Home Improvement Scams and How to Protect Yourself

For the Home, Security and Scams

Scammers are always looking for new ways to deceive people to make a quick buck, and home improvements are a common target. As the weather warms and home improvement projects start taking center stage, contractor scams start blossoming like weeds. Here are some of the most common home improvement scams and tips to help you avoid them. The Door-to-Door Scam …

All You Need to Know About Multifactor Authentication

Security and Scams

Person logging into account using multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication (MFA) provides an extra layer of protection for your accounts and sensitive data. Here’s all you need to know about MFA, how it works and why it’s an important step in protecting your information. How multifactor authentication works Multifactor authentication utilizes two or more factors to allow the user to sign into an account. Generally, these consist of …

Identity Theft: What to Know and How to Protect Yourself

Security and Scams

While increased accessibility helps make so many activities quick and convenient, having so much of our personal information online leaves us vulnerable to cyber criminals who are eager to steal and benefit from our personal information. As the multitude of online services has expanded, so has the rate of fraudsters engaging in identity theft. Cyber thieves who access one’s personally …

Why a Credit Union is Safer Than a Bank in a Financial Crisis

Security and Scams

During times of financial uncertainty, it’s normal to be worried about the safety of your money. Naturally, you want to be absolutely sure your savings will be secure, even in times of financial crisis. Credit unions offer unique advantages that can provide greater security and peace of mind during financial downturns. Here’s why a credit union can be a better …

Beware Tax Filing Scams

Security and Scams

It’s tax time! Unfortunately, that means there are thousands of scammers looking to steal your information and your tax refund by posing as authentic tax preparers. Here’s all you need to know about these scams and how to keep safe. How the scam plays out In a tax filing scam, a victim will hire an alleged tax preparer to do …

6 Naughty Holiday Scams to Beware of This Season

Security and Scams

‘Tis the season to be jolly! Unfortunately, though, not everything about the holiday season is all happy and nice. Watch out for these six naughty holiday scams. Online shopping scams In this scam, a shopper visits a bogus site that appears to belong to a popular retailer and purchases an item that does not exist. The shopper will never receive …

Your Complete Year-End Financial Checklist

Personal Finances

There are lots of fun things happening around this time of year, but don’t forget to give yourself an annual financial checkup! As we prepare to usher in the new year, take a moment to go through this year-end financial checklist. Review your budget Is your monthly budget still working well for you? Are you stretching some spending categories or …

The Post-Holiday Budget Recovery Guide

Personal Finances

The holidays are in the rearview, but if you’ve gone over budget with your spending, it’s time to deal with the aftermath, which is coming head-on. Here’s how you can get your budget back on track for the new year. Review your holiday spending How much debt did this season’s spending set you back? Spend some time crunching the numbers …

My Home Skyrocketed in Value. Now What?

For the Home

Home values are skyrocketing, and you may want to cash in on the action. Read the tips listed here to learn about possible financial moves you can make, all thanks to your home’s increased equity. Sell The financial move that quickly comes to mind when homes experience an explosion in equity is to sell the house and pocket the profits. …

Am I a Shopaholic?

Personal Finances

A true shopaholic will feel an irresistible urge to shop and spend money, which will often have a negative impact on their financial stability and personal well-being. In today’s increasingly digital world, shopping is an activity that is accessible at any time and anywhere. Unfortunately, though, this can make shopping addictions more widespread. But how can you tell if you’re just …