If you’re looking at astronomical medical bills, you might think there’s no choice but to pay thousands of dollars for your treatment. But, there is hope. Here’s some advice on how to bring down the numbers on your medical bills. Plus, tips on how to cover the remaining costs in six easy steps. Step 1: Review your bills. Typically, you’ll …
Don’t Toss That Junk Mail – It Might Be Your First Stimulus Payment
*The information in this article pertains to the first stimulus payments issued in April 2020. Four million Americans are receiving their Stimulus Payment in the form of a prepaid debit card — and many are mistaking it for junk mail. A few weeks ago, the U.S. Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began sending out Economic Impact Payments …
Beware Unemployment Scams
Tens of millions of Americans have found themselves out of work as the economy reels from the impact of COVID-19. A record 22 million Americans have filed for unemployment insurance in the four weeks leading up to April 11. Unfortunately, when there’s bad news, the scammers aren’t far behind. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans have lost a …
Where Is My Stimulus Check?
Are you still waiting for your stimulus check? Many Americans who filed tax returns and used direct deposit for refunds already have theirs. Find out when yours is due! More than half of eligible Americans have already received their Economic Impact Payment, but tens of millions more are still waiting. We’ll let you in on when you can expect yours, …
How Should I Spend My Stimulus Check?
The stimulus checks promised in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act are starting to land in checking accounts and mailboxes around the country. The $1,200 granted to most middle-class adults is a welcome relief during these financially trying times. Many recipients may be wondering: What is the best way to use this money? To help you determine …
CARES Act: Retirement Plan Relief Provisions
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. This $2 trillion emergency relief package represents a bipartisan effort to assist both individuals and businesses in the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and accompanying economic crisis. The CARES Act provisions for retirement plan relief for individuals under federal tax law are discussed here. For …
Fraud Protection Tips Help Combat Surge in Consumer Fraud Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
A top priority for us at Directions Credit Union is the financial safety of our members. Unfortunately, we have recently seen an increase in fraud activity. Criminals are using the current coronavirus pandemic to make their fraud attempts more relevant in addition to preying on people’s concern and fear. To help concerned citizens avoid scams, members of the integrated Directions …
Do You Know These 8 Coronavirus Scams and Myths?
Crisis and disaster headlines typically generate misinformation and scammers try to take advantage of the situation. The novel coronavirus is no different. Scammers want to collect your personal or financial information or get you to download malware to do the same thing. Or they may be selling products they claim to cure or prevent the virus. They will use emails, …
Coronavirus Email and Donation Scams
With the current state of the Coronavirus, there are already scams trying to get donations and sending spam emails. Opening a spam email installs malware to get sensitive information off of your computer. Keep an eye out for email subjects like “How to protect yourself from COVID-19.” With people worrying about how to protect themselves, this is an easy way …
Beware The 2020 Census Scam!
We have answered all your questions about the 2020 census! Every 10 years, the Census Bureau makes an effort to count every person living in the U.S. Though the process won’t start until mid-March 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is already warning of scammers exploiting the process to con you out of your sensitive information. That’s why it’s important …