about how this even is.....like, is a thing.

I don't WANT to put my information up in "the cloud"...... I'm averse to sharing any sensitive information at all on the internet.
My password catalog is as thick as a dictionary.

I worry that too many people are complacent in using online bill-paying....but I'm also concerned that it's being pushed to electronic rather than physical. That is just not secure.

I am currently watching The Borgias (streaming on Netflix) and they used passenger pigeons. I was actually thinking when I watched that scene that it would be an awesome thing to bring back.




anyway ---
I digress. What is your recommendation, ATS? Do I enroll in the online thing? Or send a check in a paper envelope they sent me -- a check in the amount of $1.05 --- and buy a 49-CENT STAMP to send it with, and then give it to the postal workers?

I don't want to have to go digital. I only recently acquiesced to getting a debit card. We're going through a transaction transition in my household, because we're not in any hurry to make everything "digital."

It's getting harder to use paper checks, or cash. It's getting EASIER to sign up for some 'bank card' that you can use whenever you want, and do whatever you like, regardless of how much it costs you to do that.


ugh.
thoughts?

$1.05 for natural gas?!?!

Can I move in with you??

Anyways, I'd go electronic, there's still a paper trail if need be.

originally posted by: slapjacks
$1.05 for natural gas?!?!

Can I move in with you??

Anyways, I'd go electronic, there's still a paper trail if need be.

lol

it's because I paid one bill twice....so I have a credit. Normal cost is about $50/month

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

Get online bill pay.
Cheaper for you that way.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

Are you sure they tack on a fee for waiting until next month to pay a $1.05 bill? My Nat Gas Co says to wait until the following month for any balances under $5.

Regardless, is there a local place you can pay in person or use a dropbox to pay at?

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs

I don't WANT to put my information up in "the cloud"...... I'm averse to sharing any sensitive information at all on the internet.

But you aren't going to stop it from happening either. Might as well let the system work for you too.

a reply to: slapjacks

Anyways, I'd go electronic, there's still a paper trail if need be.

But that's exactly the point.....

I perceive that they are trying to "obsolete" paper trails. Just like they didn't want to teach "cursive" to the kids.....or long math.

They give the kids a calculator....they teach them typing.....they are totally done with "written records."

In 1998, I went to work for a local florist. We used a pen and paper system. It wasn't complicated. It was very simple. Then the owner decided to install computers. He showed us "how to use it."

I said, "Where shall we put the hard copies?"

and he said, and I quote: "Oh, you won't need hard copies."



Now. Back in the late 1970s I got loads of experience with mainframes and dummy terminals and actual "floppy discs" and back-ups and green-lined tractor-feed computer paper. I knew. I KNEW that this guy had no clue what could happen.


But he waved me off like a fly.
*shrug*

I still keep a full library, also. Not big, but it could go in a school bus to impoverished kids.....every subject, fiction and nonfiction, technical and mechanical, well-rounded little library.....
because one day, a silver disc-shaped object will be utterly inaccessible.

Anyway, forgive me indulging my train of thought here, but going electronic is not as safe as some think. I should add that Mr Wigs is a Quality Assurance Top-Tier Security Specialist.....he has decades of experience in the financial sector

originally posted by: burdman30ott6
a reply to: BuzzyWigs

Are you sure they tack on a fee for waiting until next month to pay a $1.05 bill?

That is one of my questions. Do I risk that they reduce my credit?

My Nat Gas Co says to wait until the following month for any balances under $5.

Yes, and to be honest, this is certainly not a life or death issue. I'm just thinking about how the regular folks like us get ripped off.

Yesterday I had a THIRD conversation with some outfit that shipped me a trial size of their product in 'remuneration' for taking a Time Warner Cable survey. Yeah. You know --- "if you take this survey, you'll get a reward!"

So I did it. One of the "reward!" choices was some cosmetic cream for women. Yeah. So. I picked that.

Now - the Conspiracy Theorist in me sees this as click bait and fraudulent "enrollment" in some monthly delivery contract of some product that the person only just thought...."well, of these choices...meh...I'll try the cream."
But much to my expectation, I was then charged for a subscription. I called to cancel it and was offered a steep discount. I said no, and don't ship it. I won't pay for it.

ANyway there's more to it, but the macro-picture is what I want to focus on.
Which is more wasteful and expensive and safe and secure and trustworthy?

