It's easy to make financial errors in this tech age.
For example, on a whim, I signed on to a tech service that didn't offer what they advertised. I quickly cancelled my membership after spending a few dollars. I've requested a refund, but I realize that I'll have to jump through many hoops to get that refund. Many tech companies, sadly, are designed to cheat the consumer. They make the business alluring; then they don't offer what they advertise; and when you cancel they make it almost impossible to get your money back.
A few months ago, I met with a similar situation. I got my money back from one company, but lost my funds at another one. I learned that Amazon partners with some companies that make it difficult to return merchandise or get a refund. Since then I almost never use Amazon anymore. I've switched to a few USA-based companies which provide much better service.
In the recent case, I signed onto a service that I can get nearby in person instead. I'll opt for in-person service more often than online services. There's more reliability in online services, although I have had some success with some online services.
So in the future, I need to pause and research before signing on quickly and spontaneously to online services. I also have to be aware of the online market that lures with big promises and often doesn't follow through with those promises and then makes it difficult to get your money back. Sadly the Trump administration has cut away at consumer protections so there's not much help, but I can try to get money back via my credit card too.
I also need to keep track of companies that do service the consumer well and do most of my business with those companies. Onward.
