Recent Money Matters Blog Posts:
How to Securely Share Financial Information Online
Learn how to secure your financial information when sending it over email or the Internet. Get your money tasks done without risking your finances.
Risk Alert: Your Cell Phone and Two-factor Authentication (2FA)
Many cell phones today are used as part of a security measure called 2 factor authentication (2FA). A common example is accessing online banking or making an online purchase. One method to confirm your identity is to provide a code that is sent via text message to the mobile number that is on file. In theory this sounds good, but here’s where it can go wrong.
Caffeine + Cybersecurity = Secure Your Mental Health
When it comes to cybersecurity, people of all ages need to be educated on securing their online lives by learning best practices as well as how to deal with scammers. If we’re not careful about protecting ourselves digitally, our mental health will suffer through feelings of embarrassment, shame, and feeling violated and victimized.
Online Safety in the Data Breach Era
Cybercrime is expected to cost over $10 trillion in 2025. Last year, approximately 2.7 billion records were hacked in the National Public Data (NPD) breach, exposing data, including social security numbers. That breach included almost everyone in the U.S. and Canada. You may not be online, but your data is out there.
Organizing Tax Paperwork for Easy Tax Filing
Having the right paperwork at your fingertips for reporting on your annual tax return is one bright spot in an otherwise dismal task. Whether you outsource your tax filing or do it yourself, having a system for tracking, gathering and categorizing necessary documents (ideally throughout the year) will save you time and money. Also the ability to reliably find important documents when you need them is a game changer.
Finding Peace of Mind with a Digital Vault
Imagine the relief of knowing your family’s important information is organized, securely stored and accessible whenever it’s needed.
That’s the promise of digital vaults — platforms that provide safe, centralized hubs for keeping sensitive documents and information. Accessible from any device, digital vaults use advanced encryption and user-defined access controls to ensure users’ data stays protected while being available to those who need it.
When Building a Budget, Keep Your “Why” in Mind
Creating a budget is a fundamental step toward achieving financial stability and reaching your financial goals. However, the process can sometimes feel overwhelming or restrictive. The key to a successful budget is not just about numbers; it’s about understanding your “why” – the reason behind your financial goals. Here’s a guide to help you build a budget while keeping your “why” in mind.
Emergency Funds: An Important Part of Your Financial Strategy
When you think of your financial portfolio, your emergency fund probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. You’re more likely picturing your investments, retirement accounts, and that hot stock tip you’re hoping will pay off. But the truth is, your emergency fund represents more than just a rainy-day stash—it’s a critical part of your overall financial strategy.
Emergency funds can be broken down into three categories: quick, intermediate, and comprehensive.
Simple Holiday Budgeting Can Reduce Stress: A Guide for Busy Professionals
As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. Amid the festive atmosphere, gift-giving, holiday gatherings, and travel costs can quickly add up, often leaving us with an inflated credit card bill come January. For busy professionals, balancing a packed work schedule with holiday planning makes it all too easy to overspend. However, with a few straightforward tactics, you can plan your holiday budget effectively and enjoy the season without financial stress.
Check Safety in the Age of Identity Theft
It used to be that check writing was a way of life. It was the only way to pay bills or send money to a grandchild for their birthday. In 2022, FinCen, a unit of the U.S. Treasury Department reported a whopping 84% increase in check fraud reported by banks. This will dismay many of you but check writing has become the LEAST secure way to send money and pay bills due to mail fraud.