Managing your finances can be a time-consuming and often a daunting chore. From sorting through bills, to writing checks and licking stamps -- it's just one more thing on your already lengthy to-do list. Take advantage of Web-based financial resources and save yourself a few headaches and lots of time!

From regional giants like Fleet (www.fleetbank.com) to smaller community banks such as Norway Savings Bank (www.norwaysavingsbank.com), a growing list of banks and credit unions now offer easy-to-use, 24-hour online home banking. Password protected to ensure privacy, time-saving online banking features typically include the ability to:

• View balances, transactions, and detail for all your accounts
  
• Transfer money between your accounts
  
• Pay recurring bills automatically -- or as needed
  
• Perform stop payments on checks
  
• Monitor ATM usage and fees
  
  

Most online banking services are extremely cost-effective when you factor in the savings on postage alone. Depending on the level of service you have with your bank, minimum balances and other factors, your online banking may be completely fee-free. You can easily set up your payee list and then post a specific date to pay each bill. Once you have your list set up, you completely eliminate addressing envelopes, licking stamps, and frantic trips to the post office forever. A couple of keystrokes each month and presto -- your payment is on its way!

For added convenience, most credit cards like Citibank, MBNA, American Express, Discover Card and others allow you to check your card's balance, purchase activity and recent payments online. Some even offer the ability to pay your monthly bill online. With your bank's online bill paying ability, you could include your credit card company on your payee list and then check the card's website (such as www.mbnanetaccess.com or www.capitalone.com) to see when your bank payments clear (normally 3-5 days from the date your payment was sent electronically).

You can even save time doing your taxes because most banks let you download your account activity to Quicken or Microsoft Money.

As you can see, banking on the Web is a great way to gain better control over your finances, reduce stress, and say goodbye to late fees!