A week-long vacation may not be an option this year, but you can still have fun in your hometown with a staycation! Make the most of your time off by doing something just for you, that brings a smile to your face. Treat yourself to a nice home-cooked dinner, maybe...
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With thousands of new scams every year, it’s hard to keep up with all of them while running a business. As fraudsters find new and inventive ways, fraud protection is becoming more important and necessary. By incorporating these five tips into your daily merchant...
read moreOne of the best financial habits we can practice is pinching pennies. Identifying opportunities to save doesn’t mean you have to go without – it simply means you’re strategic before making a purchase. There are numerous places to find discounts on anything you buy –...
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Mitigating risk in our lives and achieving the peace of mind needed for our day-to-day activities has become more difficult lately. The new risk of COVID-19 may have brought new focus to just how fragile we can be, but it is hardly the only risk we face. Some of the...
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The nation may be practicing social distancing, but scammers are not keeping their distance from the potential to take your money and obtain your personal information. It is important that you are aware of the possibility that fraud attempts may occur and also that...
read more“Home Sweet Home” for 20-somethings is often an apartment or a rent house. If purchasing your first home must wait, rest assured there are benefits to renting. Renting can save you money: because you can split the rent and utilities with a roommate; you don’t have to...
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Sophisticated scammers are determined, diligent, and are relentlessly coming up with new ways to gain people’s trust and confidence in order to steal their assets. In 2019, over 3.2 million fraud reports were submitted to the Federal Trade Commission, and many...
read moreSpring cleaning can be rejuvenating! And, the transformation of your closet or garage doesn’t have to cost you a penny. In fact, it COULD benefit your wallet. There’s a huge market for gently used items. Consignment shops and online market places are great for...
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In December of 2019, the Secure Act substantially changed the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) rules. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted, which significantly modified those provisions, as well as adding...
read moreYour monthly bank statements provide a range of information about your account. Whether you receive your statement by mail or as an e.Statement, it’s important to review your statement each month to confirm you and your bank are aligned on the transactions that took...
read moreVacation season will be here soon! Stretch your budget by choosing to drive vs fly; consider alternative housing options; and pack your own snacks and drinks. Find hidden and less expensive gems by asking the locals where they eat and enjoy entertainment – rather than...
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The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act was grafted onto a government spending agreement in December, and it took effect on January 1 of this year. The new legislation provides several enhancements and tax benefits for more retirement...
read moreWhether your garden is in your yard, patio, or on your windowsill – gardening can help you stay in touch with nature, reduce stress, save money and improve your health. Before you plant your seeds, take some time and watch the sun and learn which parts of your...
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Betraying someone’s trust is considered one of the most serious offenses that a person can commit. Though it is rare, there are true stories of family members or friends attempting to steal trust assets or abusing their position as trustee in real life. The more...
read moreValentine’s Day is a wonderful time to show your special someone just how much you care for them, but between flowers, chocolates, jewelry, and dinner out on the town, the costs for showing your love can add up fast. One way to curb the costs are to celebrate...
read moreDuring the winter months it’s important to keep track of your vehicle’s tire pressure and tread. Your tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per square inch with every 10 degree drop in the air’s temperature. Driving around with low tires can lead to higher...
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It may not be Y2K again, but it is a new decade and there is a media buzz about the date change from 2019 to 2020. A number of articles and newscasts have been giving consumers this advice: Write out the full year, 2020, with all four digits when you sign and date...
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There are hundreds of ways to consume media, from television and movies to podcasts and internet streaming videos – all of which are fighting for your attention. In the modern era of microtargeting, there are more and more avenues to consume media, and the questions...
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If you’re like billions of other people in the world using a smartphone daily, there is a good chance you have a vast amount of personal information accumulated on your mobile device from texting, social media, video calls and other personal activities. Like a...
read moreWhen you first join a gym, the trainer will often ask what your fitness goals are. It’s important to have these health and lifestyle goals in mind to help you track your progress and to provide you with a sense of reward as you go along. The same is true for...
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