Devising a Data Breach Game Plan
As you’ve likely read in the headlines, many companies have been victims of data breaches in recent years. For many of us, this situation can feel overwhelming. If businesses can’t protect themselves from cyberattacks, what chance does the average consumer have? Time to plan The bad news is that we likely can’t stop these data […]
Mastering Financial Aid Eligibility
For many families, financial aid programs help make higher education attainable. The first step in applying for aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It is used to determine the student’s eligibility for federal aid programs, such as grants, work-study options, and loans. Schools also use the FAFSA to assess […]
A Solution to the Password Problem
Whether you’re looking to make a New Year’s resolution or you’re simply trying to implement some information security best practices, you would be well served to start using a password manager. Why? Passwords: The weak link According to a survey by Digital Guardian, “password overload” is a real problem. Worse, despite known risks, at least […]
Planning Your Charitable Giving for 2019
A new year has begun. It’s time to evaluate what worked well for you financially in 2018 and whether you need to make any changes for 2019. As you do that, you’ll want to put together a plan for this year’s charitable giving. A good place to start the process is to consider the following […]
Year-End Financial Planning Checklist
As 2018 draws to a close, it’s time to begin organizing your finances for the new year. To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of key planning topics to consider. Savings and investments Revisit your retirement contributions. Review how much you’re contributing to your workplace retirement account. If you’re not taking full […]
Ways to Better Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
As we learned from the Equifax breach in 2017, we can fall victim to identity theft through no fault of our own. Although it isn’t feasible to master every identity theft scenario, it’s worth your time to learn more about the available identity theft tools and services and how to initiate a recovery plan if […]
5 Ways Criminals Use Social Engineering to Scam Us
A major risk to both businesses and individuals, social engineering involves the exploitation of our very nature. Specifically, criminals use social engineering techniques to elicit feelings of fear, uncertainty, pressure, and excitement in the hope that we will deviate from the ways we typically behave. Their goal is to gain access to our sensitive information […]
The Basics of Credit Scores and Credit Reports
As consumers, we know that having a good credit score is important. Whether you are applying for a loan or signing up for a credit card, your credit score plays a major role in determining if you will be approved. Your credit score can also have a significant impact on loan terms and borrowing costs. […]
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage?
Which debt is better to pay off first—your credit card or your mortgage? Here are some guidelines.
Is the Cloud Secure Enough for Me?
Learn what to look for when deciding on a cloud service provider.
Medicare Basics You Need to Know
When should you enroll in Medicare? What plan should you choose? Here are some guidelines.
The Family Conversation: Addressing Your Health Care Needs in Retirement
Use these questions to help guide your next family conversation to a more effective outcome.
What We Learned from the WannaCry Ransomware Attack
Follow these four tips to avoid falling victim to ransomware attacks like WannaCry.
Why You Need an Estate Plan for Your Digital Assets
Here’s how you can help ensure that others can access your online accounts after you pass away.
Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness: What You Should Know
Here’s a primer on the current requirements for the federal student loan forgiveness program.
5 Ways to Spot a Phishing E-Mail
Protect your sensitive information by learning some telltales signs of a scam.
What to Ask When Your Adult Child Moves Home
Get tips for setting expectations and keeping your own finances on track.
To Pay or Not to Pay: How to Survive a Ransomware Attack
Learn how to protect yourself against this cyber threat.