b'Life with MSMMaannaaggiinnggMMoonneeyyttooPPaayyBBiillllssaannddEExxppeennsseesswwiitthhTTeecchhnnoollooggyyWWhhiilleeeelleeccttrroonniiccmmoonneeyymmaannaaggeemmeennttiissccoommmmoonn,,iittiissnnoottffoooollpprrooooffBy Joanne Fortunato Managing expenses, especially medicalon credit card transactions can be prohibitive. expenses, is daunting for many people. If youWhile electronic money management is have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, itcommon, and, in many cases, necessary, adds an extra layer of complexity and issues.it is not foolproof. Security precautions are If you are on SSI, SSDI, or other disabilityimportant and will be addressed.insurance, keeping track of your bills can beElectronic bankingdifficult. Many MS patients have loved ones orPhysically getting to a bank has its obstacles, a professional resource to help with managing,the most common being the hours of operation. but it is essential for you, the person livingIf you use a walking aid, such as a wheelchair with MS, to be involved as well. Financialor scooter, it can be difficult depending on the management is very personal and may oftenaccessibility of the bank and its location, be a source of anxiety. Using technology canassuming you have transportation. Except for help increase transparency, relieve anxiety,cash withdrawal, many banking needs can and give a sense of independence. Severalbe accomplished with a mobile smartphone common trusted apps and programs make itsuch as depositing checks, transferring money safe and easy to achieve this.between accounts, and paying bills. Almost Avoiding scams or paying extra fees forall banks have an app for your phone.unnecessary services is very important. It isTo deposit a check, choose that option in always recommended to consult a professionalthe bank app, endorse the back of the check money manager if possible. Money managementon the appropriate line, take a picture of the is a broad topic, and this article is not meantfront and back, and click Deposit. You will to address how to manage investments. It issee a pending deposit immediately after, and meant to provide options on how to pay billsit is usually cleared within two to three business to medical and other professionals.days, depending on your bank, to transfer This article will be divided into two areas.money within the same bank, it is very The rst one is banking electronically. Thestraightforward. You can also link banks to second one is distributing reimbursementsother outside banks to transfer between banking to professionals and your loved ones, if needed.institutions. All banks have a customer service Check writing is becoming almost obsolete.department that can help walk you through it.ItisnottaughttomanyyoungpeopleinYou can also have your bill payments school. Many small businesses are no longerautomatically withdrawn from a bank account accepting credit cards, as the fees they payor debit card, such as electric, phone, and msfocusmagazine.org 30'