Going into a paperless era where passbooks, utility bills, etc. are progressing "Analog costs money"

In an era when paper passbooks and statements cost money ... (Image. Getty Images)

Nowadays, there are many opportunities to use smartphones and digital services in every situation. Harumi Maruyama, a consumer affairs adviser, says that after 2022, "the time will come when analog will cost money." By switching to digital products that do not cost anything, such as store maintenance costs, labor costs, and paper costs, great savings can be expected. [List] Earn more with "Digital Savings"!How to save money on smartphones, credit cards, etc.

Maruyama himself uses the electronic version of the newspaper instead of the paper. She can read from her smartphone, tablet or computer. In the case of the Asahi Shimbun, the monthly subscription fee for paper is 4400 yen, while the electronic version starts at 980 yen. The premium course, which allows you to use all the functions such as the paper viewer, costs 3800 yen, which is about 600 yen cheaper than paper.

"It's not that big, but it's much more convenient than paper because it doesn't generate garbage, it doesn't take time to clean up, and you can easily scrap the articles you need. You can read more than 700 magazines for 440 yen per month. Magazines are also great deals "(Mr. Maruyama, same below)

Not limited to newspapers and magazines, everything will be profitable by "paperless" in the future. If you use e-mail or LINE instead of postcards for New Year's cards and summer greetings, you will not be charged for postcards and stamps of 63 yen per sheet. Also, life insurance and banks will be cheaper if they are paperless.

"Compared to face-to-face life insurance, online insurance, which does not require labor costs, has a monthly premium of about 1000 to 2000 yen cheaper. Also, at Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation last year, new customers' paper passbooks While paying has been introduced, "Web passbook" on the web and apps is free. Mitsubishi UFJ Bank is expected to continue in April this year. "

You can also get points and discounts on utility bills and credit card details by making them paperless. Let's reset it so that it will be delivered by application or email so that you will not be charged a fee of nearly 100 yen for the statement issued on the monthly paper. If you are not accustomed to paperless, you may end up with a wasteful "paper fee" every time.

* Women's Seven March 10, 2022 issue