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Protecting the Elderly from Financial Abuse

From the American Bankers Association

People over 50 years old control over 70 percent of the nation’s wealth. Because of that, fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of older Americans. Senior financial abuse is estimated to have cost victims at least $2.9 billion last year alone. However, there are simple steps that can help you or your loved one from falling prey.

Tips for Seniors:

• Shred receipts, bank statements, and unused credit card offers.

• Never pay a fee or taxes to collect sweepstakes “winnings.”

• Consult with a financial advisor or attorney before signing a document you don’t understand.

• Never rush into a financial decision. Ask for details in writing and get a second opinion.

•  Feel free to say “no.” After all, it’s your money.

• Order copies of your credit report once a year to ensure accuracy.

This is just a small sample of the tips we have to help seniors avoid financial abuse. To get the rest, click here. 

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Blog Business

Boost Your Energy At Work

From an original article by Rose Leadem, Entrepreneur

There’s a lot more to staying energized and engaged throughout your workday than constant trips to the coffee machine. Getting adequate sleep and starting your day right is also important. However, there are things you can do at work that can help you avoid the frequent onset of fatigue and drowsiness.

Here are just a few suggestions:

• Stay hydrated – Keep a large water bottle on your desk to remind yourself to take frequent sips. Dehydration is one of the top causes of fatigue.

• Cut the carbs – Put away the potato chips and grab a banana. Researchers have found that foods such as salmon, kale, avocado, nuts, and bananas are great energy boosters.

• Break a sweat – If you can fit a workout into your lunch break, it’s a surefire way to stay at peak performance until the end of the day.

• Power up with pumpkin – Pumpkin seeds are rich in protein and fiber. They also contain L-tryptophan, an energy-boosting amino acid.

For 16 more of our “energizing” tips, click here.

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Blog Business Fraud & Security

Be On Guard Online

From the American Bankers Association

The internet is more than just easy access to information; it can also leave you vulnerable to fraud, identity theft, and other scams. It’s a global issue impacting hundreds of millions of people worldwide every year. The following tips can help keep you and your family safe online.

The American Bankers Association recommends:

Keep your computers and mobile devices up-to-date – Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats. Turn on automatic updates to ensure you receive updates and fixes as they become available.

Set strong passwords – A strong password is at least eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Secure your internet connection – Your home wireless network should always be protected with a password. Also, when connecting to a public Wifi network, don’t send sensitive information over it.

We have more helpful tips for protecting yourself online. To read them, click here.