When the student applies for a loan, he gets an e-mail from the bank with a link to the document on a new web page.

ECONOMIST: Electronic signatures

And for some individuals, a few days without second class mail - most of which is credit card offers, pre-approved loan applications and other unsolicited junk - may not be entirely a bad thing.

BBC: NEWS | Business | Q&A: Postal pay dispute

Recurring expenses--like interest on a bank loan, car payments or rent--are paid automatically, and Cindy receives notification by e-mail.

FORBES: Quicker, Better, Wiser