This is a test post. I am re-posting an old post. The old post was about whether it’s better to use a credit card or a debit card to make your everyday purchases. It is meant to test the formatting and things like that. Thanks for visiting!

In this day and age, cash seems to be going the way of the dinosaur.  People simply do not carry cash with them anymore.  As much as I personally tried to avoid joining this increasing majority, I’ve become one of them.  I always keep a few dollars in my wallet and always have an emergency $20 folded and tucked inside my wallet, but, other than that, I stick with me debit card.

This trend has lead to a much-debated question:  Should you use a credit card or a debit card?  I’ve chosen to use a debit card but many people swear by using a credit card for all purchases.  Below, I’ll outline a few of the benefits of choosing to use a credit card.

Avoid Fraud

Using a credit card helps reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.  When fraudulent charges are discovered, they are marked as disputed and you are only responsible for paying the undisputed charges.

Maintaining Records

The information contained in your credit card statement, both paper and online, provide you with the ability to easily keep track of your spending.  This benefit is also available with debit cards.

Rewards Programs

This is probably the biggest benefit of using credit cards.  Most credit cards offer a rewards program.  The most common examples include cash-back programs and reward points programs.  Many people choose to make all of their purchases on a credit card so that they can receive the rewards, then simple pay the bill at the end of the month.  The logic behind this is that you would be spending the same amount of money if you wrote a check or used a debit card.  By using a credit card, the reasoning goes, you get more for your money in the overall picture.  If you can use self-discipline to control your spending, then I see where this method would be beneficial.

If you’re anything like me, you spend a decent amount of your couch-time with a laptop sitting in your lap.  I fully admit that I’m one of those people who is no longer entertained by just sitting around watching TV.  However, this seating arrangement creates on rather large problem:  hot laptop + lap = burning lap.  My laptop gets uncomfortably warm while I’m using it so I’ve discovered the ultimate weapon to combat this little lap bonfire – laptop stands.  These lap-saving devices provide a lap desk for you to keep your computer on and keep it from getting too hot in your lap.  Below are some of the laptop stands that I’ve personally used and my recommendations.

Allsop 29591 Cool Channel Notebook Platform

This is my top choice and the one that I currently use.  It’s lightweight and doesn’t add too much bulk.  It’s small size also makes it easy to take with you while traveling.

Belkin F8N044-BRN CushTop Notebook Stand

This laptop stand it a little bigger and bulkier.  I only used it briefly because I found it to be a little too heavy.  Also, my laptop slid around a lot while on it.

iLap Laptop Stand

This one definitely gets the award for the coolest looking laptop stand.  The brushed metal and cushioned leg and arm rests makes it pretty comfortable.  The only problem I ran into was that my computer sat a little lower than the cushioned arm rest and caused me to have to reach down to type.  I have a MacBook so I think readers with PC computers that are thicker would not have this problem.