Data breaches are becoming more common. Because of this, we put together a quick Q&A to help answer your questions and provide you with instructions on what to do next. Q: What is a data breach? A: A data breach is when someone infiltrates a merchant’s network and steals customer information. This information includes name, address, social security number, …
You may not realize this, but you’re one of a small percentage of Americans who have discovered what The Wall Street Journal and other media are just beginning to realize: credit unions are the best way to bank! Credit unions received top marks in the American Customer Satisfaction Index, significantly outpacing other financial institutions. Several websites, such as BusinessInsider.com, have …
If you’d like to add a ton of convenience and peace of mind to your life, consider mobile banking. With a couple of taps, you can access a whole suite of financial information. Let’s look at four scenarios where mobile banking can save you some time and even some money: 1.) Say goodbye to security woes Despite all of the …
There’s no reason to be afraid of the “big” in big data. Big data refers to large data sets that have the potential to be mined for information. It can include information on everything from the point of sales tracking and inventory management to website analytics and social media engagement. Regardless of the size of your company, you can use …
It seems like there’s a new data leak or identity theft scams to be worried about every week. If you’re not informed, you risk becoming a victim. Sitting back and waiting for news about scams to come to you may not be enough. In an ever-changing security climate, you need to stay on top of new threats in personal information …
Scammers are everywhere in web-based commerce. You might think you’re safe using cash, but scammers wait in one location you can’t avoid: the ATM. ATM fraud is an old concern, but technological advances mean consumers need to be even more aware. Be cautious of the following: 1.) ATMs in weird locations Cash is convenient. While it’s tempting to use whatever …
If you really want to build your credit you may have to wait until after graduation, but there are a few ways you can control your credit score now. Pay your bills (and pay them on time), keep your debts low and keep your name off credit card applications. Your credit score is one of the most important and widely …
Some of the most important lessons you’ll learn in college won’t be taught in a classroom. Your ability to master the pressures of the adult world will determine, in large part, how well you live. To help prepare you for those life tests, you can start to put these simple habits into your daily routine. Your future self will thank you. …
As a credit union member, you have borrowing options. Two popular choices for emergency funding are personal loans and credit cards. Here are several pros and cons to each. 1.) Limits. Credit cards have credit limits in the thousands, enough to cover a small emergency. The value of credit cards is their convenience. There’s no need for a new loan …
Friends are the family we choose for ourselves. But some friendships can be a serious drain on your savings. If you recognize these kinds of people in your life, it’s hard to know what to do. Here are several examples of financially dangerous friends and how to handle them: 1.) Party every night It’s great to blow off steam with …