Regardless, is there a local place you can pay in person or use a dropbox to pay at?

Yes, but that's not the point.

Thanks for reading!!

well pay it no matter never good for your credit rating if you wait next bill

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

So, unless you have moved, you live in the same area I do. Next time you do your grocery shopping if you use a PriceChopper, you can usually pay our utility bill there. Kill two birds with one stone, save the price of the stamp. Problem solved and you can pay it on time.

Also, utility will have a bulk postage rate, so it's not like they're paying $.49 for every envelope they send.

a reply to: Bluntone22

Yes, it is cheaper. But I'm talking about two side effects: security of your information and control over your finances.

And there are bejillions of bejoomers now who are used to writing checks, using the USPS, going to the bank, using cash, and having a paper trail. We were BROUGHT UP TO DO THAT.

Keep receipts. Keep records. Keep your tax returns for AT LEAST seven years.....keep ALL of your important paperwork, and keep it SAFE. Because it is PROOF of what you are claiming.



I am concerned that our information will disappear...and I have EVERY REASON to be concerned.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

I call the power company up and type in numbers from my debit card. No human interaction needed. No checks and no stamps either!

I pay for a few months in advanced too. Maybe, three times a year?

They still send me a paper bill. The transaction is recorded there (debit to account on this date, payment on that date, remaining balance, etc). Anyway, these things are sent out en masse and they have a rate set with the USPO. So it is way cheaper for them than it is for you.

So, it is all up to you. What do feel like doing?

a reply to: ketsuko

holy god it isn't about what is the most penny-pinching remedy. it is about WHICH METHOD COSTS US MORE, and HOW MANY PEOPLE are being bilked because they don't "go electronic."

We already pay a $3 monthly "paper statement fee" for our bank accounts.

a reply to: TEOTWAWKIAIFF

I have a mixture of dealings right now. I use paper checks for fuel and food and incidentals, or cash. I only use the debit card under certain conditions. I pay my own bills using epay.

a reply to: BuzzyWigs

You were asking about how to not pay for the stamp, be late on your bill and still be able to pay like you are accustomed to and have a paper trail you can keep track of, I provided you an answer that is perfectly workable.

But I understand that your outrage at the utility company is far more important.

a reply to: ketsuko

You were asking about how to not pay for the stamp, be late on your bill and still be able to pay like you are accustomed to and have a paper trail you can keep track of, I provided you an answer that is perfectly workable.

oh ffs, ket. I have the stamp. I am not crying about being late. It is a "system experiment" with less than TWO DOLLARS at stake.

I am asking for members' impressions of what really matters......and what is preferable........


nm. It is clear that I am being "spun" by you experts into something I am not saying at all. gah.... taken too literally for productive CONSPIRACY THEORY conversation. Disgraceful.

WHICH COSTS US MORE IN HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL COST? WHICH GUARANTEES OUR INTEGRITY AND PRIVACY?
PAPER TRAILS? OR FULL DIGITAL?

Which is better?

omg omg omg

a reply to: ketsuko

I do not live in your "area." I live across the state line.

holy god. This is amazing.

Not one of you have addressed the actual cost/benefit analysis presented in the OP. It is a word problem. A Math Problem.

Did you guys never have "word problems" in math?

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs
a reply to: Bluntone22

Yes, it is cheaper. But I'm talking about two side effects: security of your information and control over your finances.

And there are bejillions of bejoomers now who are used to writing checks, using the USPS, going to the bank, using cash, and having a paper trail. We were BROUGHT UP TO DO THAT.

Keep receipts. Keep records. Keep your tax returns for AT LEAST seven years.....keep ALL of your important paperwork, and keep it SAFE. Because it is PROOF of what you are claiming.



I am concerned that our information will disappear...and I have EVERY REASON to be concerned.

The bank already has your information online even if you don't.
When these credit card companies get hacked, they get access without your input.
Not to mention you can keep a closer eye on your accounts.

Just a suggestion

originally posted by: Templeton

originally posted by: BuzzyWigs

I don't WANT to put my information up in "the cloud"...... I'm averse to sharing any sensitive information at all on the internet.

But you aren't going to stop it from happening either. Might as well let the system work for you too.

This is what I'm thinking....might as well?

Or - might for the worse?