Personal Financial Insights
Be smart. Be in control. Financial tips to simplify life. Security tips to protect your money and personal information from online scams.
The Federal Trade Commission also provides helpful consumer advice covering topics such as credit and loans to identity theft and online security. Learn more at consumer.ftc.gov.
Have you started using a mobile wallet yet?
It’s a great way to digitally store your credit and debit card information on your mobile device, and it offers convenience and security when making in-store and in-app purchases.
What is phishing and smishing?
Phishing and Smishing are methods criminals use to trick you into giving them personal financial information. Phishing uses an email message to gather that information. Smishing uses an SMS text message to your phone.
Keep yourself safe from Medicare scams and fraud.
If you are on Medicare, you need to be aware that you might also be on the radar of scammers and fraudsters who try to steal your personal information or charge your plan for medical services and supplies that you don’t need or receive.
What is social engineering?
“Social Engineering” is any method of theft that manipulates your human nature in order to gain access to your online financial accounts.
Some stolen personal data is more sensitive than others.
A data breach or any other exposure of sensitive data can lead to the theft of your personal information, which can then be used to target financial accounts or to commit fraud in your name.
What happens when the Fed raises or lowers interest rates?
When the Federal Reserve raises or lowers rates, it usually will have an effect on consumers, raising or lowering interest rates on things ranging from credit cards to car loans to savings.
Tips for creating strong passwords.
Passwords help guard your online accounts, but they are only as strong as you make them.
Paying off Debt: Snowball vs Avalanche.
Sometimes, paying off debt can feel impossible, especially if you owe a lot. So, what can you do?
There are two common methods to help stay focused on clearing debt – the snowball and the avalanche.
Business Financial Insights
View our helpful financial and security tips for your business.
Privacy & Security
If you run a small business, you may rely on technology to expand your reach and stay competitive. The Federal Trade Commission also provides helpful information you need to protect your data, your networks, and your IT systems. Learn more about privacy & security
Another helpful site is the FDIC's Cybersecurity Awareness Basics.
Protect your data from being held hostage.
Are you guarding your digital information from being held hostage? Once hit, you face the threat of losing all of your files. Here are some tips to help protect your data.
Are You Protecting Your Email Accounts?
That's a question we should all ask ourselves because we email for so many things. Following these recommendations may help keep you and your email protected.
Retirement: Have you considered an IRA?
Putting money into an IRA helps you save for retirement and get tax breaks at the same time. While there are several types of Individual Retirement Accounts, you’ll most commonly hear about ‘Roth’ and ‘traditional’ IRAs. This article helps explain more about your options.
ID Theft For Business.
Protecting Personal Information: A guide for business. Most companies keep sensitive information in a file and if stolen can lead to fraud or identity theft. View these safeguards you can put in place.
Don't Fall for Tech Support Scams.
Your phone rings and the caller tells you that problems with your computer have been detected and you need to act immediately. What should you do?