It’s pretty hard to find a reputable dating site that doesn’t charge some sort of fee to its users. Of course, for most of these sites the fee is for “premium” membership, whatever that means. The question in my mind has always been “is it worth it?”

The answer to this question depends on a whole lot of other factors beyond just the cost itself (which is important, given the tough economy and the fact that most people don’t have nearly as much extra money sitting around as they did before). Before you take the plunge and type in your credit card information, think for a moment about a) what you’re really getting for the money, and b) whether or not you really need whatever it is you’re going to get.

For instance, does the extra fee give you extra access to more potential matches? Does it make your own profile stand out more on the website? Is it necessary in order for you to be able to contact members? Or is there some other real benefit to forking over more of your hard earned money?

If you’re going to pay, my advice is to start with the minimum subscription period that is offered. Also make sure you read the small print carefully (make a copy of the terms), and pay special attention to any auto-renewals clauses. You want to make sure your card is not going to be auto-billed once your subscription expires. This way, if your credit card does get auto billed when your membership ends, you’ll have legitimate grounds to dispute the transaction with your credit card company. If it’s in the terms and conditions, there’s not much you can do.

Of course the dating site will make it sound like a terrific deal, but you need to determine this for yourself. They’ll also push really hard to sign you up for long term fees by dangling a big discount in front of you. My advice is to avoid the long term fees whenever possible because you simply won’t know if you’re getting your money’s worth until you pay the money and start using the site; by the time you figure out if it’s money well spent or not it’s too late to get any back.

Here are some of the pros and cons of free vs. pay dating sites for you to consider.

The pros of free dating services

• You’ve nothing to lose – you can simply leave if you don’t like it.
• Your credit card won’t get hit with unsuspected automatic subscription renewals.
• There are now plenty of great free sites to choose from.

The cons

• Free dating sites tend be over populated with men, often with questionable motives for being there.
• Free sites often fall short on user support and customer care.
• Since there’s no payment record, it’s much easier for people to remain completely anonymous and untraceable.
• Many have distracting and annoying advertisements.

To fee or not to fee… that is the question. What’s the best answer for your budget and your needs?

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When you’re browsing through love profiles online, you might be blinded by the love. You might find that all of your potential love interests seem to be into you, so you’re willing to do anything – even catch and pass on a dangerous love bug.

A computer virus.

Just like other more intimate moments, you need to make sure you’re protecting yourself and others from viruses that plague the online dating world. Even if you’re certain your computer is clean, another person’s computer may not.

And not everyone is exactly what they seem to be.

First of all, never, ever click on any links in emails from others you don’t really know. These can be routes into your computer for phishing attacks and hackers. Yes, this means you even need to avoid those cute-sy e-cards that everyone is sending. They can be virus-toting time bombs.

It’s also a good idea to avoid giving out your personal information to anyone – especially password information. While this should be common sense, you need to realize that hackers know how vulnerable you might be as a struggling single.

But you need to make sure they don’t get what they want – your money and your data.

To further protect yourself, make sure your email address for your online dating account isn’t your ‘real’ email address. Sign up for a free account with Hotmail, for example, to keep your life and your dating separate. This will only hinder cyber attacks more.

You can be safe and clean from this modern love bug. And don’t say we didn’t warn you!

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The truth is that with people living longer and divorce numbers rising, more people are returning to the dating game than ever. And this new breed of baby boomer daters is finding that the rules have changed for them.

Dating for those that are back in ‘the game’ has become more complicated. Not only do you have to worry about online safety, but you also have to learn about how to use the online dating systems that are now the hottest place to meet someone new.

It’s a whole different scene.

But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun doing it. Daters that are just coming back to the problem of finding a new date need to keep these things in mind:

1. If you don’t meet a person in person, they might not be who they say they are.
2. You CAN meet a good person online, if you’re honest and open to talking with others
3. Get to know someone before you meet them in person
4. If you have anything that you do not like or do not want in a date, be sure to say so.

Though you might not have someone to set you up with the perfect man or woman, you can play your own matchmaker with online dating. Just be clear about what you want (and what you don’t want) to find the right person for you.

Sure, the rules have changed, and the playing field has become a little scarier, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun along the way.

Safety Divorce, Nerves, Online Safety, Rules