In today’s digital age, there are a lot of things you can do online to make your life easier. From ordering groceries to filing your taxes, there’s an online solution for just about everything. And when something goes wrong, there’s usually a way to fix it online, too. Here are eight things you didn’t know you could easily fix online.
Stop Spam Calls
Tired of getting unwanted calls from telemarketers and scammers? You can stop spam calls online. It’s quick, easy, and best of all, it’s simple to do. There are many websites that will let you block all spam calls to your phone number.
Get a Refund for an Item You Bought Online
If you buy something online and it arrives damaged or doesn’t match the description, you can usually get a refund by contacting the seller directly. Most sellers are happy to work with you to resolve the issue so that you’ll be a satisfied customer and be more likely to shop with them again in the future.
Fix Errors on Your Credit Report
If you spot an error on your credit report, you can file a dispute with the credit bureau online. Just go to annualcreditreport.com and click on “dispute information” next to the item in question. Then follow the instructions on how to file your dispute electronically.
Renew Your Driver’s License
In most states, you can renew your driver’s license online as long as it hasn’t expired and you don’t need to update any information (like a change of address). Just go to your state’s DMV website and look for the link to renew your license. You’ll need to enter some personal information and pay a fee, but once that’s done, you’ll be able to print out a temporary license that is valid until your new one arrives in the mail.
Request a Copy of Your Birth Certificate
If you need a copy of your birth certificate for identification purposes or for benefits applications, you can request one online from the vital records office in the state where you were born. Each state has its own process for ordering birth certificates, so be sure to visit the website of the vital records office in your state for specific instructions (you may need to create an account).
Change Your Name After Getting Married
Changing your name after getting married is easy enough to do yourself, but if you want everything to be handled in one fell swoop, there are companies that will do it for you (for a fee, of course). These companies will take care of filing all the necessary paperwork with the Social Security Administration, DMV, and other agencies on your behalf so that all of your documents reflect your new name—all you have to do is sit back and relax!
Get Copies of Old Tax Returns
If you need copies of old tax returns for any reason—say, applying for a mortgage—you can get them from the IRS either by filling out form 4506-T (mail) or by using their Get Transcript tool (online). There is no fee for either option; however, if you choose to get them by mail, it will take longer (six to eight weeks) for them to arrive than if you request them online (five to 10 days).
Settle Debts With Creditors
If you’re struggling to pay off debts owed to creditors, there are programs available that can help lower or even eliminate what you owe altogether—but only if you qualify. The two main options are debt settlement and debt management; both involve working with a company that will negotiate with creditors on your behalf in an effort to set up more manageable repayment terms. Be aware that these services come at a cost (usually a percentage of what is owed), so make sure to do your research before choosing one.
There are lots of things that can be easily fixed online—without even having to leave the comfort of your own home! So next time something goes wrong or stops working properly, check online first to see if there’s an easy fix before taking more drastic measures (like going out and buying a new one).
About the author:
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.